7. Digital-to-Analog Conversion (DAC)
Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) play a crucial role in bridging the gap between digital signals and the analog world. The chapter explores the fundamental principles of DAC operation, various architectures suited for different applications, and the key performance metrics used for evaluating DACs. Understanding these concepts aids in selecting the right DAC for specific tasks in modern electronic systems.
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What we have learnt
- DACs convert digital signals into continuous analog waveforms.
- Different DAC architectures are suitable for varying application needs.
- Key performance metrics include resolution, settling time, linearity, and noise performance.
Key Concepts
- -- Resolution (Nbit)
- Indicates the number of discrete output levels that a DAC can produce, impacting the quality of the analog output.
- -- Reference Voltage (Vref)
- Defines the maximum output range of the DAC, positively influencing the full-scale value.
- -- Settling Time
- The time required for the DAC's output to stabilize to its final value after a change in input code.
- -- Linearity (INL/DNL)
- Measures the accuracy of the DAC's output in relation to the ideal linear response, critical for quality performance.
- -- Glitch Impulse
- An undesired transient signal that can occur during the change of multiple bits in the DAC output, potentially impacting performance.
- -- Voltage Output DACs
- DACs that provide an analog voltage output, typically easier to use but more sensitive to loading conditions.
- -- Current Output DACs
- DACs that output a current signal, often preferred for high-speed applications due to better integration capabilities.
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