Summary

Rick Lyons presents two straightforward, practical methods to test multistage cascaded integrator-comb (CIC) decimation filters. Readers will learn simple test-signal and FFT-based procedures to reveal aliasing, passband droop, and overall attenuation so implementations can be validated quickly before deployment.

Key Takeaways

• Use two easy test methods—band-limited impulse/step inspection and swept-sine/FFT spectral analysis—to exercise multistage CIC decimators.
• Measure passband droop and stopband attenuation quantitatively with simple FFT-based metrics.
• Detect aliasing and improper stage interactions by inspecting decimated spectra and comparing against expected attenuation.
• Validate fixed-point and multistage implementations quickly with recommended test signals and straightforward measurement steps.

Who Should Read This

Practicing DSP engineers and designers implementing CIC decimators in communications, radar, or audio/speech systems who need quick, reliable validation techniques.

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