Data Converters
Data converters (ADCs and DACs) bridge the analog and digital worlds. They turn real-world signals into numbers a processor understands, and vice versa.
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ADCs (SAR, sigma-delta, pipeline) and DACs are the main types. Resolution (bits), sampling rate, interface (I2C, SPI) and reference voltage matter when choosing one. Sensor reading, audio, measurement and signal generation are the most common applications.
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Frequently asked questions
What does ADC resolution (bits) mean?+
Resolution shows how many steps the ADC divides the analog range into: a 12-bit ADC gives 4096 steps. More bits mean finer measurement but larger data size and higher cost.
Why does sampling rate matter?+
To capture a signal correctly, the sampling rate must be at least twice the signal's highest frequency (Nyquist rule). High sampling rates are essential for audio and fast signals.
When is an external ADC needed?+
When the microcontroller's built-in ADC offers insufficient resolution, speed or channels, or when low-noise precision measurement is required, an external ADC (e.g. sigma-delta) is preferred.