Design and optimization of continuous time linear phase FIR filters

Digital signal processing in continuous-time features some interesting properties with respect to very low power consumption and improved signal quality compared to classical discrete time signal processing systems. Since the continuous time delay elements required for such systems can be adjusted with a very high resolution they offer an additional degree of freedom for the system design. In this contribution it will be shown how linear phase FIR filters can be designed and implemented in continuous time. Furthermore it will be shown how the additional degree of freedom can be taken into account during the design process of digital CT-filters. Thus compared to a classical sampled data filter of the same order, a considerably improved transfer characteristic can be obtained.