Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Effective Number of Bits for Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC)

Resource Overview

Testing ADC performance using MATLAB programs to calculate SNR and effective bits through signal processing algorithms

Detailed Documentation

This MATLAB program tests the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) and Effective Number of Bits (ENOB) of an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC). The implementation involves generating various input signals with different amplitudes and noise levels to simulate real-world operating conditions. Through spectral analysis using Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) algorithms, the program processes ADC output data to separate signal components from noise. Key MATLAB functions like fft(), hamming(), and periodogram() are employed for frequency domain analysis. The SNR calculation involves comparing the power of the fundamental signal component against the total noise power across all frequencies excluding harmonics. ENOB is then derived from the SNR results using the formula: ENOB = (SNR - 1.76) / 6.02. This testing methodology provides quantitative performance metrics that help evaluate ADC precision under different operating scenarios, offering valuable insights for ADC design optimization and performance validation.