High-speed A/D converters produce RF spurs caused by quantization errors in the analog to digital conversion process. When viewed on a spectrum analyzer, these resemble the prongs of a comb jutting up from the noise floor. These spurs can significantly compromise sensitivity. By injecting noise outside the band of interest, a technique called dithering, the spurs can be virtually eliminated. Many satellite, wireless communications or surveillance systems have extremely weak signals entering the receiver. These highly sensitive systems are extremely prone to A/D quantization spurs and are the best candidates for dithering circuits. Historically, dithering circuits have been a luxury, most systems could not afford. Fortunately today there are small surface mount noise diodes designed for this application offered at much lower costs suitable for today's high volume commercial circuit-boards.
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Link to Dithering Noise Modules product data sheets |