Convention Paper
Testing Digital Audio Devices in the Digital Domain
AES Convention 86 · Paper 2800 · March 1989
Abstract
A measurement system is described which allows testing of digital audio devices in the digital domain, analog domain, or a combination of the two domains. By generating and analyzing the test signals digitally, the need for a reference standard A/D or D/A converter is eliminated. By combining the digital generation and analysis hardware with analog generation and analysis hardware, the system is capable of measuring A/D converters, D/A converters, or conversion sections of complete products. The entire system is controlled by a personal computer, allowing fast and thorough testing for engineering or production applications. The techniques employed and the hardware used to implement the system will be described. Measurements of commercial A/D and D/A converters will be used to illustrate the measurement techniques.
