A self-calibrating sigma-delta converter (SCADC) functions in a
calibration mode and in an operational mode. In the calibration mode, a
test circuit of the SCADC generates test signals that are periodic
rectangular voltage waveforms. Each test signal has a dc component with a
precise voltage amplitude, as well as harmonic components. A low-pass
filter of a sigma-delta converter (SDC) within the SCADC filters out the
harmonic components. A digital calibration processing circuit within the
SCADC uses the precise voltage amplitudes to generate digital correction
factors that compensate for dc offset error, gain error and INL error of
the SDC. In the operational mode, the SDC receives an analog operational
signal and outputs an operational digital data stream. The digital
calibration processing circuit uses the correction factors to compensate
for dc offset error, gain error and INL error in the operational digital
data stream and outputs a corrected digital data stream.