ADC's Effective Number of Bits Determination by Combination of Histogram and Least Square Error Minimization Techniques

Abstract

A new approach, which uses histogram technique along with least square error minimization technique for determination of effective number of bits of an ADC is presented. Histogram technique is used for computation of ADC code bin and transfer characteristic in actual conditions. Least square error minimization technique is used to determine best fit transfer characteristic. Finally, effective number of bits is computed after estimation of different noises from actual and best fit transfer characteristics. Comparison of simulation results of this method with histogram technique, which is known for better determination of effective number of bits, is also reported. Performance of this method is observed to be better than histogram technique.

Indexing terms:

• Quantization
• Effective number of bits
• Nonlinearity
• Transfer characteristics
• Least square error minimization