Formula used
How to use this calculator
- Select the calculation mode matching your signal problem.
- Enter the signal range, resolution, and required settings.
- Choose rounding, coding, clipping, or companding options.
- Submit the form to view codes, errors, charts, and steps.
- Copy, print, or export the completed engineering report.
Example data
| Example | Main inputs | Expected output type |
|---|---|---|
| Uniform signal | x = 0.42, range −1 to 1, 8 bits | Step, code, reconstructed value, error |
| ADC conversion | Vin = 2.1 V, 0 to 5 V, 12 bits | Decimal, binary, hexadecimal, voltage error |
| PCM audio | 48 kHz, 24 bits, stereo, 60 seconds | Bit rate and storage requirement |
| Bit-depth design | Range −1 to 1, target step 0.001 | Required bits and achieved resolution |
Frequently asked questions
Quantization maps continuous or high-resolution values onto discrete reconstruction levels. It enables digital storage, processing, transmission, and numerical representation. More levels usually produce a closer approximation to inputs.
A mid-rise quantizer places zero on a decision boundary. A mid-tread quantizer can include zero as a reconstruction level. The preferred type depends on coding and signal behaviour.
Each additional bit doubles the available number of levels. Smaller steps usually reduce quantization error and increase dynamic range. Higher resolution also increases data rate and storage needs.
Signed error is calculated as original minus reconstructed value. It becomes negative when reconstruction is higher than the input. Absolute error removes direction and keeps only error magnitude.
Saturation clips voltages outside the ADC reference range. Values above full scale receive the highest available code. Values below range receive the lowest available digital code.
Companding allocates finer resolution to smaller signal amplitudes. It is common in speech and telecommunication coding systems. Select parameters that match the intended coding standard precisely.
An ideal full-scale sine wave uses approximately 6.02n plus 1.76 decibels. Real converters include distortion, thermal noise, and nonlinearity. Therefore measured SQNR is commonly lower than theoretical performance.
PCM stores every sample using the selected bit depth. Higher sample rates, channels, and durations multiply total storage. Compression can reduce size but changes the storage model.
The batch area accepts pasted CSV-style numeric sample data. It supports commas, spaces, semicolons, pipes, and line breaks. Exported results can be downloaded as a new CSV.