5 Operation of A/D–D/A converters

Some of the most important components in digital audio systems are the converters. Previous chapters have shown the need for high resolution to obtain a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio.

In video applications, an 8-bit conversion is more than sufficient. A 14-bit conversion (or an equivalent) seems a minimum for good audio performance and, for professional use, 16-bit conversion is required to leave a margin for further processing (e.g., filtering, mixing).

In the PCM-F1 and compact disc system, 16-bit converters are used, while the PCM Video 8 system uses a 10-bit converter.

A/D converters

Fundamentally, A/D converters operate in one of two general ways. They either convert the analog input signal to a frequency ...

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