Comparing digital and analog filtering performance The blanket statement “Digital filtering is faster than analog filtering” is assessed considering implementation details and application requirements.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Speed comparisons between digital and analog filters depend on the operating frequency, technology, and performance metrics. Analog filters operate continuously at the speed of the electronics, while digital filters process sampled data and are limited by ADC/DAC rates and computation throughput.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Analog filters require no sampling and no discrete-time computation.
  • Digital filters require ADC and DAC (for mixed-signal systems) and enough processing power per sample.
  • Metrics of “faster” vary: latency, bandwidth, settling time, or throughput.


Concept / Approach:
At very high RF or microwave frequencies, analog filters are typically the only practical option. Digital filters excel in flexibility, precision, and stability but can be constrained by conversion and processing limits. Therefore, the blanket claim of digital being faster is not generally valid.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify required bandwidth and dynamic range.Check feasibility of ADC/DAC at that bandwidth and latency.Estimate operations/sample for the digital filter; compare with available processing power.If digital constraints exceed capability, consider analog or hybrid approaches.


Verification / Alternative check:
Prototype both approaches or simulate to compare latency and throughput for the target specification.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Correct” and the other options impose arbitrary boundaries; performance is application-dependent.



Common Pitfalls:
Ignoring converter bottlenecks; underestimating computational load; overlooking quantization noise and latency introduced by digital processing.



Final Answer:
Incorrect

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