D/A and A/D Converters : Introduction , D/A and A/D Circuits,D/A and A/D Converter Performance Criteria , D/A Conversion Processes , D/A Converter ICs , A/D Conversion Processes , A/D Converter ICs , Grounding and Bypassing on D/A and A/D ICs and Selection Criteria for D/A and A/D Converter ICs
D/A and A/D Converters Introduction D igital-to-analog (D/A) conversion is the process of converting digital codes into a continuous range of analog signals. Analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion is the complementary process of converting a continuous range of analog signals into digital codes. Such conversion processes are necessary to interface real-world systems, which typically monitor continuously varying analog signals, with digital systems that process, store, interpret, and manipulate the analog values. D/A and A/D applications have evolved from predominately military-driven applications to consumer- oriented applications. Up to the mid-1980s, the military applications determined the design of many D/A and A/D devices. The military applications required very high performance coupled with hermetic packaging, radiation hardening, shock and vibration testing, and military specification and record keeping. Cost was of little concern, and “low power” applications required approxi...