What is Direct Digital Synthesis?

Definition: Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) refers to the digital signal electronics use to precisely generate and adjust the transmit signal in a metal detector. CASSEL Inspection metal detectors utilize DDS to generate very accurate transmit signals and fully digital techniques to balance and process receive signals used to detect metal.

Explanation: Although metal detection is fundamentally a process looking for changes in analog RF (Radio Frequency) signals present in a balanced system, many functions in CASSEL Inspection metal detectors are done digitally, such as generating the transmit signal at the desired frequency (using DDS) and balancing each receive signal continuously via signal subtraction. The resulting metal detection signals are also amplified under digital control, digitized by a precise ADC (analog to digital converter), and filtered for noise/analyzed digitally by a DSP (digital signal processor) to find metal buried in a product signal.

Benefits: Digital techniques are inherently more flexible and less susceptible to drift and noise. This approach yields better detection performance and fewer/no service adjustments over time. Older metal detector designs utilize analog-tuned circuits that must be periodically adjusted and balanced by expert service personnel with special tools, parts, and knowledge. Digital technology is much easier to set up and is not susceptible to factory noise/interference or drift, removing the need for long-term adjustments. Thus, long-term stability is easily achieved, maintaining high sensitivity while reducing the cost of ownership.

Learn more about CASSEL Inspection’s innovative metal detectors now, and let us know how we can help enhance your production line efficiency and accuracy.