ADC (Analog-to-digital converter) is a device that converts an analog signal into a digital signal. It samples the analog input at regular intervals and quantifies the amplitude of each sample into a digital value. This allows analog signals, such as sound, light, or voltage, to be processed and manipulated by digital systems.
DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is the reverse process. It takes a digital signal and converts it back into an analog signal. This is useful for generating analog waveforms, such as in audio playback or control of analog devices.
Some key characteristics and considerations for ADC and DAC converters include:
ADC:
- Resolution: The number of bits used to represent the digital output, which determines the level of detail in the conversion.
- Sampling rate: The frequency at which samples are taken, which affects the ability to accurately represent high-frequency signals.
- Accuracy: How closely the digital output represents the true analog input.
DAC:
- Resolution: Similar to ADC, determines the smoothness and accuracy of the generated analog signal.
- Update rate: The rate at which the digital input is converted to analog output.
- Linearity: The degree to which the output follows a linear relationship with the input.
These converters are essential components in many applications where the interface between the analog and digital worlds is required, such as in data acquisition systems, audio processing, and control systems.