Math Problem Statement

If our DAC was instead 12-bit, what would it's output resolution be in milli-Volts per bit? Round to the nearest 10th of a milli-Volt. Group of answer choices

0.5 mV / bit

0.8 mV / bit

1.5 mV / bit

13.0 mV / bit

Solution

To calculate the resolution of a Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), we use the following formula:

Resolution=Reference Voltage2n\text{Resolution} = \frac{\text{Reference Voltage}}{2^n}

Where:

  • The reference voltage is the maximum output voltage of the DAC.
  • nn is the number of bits (in this case, 12 bits).

Let's assume the reference voltage is 5V, which is a common value for DACs. Converting to millivolts (mV):

Reference Voltage=5000mV\text{Reference Voltage} = 5000 \, \text{mV}

Now, we calculate the output resolution:

Resolution=5000mV212=500040961.22mV/bit\text{Resolution} = \frac{5000 \, \text{mV}}{2^{12}} = \frac{5000}{4096} \approx 1.22 \, \text{mV/bit}

Rounding to the nearest tenth of a milli-Volt, the resolution is 1.2 mV/bit.

Since none of the options provided matches this exactly, it's possible the assumed reference voltage (5V) differs. However, this calculation provides the framework to adjust for different reference voltages.

Do you want details or have any questions about this? Here are 5 related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. How does increasing the reference voltage affect the DAC resolution?
  2. What impact does a higher bit DAC have on output resolution?
  3. How is the reference voltage typically determined in practical DAC applications?
  4. Why is DAC resolution important in analog signal processing?
  5. What role do noise and errors play in the real-world performance of DACs?

Tip: When calculating DAC resolution, always verify the reference voltage, as it directly impacts the precision of the output.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Digital-to-Analog Conversion
Binary Numbers
Voltage Resolution

Formulas

Resolution = Reference Voltage / 2^n

Theorems

Binary Resolution in DACs

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12