3.2. Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What does an ADC convert?

   Hint

   Think about the types of signals.

2. 2.

   What is the significance of resolution in an ADC?

   Hint

   Consider what more bits mean.

3. 3.

   What does ADC stand for?

   • Analog-to-Digital Converter
   • Analog-to-Digital Circuit
   • Analog Converter Device

   Hint

   Think of what function the device performs.

4. 4.

   True or False: Higher resolution means an ADC can represent more discrete values.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider what happens when more bits are used.

5. 5.

   A temperature sensor has an output range of 0-5V and needs to interface with a 12-bit ADC. What is the smallest change in temperature it can measure if the ADC is calibrated such that 0V represents 0°C and 5V represents 100°C?

   Hint

   Use the relationship between voltage range and resolution to calculate the smallest measurable change.

6. 6.

   Given a constant input signal voltage of 2.5V, predict the digital output of a flash ADC with 8-bit resolution. What happens to the output if the input voltage changes to 3.0V?

   Hint

   Calculate the output by multiplying the input voltage proportionally against the maximum digital count.