DAC Voltage Converter

Calculate digital to analog converter (DAC) output voltages, digital values, and analyze DAC characteristics for unipolar and bipolar configurations with various resolutions.

Digital to Analog Converter (DAC)

Digital Input
Digital Bits
XXX
DAC
N-bit
Type
Vref
X.XV
Analog Output
0.000V
Unipolar: Vout = (Digital × Vref) / 2n
Bipolar: Vout = ((Digital × 2 × Vref) / 2n) - Vref

Calculation Type

Digital to Voltage Conversion

V

About DAC Voltage Converters

Digital to Analog Converters (DACs) transform digital signals into analog voltages. They are essential components in digital systems that need to interface with analog circuits.

DAC Types:

  • Unipolar: Output range from 0V to +Vref
  • Bipolar: Output range from -Vref to +Vref

Key Parameters:

  • Resolution: Number of bits determines precision
  • Reference Voltage: Sets the full-scale output range
  • Step Size (LSB): Smallest voltage change possible
  • Linearity: How accurately the output follows the input

Applications:

  • Audio systems and music equipment
  • Control systems and automation
  • Signal generators and test equipment
  • Motor control and servo systems
  • Data acquisition systems

Resolution Impact:

  • 8-bit: 256 levels, 19.5mV steps (5V ref)
  • 12-bit: 4096 levels, 1.22mV steps (5V ref)
  • 16-bit: 65536 levels, 76.3µV steps (5V ref)
  • 24-bit: 16.7M levels, 298nV steps (5V ref)