Up-sampling and Natural Sample Value Computation for Digital Pulse Width Modulators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new combined approach of upsampling, digital interpolation, and natural sampling conversion for digital pulse width modulators, aiming to reduce harmonic distortion and improve audio system fidelity.

Contribution

It proposes a novel structure using poly-phase digital interpolation and differentiation, integrating linear and nonlinear stages for enhanced PWM performance.

Findings

Spectral simulation results show improved harmonic distortion.

The new approach outperforms previous algorithms.

Implementation simplifies high-fidelity audio amplification.

Abstract

Digital pulse width modulation has been considered for high-fidelity and high-efficiency audio amplifiers for several years. It has been shown that the distortion can be reduced and the implementation of the system can be simplified if the switching frequency is much higher than the Nyquist rate of the modulating waveform. Hence, the input digital source is normally upsampled to a higher frequency. It was also proved that converting uniform samples to natural samples will decrease the harmonic distortion. Thus, in this paper, we examine a new approach that combines upsampling, digital interpolation and natural sampling conversion. This approach uses poly-phase implementation of the digital interpolation filter and digital differentiators. We will show that the structure consists of an FIR-type linear stage and a nonlinear stage. Some spectral simulation results of a pulse width modulation system based on this approach will also be presented. Finally, we will discuss the improvement of the new approach over old algorithms.