Abstract:To accurately achieve the desired phase angle during digital-to-analog conversion, a commonly used approach is to increase the conversion resolution. This method relies on finer amplitude-axis discretization to better approximate the original waveform. However, it comes with several disadvantages, such as high cost, slow conversion speed, and considerable power consumption. To address these limitations, this paper further explores a novel method—time-axis segmentation. A definition of quantization error is introduced, which includes both phase angle quantization error (PQE) and amplitude quantization error (AQE). Four essential conditions for the quantization process are presented. The paper also analyzes how the quantization error inherently varies with the phase angle. Simulation and experimental results are provided to validate the theoretical conclusions. The results show that the quantization errors exhibit a periodic distribution, with the error period being 1/N of the signal cycle, where N denotes the number of samples per signal cycle. Within each error period, the quantization errors are symmetrically distributed. Moreover, a series of zero-points of the phase angle quantization error is derived, which are independent of both the conversion resolution and the signal amplitude. By adjusting N to align these zero-points with the desired phase angle, new application opportunities arise. This study is expected to contribute to the advancement of phase angle standards and impedance bridge technology, and promote the use of high-speed, low-power, and cost-effective digital-to-analog converters.