Objectives: To investigate the operation of a Digital-to-Analog converter. To investigate the operation of an Analog-to-Digital converter.

Introduction: Most physical variables, such as temperature and pressure, are analog in nature. The following diagram shows the basic elements required to interface analog and digital systems.

Transducer: A device that converts a physical variable into an electrical variable. For example, a thermocouple is used to convert a temperature value into an electrical voltage. Analog-to-Digital (ADC) Converter: A device that converts an analog input into a corresponding digital output. Digital-to-Analog (DAC) Converter: A device that converts a digital input value into a corresponding analog output.

Procedure: 1. Load the following Digital-to-Analog converter (VDAC) circuit in MultiSIM or an equivalent circuit simulator. Note the value and polarity of the voltages connected to the reference inputs. $

2. Calculate the resolution or step size for the D/A circuit? Resolution = ___78.4mv/step_____

3. Calculate and record the expected output voltage for each input condition shown in the table below. Show the steps used to calculate at least 2 of the output voltage values in the space provided. Note: Input 0 is the LSB and 7 is the MSB Calculations:

Digital Inputs 7 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1

Calculated Analog Output Voltage -9.912 -9.608 -8.745 -7.568 -3.333 0.039 10

Measured Analog Output Voltage -9.91 -3

4. Simulate the DAC circuit. Measure and record the output voltage in the Measured column of the previous table. The oscilloscope is set to subtract 10 volts from the channel A signal for good display resolution. Note: The measured values may differ slightly due to the way the output voltage is calculated within MultiSIM or another circuit simulator.

5. What digital input value is needed to produce an output voltage of 5.68V? (5.68V is 15.68V above the negative reference. Show calculations)

6. Plot the output voltage of the DAC circuit for the digital values 0 - 8. DO NOT plot the data from the previous table. Calculate the analog output voltage and label each tick mark on the Analog Output Voltage axis. 7. If V+ reference was changed to +5 V and V- reference was changed to 5V, calculate the output voltage for the digital input value of 200?

8. Load the following circuit in MultiSIM or an equivalent circuit simulator. Set the function generator output for a triangular wave of 20 Hz with 8 volts amplitude.

10. Run the simulation in step 8 in MultiSIM using the battery input to the ADC. Use the Logic analyzer display to check the above table. Note: The measured values may differ slightly due to the way the output is calculated within MultiSIM or another circuit simulator.

11. Switch to the function generator input and run the simulation observing the oscilloscope display. Now change the signal frequency to 100 Hz and run again. Describe the difference between the DAC output waveform at 20 Hz and at 100 Hz.

Review Questions: Answer the following questions after the lab is completed. 1. The DAC used in the circuit in procedure 1 is replaced with a 10-bit DAC. Assuming that the reference voltage remains the same, what will the output voltage be for the binary input 0010000000?

2. A

system requires that a DAC produce an output of 1.955V when a digital input value of 200 is applied. If the VREF is 10V, how many bits or digital inputs will the DAC need to meet this requirement?

3. A 3-bit DAC is not functioning properly on a controller card. A technician connects the outputs of a 3-bit counter to the DAC to perform a staircase test. The result of the test is shown in the figure below. The reference voltage on the device is correct and is 7.0V. Based upon the results what is the probable cause of the failure?