A method for detecting saturation in a cascaded .DELTA..SIGMA. ADC can include receiving an output of the cascaded .DELTA..SIGMA. ADC, determining a magnitude of the output, and squaring the magnitude. The squared magnitude can be added to a feedback signal, wherein the sum represents a saturation signal. The saturation signal can be filtered and then amplified, wherein the amplified, filtered saturation signal is the feedback signal. The saturation signal can then be compared to a threshold to determine whether the cascaded .DELTA..SIGMA. ADC is in saturation.