Method and apparatus for coding pulse-amplitude modulated signals into pulse-code modulated signals in accordance with an approximated logarithmic characteristic curve

摘要

A process, and a device for carrying out the process, is provided for coding pulse-amplitude modulated signals into PCM signals in accordance with an approximated logarithmic characteristic curve. In the process, a partial coding characteristic curve which possesses a substantially reduced dynamic scope is first produced in a known manner. In accordance with the invention, a second pre-decision is carried out which subdivides the dynamic region of the partial coding characteristic curve into two sub-regions in such a manner that the coding of the lower and upper sub-regions is effected with the same number of weighting steps. This saves one weighting step with respect to prior processes.