An abbreviation for direct digital synthesis, a method used to create analog waveforms by generating a time-varying signal in digital form and performing a digital-to-analog conversion. A phase accumulator counts up at a rate set by a tuning word, feeding a lookup table that outputs the digital amplitude. It allows for rapid frequency switching and extreme precision in RF communication and signal generation.
The local oscillator uses a DDS chip so we can sweep the frequency across the entire band in microseconds.
Related terms
Digital-to-analog converter
A mixed-signal component that translates binary data into a continuous physical voltage or current.
Clock
A continuous square wave signal that synchronizes the timing of digital circuits.
Synthesizer
An instrument that generates precise, adjustable electronic signals for testing.