7.3.2. R-2R Ladder DAC

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does R-2R refer to in an R-2R Ladder DAC?

   Hint

   Think about the resistor values needed in this configuration.

2. 2.

   What is the primary function of a DAC?

   Hint

   Consider what DAC stands for.

3. 3.

   What does the R-2R Ladder DAC use to create an analog output?

   • A binary tree structure
   • A ladder of resistors
   • A series of capacitors

   Hint

   Focus on the name and what it suggests about structure.

4. 4.

   True or False: The R-2R DAC is less scalable than binary-weighted DACs.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about the fabrication difficulty related to resistor quantity.

5. 5.

   Design an R-2R Ladder DAC for 8 bits of input to produce an output of 10V. Determine the values needed for resistors and the layout considerations required.

   Hint

   Calculate the ratio of Vout to Vref and deduce resistor values accordingly.

6. 6.

   Critique the efficacy of an R-2R Ladder DAC compared to a Current-Steering DAC in an audio playback application. Discuss performance metrics.

   Hint

   Consider the specific requirements of the application and how each DAC architecture meets them.