Fixed-Point Signal Processing

Abstract

This book is intended to fill the gap between the ideal digital signal processing (DSP) that is widely taught, and the limited precision implementation skills that are commonly required in fixed-point processors and field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). These skills are often neglected at the university level, particularly for undergraduates. We have attempted to create a resource both for a DSP elective course and for the practicing engineer with a need to understand fixed-point implementation. Although we assume a background in DSP, Chapter 2 contains a review of basic theory and Chapter 3 reviews random processes to support the noise model of quantization error. Chapter 4 details the binary arithmetic that underlies fixed-point processors and then introduces fractional format for binary numbers. Chapter 5 covers the noise model for quantization error and the effects of coefficient quantization in filters. Because of the numerical sensitivity of IIR filters, they are used extensively as an example system in both Chapters 5 and 6. Fortunately, the principles of dealing with limited precision can be applied to a wide variety of numerically sensitive systems, not just IIR filters. Chapter 6 discusses the problems of product roundoff error and various methods of scaling to avoid overflow. Chapter 7 discusses limit cycle effects and a few common methods for minimizing them. There are a number of simple exercises integrated into the text to allow you to test your understanding. Answers to the exercises are included in the footnotes.