This chapter provides a brief introduction to data converters and then takes a look at some converter techniques widely used in embedded systems. “Further Reading” includes resources for those who want to take a deeper dive into converter performance and internal circuit technology.
Within an electronic system, data converters create the needed bridges between digital control and nondigital peripheral devices. The conversion of analog information to digital data is fundamental to modern electronics (Figure 7-1). Modern embedded systems interface to peripheral devices using data converters. Digital signal processing and digital control systems require interfaces to the external world. Digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) provide this interface and are also used as part of drive and sense circuits.
Figure 7-1. Data converters in a system
DAC Performance Basics
As a black box, DACs can be divided into two groups:
Nyquist rate DACs update their output once per clock cycle.
Pulse density DACs require multiple clock cycles to achieve a stable output based upon the averaging of repetitive digital patterns. Pulse width modulation (PWM) and delta-sigma (ΔΣ) are the two methods used here.
Both Nyquist rate and pulse density DACs are commonly used in embedded systems. As of 2023, available DAC performance ...
Become an O’Reilly member and get unlimited access to this title plus top books and audiobooks from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers, thousands of courses curated by job role, 150+ live events each month, and much more.
O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.
Julian F.
Head of Cybersecurity
I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.
Addison B.
Field Engineer
I’ve been on the O’Reilly platform for more than eight years. I use a couple of learning platforms, but I'm on O'Reilly more than anybody else. When you're there, you start learning. I'm never disappointed.
Amir M.
Data Platform Tech Lead
I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.
O’Reilly covers everything we've got, with content to help us build a world-class technology community, upgrade the capabilities and competencies of our teams, and improve overall team performance as well as their engagement.
