Linearity optimization using dithering in a 1st order thermal ΣΔ modulator

This work investigates the design of first-order thermal SigmaDelta modulators for calorimetric sensor applications. Considering the static resolution of the modulator, a set of equations is proposed for the calculation of system parameters. This work was achieved in the context of a convective accelerometer, and this particular sensor is used here as a case-study. We show that the modulator parameters can be optimized so that the sensor noise offers tuned dithering effect that provides deadbands elimination and good modulator linearity.