Sturdy-MASH delta-sigma modulator with noise-shaped integrating quantizer and dual-DAC DWA

This paper combines the benefits of the Sturdy-MASH delta-sigma modulator with the benefits of the noise-shaped integrating quantizer. By using the noise-shaped integrating quantizer, the first stage quantization error is directly extracted in time-domain without the need for any extra hardware. This removes the loading on the first loop filter, and allows accurate inter-stage gain scaling. The second loop output is also provided in a time-modulated pulse which operates a DAC at the front-end of the modulator. With the use of dual-DAC data weighted averaging, the mismatch between the front-end DACs is greatly suppressed. Detailed Matlab simulation results are provided to prove the efficiency of the proposed structure.