7.4. DAC Performance Metrics and Specifications

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does DAC resolution refer to?

   Hint

   Think of how many different things a DAC can express.

2. 2.

   Define settling time in a DAC.

   Hint

   Consider how long it takes for a shift in output to happen.

3. 3.

   What does higher resolution in a DAC imply?

   • Less accurate output
   • More discrete levels
   • Slower performance

   Hint

   Think about how many different outputs you get with more bits.

4. 4.

   True or False: Monotonicity ensures that the output can decrease as the input code increases.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens when you adjust the input code.

5. 5.

   Consider two DACs: DAC A has 10 bits of resolution, while DAC B has 12 bits. Calculate how many levels of output each DAC can produce and discuss the implications of this difference.

   Hint

   Compare how many outputs each DAC can produce using the formula for resolution.

6. 6.

   If a DAC has a settling time of 5 microseconds, determine how many times it can reliably change output values in one second, and assess the significance of this in a real-world application.

   Hint

   Use the formula to find how many changes can occur per second based on the settling time.