ADC quantization, rounding and noise assumptions
For a uniform rounding quantizer with step Δ and no overload, the error magnitude is at most Δ/2.
Key knowledge
For a uniform rounding quantizer with step Δ and no overload, the error magnitude is at most Δ/2. If the error is adequately modeled as uniform on that interval, its variance is Δ²/12; this statistical approximation does not hold for every constant or periodic input.
Values and equations
q=x_Q−x; |q|≤Δ/2; Var(q)=Δ²/12 under the uniform-error model
- q,x_Q,x,Δ
- Quantization error, digitized/input value and code step; signal quantity unit
- Var(q)
- Error variance; squared signal unit
Conditions and scope
- Uniform rounding, specified usable input range and no clipping; Δ is the actual code spacing for the chosen converter convention.
- Uniform error alone does not establish temporal whiteness or independence from the signal. Dither and oversampling need their own models; digitization resolution is not full instrument uncertainty.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Biomedical Signal Processing: Chapter 1, analog-to-digital conversion: Pages 5–7, §1.3, equations 1.19–1.23: finite codes, rounding bound and conditional uniform-error variance.
2026-10-10 · Independent AI editorial review: Independent root AI editorial review of all29 authored Measurement claims/conditions, displayed equations and37 origin relations. The original26 claims were read against41 primary source sections; all5 requested corrections and the3 affected source bindings were subsequently rechecked. Three actual scalar-nonlinear/vector/dynamic applications were read, independently differentiated or integrated, and checked against the specific additional source material described below. This is reference-content review, not human specialist certification, instrument certification or experimental replication. Full-field sign-off waits for the combined final conceptual matrix. Receipt: measurement-independent-content-review.1.
Entry details
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