Counter-ramp (single-slope) ADC versus successive-approximation ADC: which statement is correct?

Introduction / Context:
ADC architectures differ in speed and operation. Counter-ramp ADCs count up from zero; SAR ADCs perform a binary search. This question checks high-level distinctions without getting lost in rare corner behaviors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Counter-ramp conversion time varies with input level and is generally slow.
• SAR conversion time is fixed at roughly n comparison steps for n-bit resolution.
• No universal bias of “always more” or “always less” applies as phrased.

Concept / Approach:
SAR ADCs are typically much faster than counter-ramp ADCs because a binary search converges in n steps regardless of input. Statements about “always more” or “always less” final codes are oversimplifications; quantization rounding depends on comparator behavior and design details.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Evaluate (A): false—counter-ramp is slower, not faster.Evaluate (B) and (C): incorrect generalizations about code bias.Therefore the correct choice is “none of the above.”

Verification / Alternative check:
Consult timing diagrams: SAR uses n trial comparisons; counter-ramp may need up to 2^n counts, clearly slower for moderate n.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
A: Reverses the known speed relationship.B, C: Express absolute biases that are not generally true across implementations.E: False; they are different in both speed and operation.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “bias” rules exist universally for all ADCs; in reality, rounding and comparator hysteresis are implementation specifics.

Final Answer:
None of the above