Continuous Versus Discrete-Time Sigma-Delta Analog to Digital Converters for Biomedical Applications: A Comparison

Authors

Haya H. Binsalim, Effat UniversityFollow
Batool Alaidroos, Effat UniversityFollow
Basma Shigdar, Effat UniversityFollow
Salma Badaam, Effat UniversityFollow
Aziza I. Hussein, Effat UniversityFollow

Abstract

Continuous-time (CT) and discrete-time (DT) sigma-delta (ΔΣ) converters are two commonly used techniques for analog-to-digital conversion. While both methods operate based on the principles of oversampling and noise shaping, they differ in their implementation and performance characteristics. CT ΔΣ converters use analog circuits to sample and process signals continuously, while DT ΔΣ utilizes digital circuits to sample and process signals at discrete intervals. This paper presents a comprehensive comparison between CT and DT ΔΣ converters, highlighting their advantages and limitations. The comparison is made in terms of design complexity, power consumption, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and other essential parameters in medical applications. The study shows that CTSD can be suitable for most biomedical applications because of its high signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, in this paper, simulations of two essential circuits (1-bit comparator and 1-bit subtractor) at the transistor level were done using LTSpice. This comparative study can help in guiding a more efficient and accurate ADC design for future implementations.

Recommended Citation

Binsalim, Haya H.; Alaidroos, Batool; Shigdar, Basma; Badaam, Salma; and Hussein, Aziza I. (2023) "Continuous Versus Discrete-Time Sigma-Delta Analog to Digital Converters for Biomedical Applications: A Comparison," Effat Undergraduate Research Journal: Vol. 4: Iss. 1, Article 1.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.aaru.edu.jo/eurj/vol4/iss1/1