Importance

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Abstract

An apparatus for and method of enhancing the accuracy of analog-digital-analog conversions achieves improved accuracy by generating a dither signal which is combined with an input analog signal before the analog input signal is converted to digital form. The combined input analog/dither signal is then converted to digital. The digital signal is then processed or delayed in accordance with the desired function to be performed by the circuit. After digital processing, the digital values are converted back into analog form and the dither signal subsequently removed from the output signal. In addition, an apparatus for and method of enhancing the accuracy of analog-digital-analog conversions that does not utilize an explicit dither signal, utilizes linear interpolation techniques to achieve the effect of a pseudo dither signal. Similarly, time multiplexing techniques are also used to achieve the same effect. The principles of the present invention are applicable in systems that generate analog signals using consecutive digital samples. The resultant output signals from such systems exhibit improved accuracy, lower distortion and higher resolution. The present invention can also be utilized to maintain the original output resolution while requiring fewer bits to represent the digital samples.

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First Claim