ADC & DAC
ADC & DAC
ADC & DAC
An Analog to Digital Converter (ADC) is an electronic device that converts an analog signal (a
continuous signal, such as voltage or current) into a digital signal (a series of binary numbers) that
can be processed by digital systems like microcontrollers or computers.
A comparator determines whether the input signal is higher or lower than the reference voltage.
Pros:
High resolution.
Cons:
Flash ADC
How It Works: Uses an array of comparators, each comparing the input signal to a
reference voltage.
Pros:
Dual-Slope ADC
How It Works:
Pros:
Cons:
How It Works:
o Uses a set of resistors with binary-weighted values (e.g., R,2R,4R,8R,…R, 2R,
4R, 8R, \ldotsR,2R,4R,8R,…) to create currents or voltages proportional to the
digital input.
o A summing amplifier combines these signals into a single output.
Pros:
o Simple design for low-bit resolutions.
o Fast operation.
Cons:
o Difficult to implement for high resolutions due to resistor accuracy and size.
o Susceptible to mismatches and noise.
Applications: Low-resolution, high-speed systems like audio applications.
How It Works:
o Utilizes resistors of only two values (RRR and 2R2R2R), arranged in a ladder
network.
o A summing amplifier combines outputs to generate the analog signal.
Pros:
o Easier to manufacture and scale than binary-weighted DACs.
o High accuracy for moderate resolutions.
Cons:
o Limited by resistor tolerance for high-resolution systems.
Applications: Audio systems, signal generation, and industrial control.
The ladder arrangement consists of two resistors, i.e., a base resistor R and a 2R resistor,
which is twice the value of the base resistor. This feature helps to maintain a precise output
analog signal without using a wide range of resistor values.
A pair of R and 2R is used for one input bit. The digital inputs are provided through binary
switches connected to Vref for input 1 and GND for input 0.
How It Works:
o Converts a high-resolution digital input into a pulse-density modulated signal.
o Filters this signal to produce a high-precision analog output.
Pros:
o Very high resolution and accuracy.
o Excellent noise shaping and rejection.
Cons:
o Slower speed.
o Complexity in design.
Applications: High-fidelity audio systems, measurement equipment.
How It Works:
o Generates currents proportional to the digital input.
o A current-steering matrix converts the digital values into analog currents that
are summed to produce the output.
Pros:
o Very fast, suitable for high-frequency applications.
Cons:
o Lower accuracy due to process variations.
Applications: RF communication, video systems.
How It Works:
o Combines features of binary-weighted and thermometer-coded DACs.
o High-order bits use thermometer coding for precision; lower-order bits use
binary coding for compactness.
Pros:
o Balances speed, resolution, and power consumption.
o Suitable for medium to high resolution.
Cons:
o Increased design complexity.
Applications: Mixed-signal systems, data acquisition.
How It Works:
o Uses one output level per digital input value, similar to a thermometer's scale.
o Linear and simple implementation for low resolutions.
Pros:
o High accuracy and monotonicity.
Cons:
o Requires many components, limiting scalability.
Applications: Low-resolution applications, calibration systems.
How It Works:
o Converts the digital input into a pulse width modulated signal.
o A low-pass filter smoothens the PWM signal to create an analog output.
Pros:
o Simple and inexpensive.
o No need for precision resistors or amplifiers.
Cons:
o Limited resolution and slower conversion speed.
Applications: Motor control, LED dimming, low-cost audio systems.
8. Integrated DAC
How It Works:
o DAC circuits integrated into microcontrollers, FPGAs, or dedicated ICs.
Pros:
o Compact and cost-effective for embedded systems.
Cons:
o Limited resolution and flexibility compared to standalone DACs.
Applications: Embedded systems, portable electronics.