Optimizable analog-to-digital converter for unipolar or bipolar pulse signals based on multi-bit sigma-delta modulation

A delta sigma modulator comprising:

• a summation circuit configured to produce a difference signal between a unipolar or bipolar analog input signal and an analog feedback signal;
• at least one integrator operatively coupled to the summation circuit to integrate the difference signal;
• a multi-bit quantizer operatively coupled to the at least one integrator to digitize the integrated signal to generate an N-bit digital output signal, N being an integer greater than 1;
• and
• a negative feedback circuit operatively coupling the multi-bit quantizer to the summation circuit, the negative feedback circuit including a digital-to-analog converter arrangement for receiving the N-bit digital output signal and providing the analog feedback signal such that digital values of the N-bit digital output signal and values of the analog feedback encoded by the digital values have a non-linear relationship to one another, wherein the non-linear relationship between the digital values of the N-bit digital output signal and the values of the analog feedback signal encoded by the digital values is tailored to characteristics of the analog input signal to thereby produce an accurate representation of the analog input signal.