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
Example

An audio codec has a 24-bit DAC.

Why it matters

DACs convert digital codes into voltages or currents, so they drive audio outputs, actuators and set-point signals.

Where this is used

  • Generating an analogue control voltage for a motor driver from firmware.
  • Producing an audio tone from a digital waveform.
  • Setting the reference voltage of a comparator under software control.

Frequently asked questions

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.

Learning path

Want to practise? Open the interactive course for quick checks, quizzes, simulations and progress tracking.