Approximations in sinewave generation and synthesis

Linear segment approximation to a sine wave is almost exclusively used in the modern function generator signal source. This paper offers an in-depth treatment of the question of breakpoint selection. Computer-aided analysis is used to obtain required data for design purposes according to two criteria of minimizing either the number of harmonics or the total harmonic distortion by appropriate positioning of breakpoints. The results obtained indicate that values for total harmonic distortion of less than 0.1% lead to undue amounts of hardware and this value represents a practical limit for this technique.