Question
Which of the following would allow a digital signal processing filter to create a sharper filter response?
Answer Options
- A) Higher data rate
- B) More taps
- C) Lower Q
- D) Double-precision math routines
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
The sharpness, or selectivity, of a digital filter (like an \text{FIR} filter) is directly related to its complexity, which is determined by the number of data points it uses to process the signal. This complexity is quantified by the order of the filter.
To create a sharper filter response (steeper skirts, better shape factor), the design would require more taps. In an \text{FIR} filter, increasing the number of taps increases the filter’s order and allows the filter to better resolve the frequency content of the signal. This provides a more precise and rapid transition from the passband to the stopband, improving selectivity against adjacent channel interference.
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