Publication Date

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Committee Members

Marian Kazimierczuk (Advisor)

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering (MSEgr)

Abstract

For the process of converting low-power digital signals into their high-power analog counterparts, the functions of digital-to-analog conversion (at low power) and analog power amplification are separately implemented. This thesis proposes a new “STAC-DAC” circuit topology which directly realizes high-power analog output from low-power digital input signals. The ability to achieve a “direct from digital” high-power analog output in a single high-efficient, low-distortion design has significant potential in audio reproduction, and flexible signal generation applications. In this thesis, the “STAC-DAC” is described and its implementation via MATLAB and LTSpice is discussed. The results of simulations are used to prove the concept of the design. The 16-bit design features a high-power output of 100 watts or more at an efficiency of 93%. The design is optimized to feature low total harmonic distortion (THD) of 0.055% for a 1 kHz signal at 100 watts into an 8 Ω load and low phase distortion of less than 10° for a 20 kHz signal and only 1° at 1 kHz. The “STAC-DAC” design is applicable to any design which requires a high-power analog output that is controlled by a logic level digital input. The results validated that the “STAC-DAC” can produce low-level THD figures over the audio frequency range. If very low THD figures are not necessary, high-power analog operation can be achieved into the hundreds of kilohertz while maintaining high efficiency. These results show that the power “STAC-DAC” is capable of simultaneously achieving the highly efficient circuitry associated with digital-to-analog converters with the low harmonic and phase distortion requirements associated with high fidelity analog audio amplifiers.

Page Count

137

Department or Program

Department of Electrical Engineering

Year Degree Awarded

2006

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