IntermediateTopic 50 of 104Electronics & Embedded
DAC
Digital-to-analog converters produce voltage from codes.
In depth
DACs create analogue voltages from digital words: R-2R ladder, weighted resistor, sigma-delta. Specs: resolution, settling time, monotonicity. A reconstruction filter removes images. Used in audio, waveform generators and control.
Key points
- Zero-order hold
- Glitch energy
- PWM plus filter as cheap DAC
ExampleAn audio codec has a 24-bit DAC.
DACs convert digital codes into voltages or currents, so they drive audio outputs, actuators and set-point signals.
What is DAC?
Digital-to-analog converters produce voltage from codes.
Why is it important to understand DAC?
DACs convert digital codes into voltages or currents, so they drive audio outputs, actuators and set-point signals.
How does a DAC generate an output?
It converts the digital code into a proportional analogue voltage or current, often through a resistor ladder or a current network.
Why do DACs need filtering?
The stepped output contains high-frequency images of the signal, which are removed with a low-pass filter.
How is DAC used in practice?
Typical applications include generating an analogue control voltage for a motor driver from firmware, producing an audio tone from a digital waveform and setting the reference voltage of a comparator under software control.
What should I learn before DAC?
Study "ADC" first (topic 49 of 104 in Electronics & Embedded). It covers the groundwork this topic builds on.
What are the key points of DAC?
Zero-order hold. Glitch energy. PWM plus filter as cheap DAC.
Can you give an example of DAC?
An audio codec has a 24-bit DAC.
What comes after DAC?
The next topic is "Sampling theorem", which builds directly on this one.
How difficult is DAC?
It is classed as Intermediate in Electronics & Embedded (topic 50 of 104). It is an intermediate topic. Work through the beginner topics in Electronics & Embedded first.