A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) transforms digital binary data into an analog signal using weighted contributions from each bit. In this FAQ, we discuss the two most commonly known ways of DAC conversion: weighted resistor DAC and R-2R ladder DAC. Before getting into the conversion types, let us understand the basic steps involved in a DAC […]
Data Converters
Understanding ADC specs and architectures: part 1
Analog-to-digital converters are the heart of most test equipment, setting the stage for the digital processing of analog signals. Several posts over the past year or so have involved digital signal processing. For example, we have covered the fast Fourier transform (FFT), the inverse FFT, and discrete convolution. To perform these operations on real-world signals, […]
The ups and downs of bad DACs
A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is more prone than an analog/digital converter to signal degradation. DACs are complex devices requiring precisely matched components. For this reason, with notable exceptions, DACs are implemented as mixed-signal ICs based on MOSFET technology. Discrete component DACs are found in radar systems and high-speed test equipment including digital sampling oscilloscopes. Digital […]
24-bit wideband ADC offers data rates up to 400 kSPS
Texas Instruments introduced the smallest 24-bit wideband analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that delivers industry-leading signal-measurement precision at wider bandwidths than competing ADCs. The ADS127L11, the newest product in TI’s portfolio of precision wideband ADCs, achieves ultra-precise data acquisition in a 50% smaller package, significantly optimizing power consumption, resolution, and measurement bandwidth for a wide range of […]
Sigma Delta ADC vs. SAR vs. Pipeline: How to Choose
Assuming that you are familiar with the fundamental specifications of an ADC and what they mean, the next step is to know your entire signal chain well and then work to fit the ADC to the requirements. After carefully determining signal chain requirements, then select your ADC with the understanding that if the ADC is […]
D/A converters excel at high-fidelity audio apps
ROHM has launched a new branding “MUS-IC” reflecting ROHM’s focus on solutions for high-fidelity audio products. This branding covers a range of D/A converter ICs (DAC ICs), optimized for high-fidelity reproduction, and power supply products. The increased adoption of high-resolution audio sources has lately strengthened the demand for audio equipment that can deliver an appropriate sound […]
What is a multiplying DAC?
Multiplying digital-to-analog converters (MDACs) produce a (current) output signal that’s a product of the given reference voltage and the code (i.e., a string of 0s and 1s) flowing through it. All data converters require a voltage reference (VREF) and a typical, standard DAC needs a very stable fixed reference voltage in order to operate properly. […]
A/D converter supports IF sampling of signals up to 9 Ghz for 4G/5G basestations
As part of a new series of high-speed analog-to-digital converters (A/D converters), Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) today introduced the AD9208. Engineered for gigahertz-bandwidth applications, this A/D converter meets the increased spectral efficiency demands of 4G/5G multi-band wireless communications base stations. It also meets the reduced run-time targets of multi-standard production instrumentation and provides greater detection […]
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Top analog threads on EDAboard.com – February
(editor’s note: Intrigued by the problem? Have a question or another solution? Then click the “Read more” link and follow the conversation on EDAboard.com or log in to EDAboard and participate in the analog IC forum threads.) Making gain positive and NF less than 7.0 dB – I have designed a mm-wave amplifier, as I intend to […]
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What is a CODEC?
In the embedded hardware world, the term CODEC stands for COder/DECoder and is basically an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) in one package. A codec, whether hardware or emulated in software, converts analog audio signals into digital signals for transmission or encodes them for storage in a digital format. Later, the decoder […]
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