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Bits and Resolution

The purpose of this page is to show the relationship between digital resolution, in bits; to analog accuracy, given in terms of Harmonic Distortion and Signal to Noise Ratio.

Summary of Results
Number of Bits

My Opinion

SNR/THD

Test Parameter

1 kHz Total Harmonic Distortion Signal to Noise Ratio
16 Excellent/Excellent 0.0028% 92 dB
15 Excellent/Excellent 0.0041% 88 dB
14 Excellent/Excellent 0.0068% 83 dB
13

Very Good/Very Good

0.013% 77 dB
12 Very Good/Very Good 0.024% 72 dB
11 Very Good/Good 0.05% 66 dB
10 Good/Good 0.1% -60 dB
9 Good/Good 0.2% -54 dB
8 Good/Poor 0.4% -48 dB
7 Poor/Poor 0.8% -42 dB
6 Poor/Very Poor 0.16% -36 dB
5 Poor/Very Poor 0.32% -30 dB  
4 Poor/Very Poor 0.64% -24 dB  
Software Used: Test data was reated with CoolEdit Pro 1.1 , truncated using a custom-written Visual Basic Program. Signal analysis by SpectraLab 3.32.14.

TeDis

Discussion Of Results

Suspected problems with the analytical program seem to be affecting results below 13 bits. For every bit added, THD should drop by a factor of 2, and SNR should improve by 6 dB. Correct results below 13 bits would show a little less distortion and noise. For 16 bits, the expected results were 96 dB SNR and 0.0015% THD.

 

Bits and Resolution - 16 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 16 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 15 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 15 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 14 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 14 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 13 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 13 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 12 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 12 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 11 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 11 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 10 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 10 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 9 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 9 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 10 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 8 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 7 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 7 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 6 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 6 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 5 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 5 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 4 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
Bits and Resolution - 4 bit 1 KHz Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
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This Page Last Revised 2/06/99 (abk)