DIGITAL TO ANALOG CONVERTER (DAC)

Digital to analog converter (DAC) converts digital signals into analog signals. Simply put a digital to analog converter is used to convert a binary input to a time varying variable. Typically the digital to analog converter is an integrated circuit (IC) device which converts n bit digital word to an equivalent voltage and current.

There are several types of digital to analog converters and they are; resistor ladder Digital to analog converter (DAC), current steering digital to analog converter, R-2R ladder digital to analog converter, Delta-sigma digital to analog converter, pulse width modulation digital to analog and segmented digital to analog converter.

Resistor ladder digital analog converter use a resistor ladder network to generate analog output. Their characteristics are; simple design, low power consumption, limited accu racy and resistor mismatch.

Current steering digital to analog converters use current steering switches to generate analog output. Their characteristics are high speed, high accuracy, complex design and high power consumption.

R-2R ladder digital to analog converter use an R-2R ladder network to generate analog output. Their characteristics are simple design, low power consumption, limited accuracy and resistor mismatch.

Delta-sigma digital to analog converter use a delta-sigma modulator to generate analog output. Their characteristics are high accuracy, high resolution, complex design and higher power consumption.

Pulse width modulation (PWM) digital to analog converter use pulse width modulation signals to generate analog output. Their characteristics are simple design, low power consumption, limited accuracy and noise susceptibility.

Segmented digital to analog converter use a combination of different digital to analog converter architectures to achieve high performance. Their characteristics are high accuracy, high speed, complex design and high power consumption.

The advantages of digital to analog converters are; digital to analog converters can provide high accuracy and resolution depending on the number of bits used to represent the digital signal. Modern digital to analog converter can convert digital signals to analog signals at very high speeds making them suitable for real time applications. Many digital to analog converters are designed to consume low power making them suitable for battery operated devices.

The disadvantages of digital to analog converters are; digital to analog converters can only convert digital signals into analog signals within a certain dynamic range which can limit their ability to capture very large or very small signals. Digital to analog converters can introduce noise and distortion into the analog signal, which can affect the accuracy of the conversion. Digital to analog converters can be complex devices requiring careful design and calibrations to ensure accurate conversions.

The applications of digital to analog converter (DAC) are as follows; Analog to digital converter (ADC) are used in audio and video systems to convert analog signal to digital signals that can be processed and stored. Digital to analog converter (DAC) are used in medical devices such as ECG and EEG machines to convert analog signals to digital signals that can be analyzed and displayed. Digital to analog converter (DAC) are used in industrial control systems to convert analog signals from sensors into digital signals that can be processed and used to control machines. Digital to analog converter (DAC) are used for automotive systems such as antilock braking systems (ABS) and traction control systems (TCS) to convert analog signals from sensors into digital signals that can be processed and used to control the vehicle.

The future of digital to analog converter (DAC) are expected to be as follows; future of digital to analog converter (DAC)  are expected to have a higher resolution, enabling them to capture and convert signals with greater accuracy. Future digital to analog converter (DAC) are expected to have faster conversion times or rates enabling them to support real-time applications with even higher speeds. Future Digital to analog converters (DAC) are expected to consume even lower power, making them suitable for battery powered devices with even longer battery life. Future digital to analog converter (DAC) are expected to be integrated with other components such as microcontroller and sensors to enable even more compact and efficient systems.

 

SOURCES:

• ADC and DAC: A practical guide by Boni Alessandro.
• Integrated analog to digital and digital to analog converters by Rudy Van de Plassche.
• The art of electronics by Paul Horowitz and Winfield Hill.
• High performance AD and DA converters, IC design in scaled technologies by Pieter Harpe, Adrea Baschirotto and Kofi A.A Makinwa.
• Understanding Delta-sigma data converters by Richard Schreier and Gabor C. Temes.