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Intermediate Topic 19 of 50 Mobile, Embedded & IoT

ADC and DAC

Converters between analog and digital domains.

How it works

An analog-to-digital converter measures an analog voltage and outputs a binary number; a digital-to-analog converter does the reverse. Key specifications are resolution in bits, such as 10 or 12 bits giving 1024 or 4096 levels, sampling rate, reference voltage, input range and accuracy. Common ADC types are successive approximation, sigma-delta for high resolution and flash for speed. DACs use resistor networks or PWM with filtering. The Nyquist criterion requires sampling at more than twice the highest signal frequency, with an anti-aliasing filter.

Where it is used

Reading sensors and potentiometers, digitizing audio, generating waveforms and control voltages, and instrumentation use ADCs and DACs built into microcontrollers or as separate chips.

Common pitfall

Noise, an unstable reference and source impedance that is too high degrade readings. Aliasing occurs without filtering. Resolution is not the same as accuracy. Floating or unused channels give random values. Averaging multiple samples, oversampling, proper layout and decoupling improve results. Convert raw counts to units carefully using the reference voltage and calibrate against known inputs.

Where it fits in the course

ADC and DAC is topic 19 of 50 in Mobile, Embedded & IoT, rated Intermediate. It follows Analog vs Digital Signals. The next topic is PWM.

Practice and explore

How to study this topic

  1. Read the explanation above and restate the definition in your own words.
  2. Open the interactive lesson and answer its mini quiz.
  3. Read the common pitfall, then write a short example that avoids it.
  4. Check your understanding in the Mobile, Embedded & IoT quiz, and revisit the topic if you miss a question.

Frequently asked questions

What is ADC and DAC?
Converters between analog and digital domains. It belongs to Mobile, Embedded & IoT and is an intermediate-level topic.
Where do people use ADC and DAC?
Reading sensors and potentiometers, digitizing audio, generating waveforms and control voltages, and instrumentation use ADCs and DACs built into microcontrollers or as separate chips.
What is the most common mistake with ADC and DAC?
Noise, an unstable reference and source impedance that is too high degrade readings.
What should I learn before this topic?
Start with Analog vs Digital Signals, the topic just before it in Mobile, Embedded & IoT.
How can I practice it?
Answer the mini quiz in the interactive lesson, then take the Mobile, Embedded & IoT quiz.
Is ADC and DAC hard to learn?
It is an Intermediate topic. Be comfortable with the Beginner topics in this area first, then read the common pitfall carefully, since it is where most mistakes happen.
How long does it take to learn ADC and DAC?
Most learners can read the explanation and finish the interactive lesson in under an hour. Fluency comes from applying the idea, so plan a few short practice sessions with the quiz.
Which topics are related to ADC and DAC?
Analog vs Digital Signals, PWM, Sensors and Actuators are closely connected. The full list is in the related topics section of this page.
What should I study after ADC and DAC?
Continue with PWM, the next topic in Mobile, Embedded & IoT.

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