5/20/2021 DAC Example Problem - Tutorialspoint

DAC Example Problem

In the previous chapter, we discussed the two types of DACs. This chapter discusses an example
problem based on R-2R ladder DAC.

Example
Let us find the value of analog output voltage of R-2R Ladder DAC for a binary input,
b2 b1 b0 b2b1b0 = 100.

Circuit Diagram and its Simplification

The circuit diagram of a 3-bit R-2R Ladder DAC when binary input, b2 b1 b0 b2b1b0 = 100 applied
to it is shown in the following figure −

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/linear_integrated_circuits_applications/linear_integrated_circuits_applications_dac_example_problem.htm 1/5
5/20/2021 DAC Example Problem - Tutorialspoint

In the above circuit, there exists series and parallel combinations of resistors to the left of point Awith
respect to ground. So, we can replace that entire resistor network with a single resistor having
resistance of 2RΩ 2RΩ.

The simplified circuit diagram is shown in the following figure −

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/linear_integrated_circuits_applications/linear_integrated_circuits_applications_dac_example_problem.htm 2/5
5/20/2021 DAC Example Problem - Tutorialspoint

We can replace the part of the network that is connected to the left of point B with respect to ground
by using a Thevenin’s equivalent circuit. The modified circuit diagram is shown in the following
figure −

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/linear_integrated_circuits_applications/linear_integrated_circuits_applications_dac_example_problem.htm 3/5
5/20/2021 DAC Example Problem - Tutorialspoint

In the above circuit, there exist a series combination of two resistors. Replace this combination with a
single resistor. The final circuit diagram after simplification is shown in the following figure −

Now, the above circuit diagram looks like an inverting amplifier. It is having an input voltage of
VR
− 2
−VR2 volts, input resistance of 2RΩ 2RΩ and feedback resistance of 2RΩ 2RΩ.

The output voltage of the circuit shown above will be −

2R VR
V0 = − (− )
2R 2

V0=−2R2R(−VR2)

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/linear_integrated_circuits_applications/linear_integrated_circuits_applications_dac_example_problem.htm 4/5
5/20/2021 DAC Example Problem - Tutorialspoint

VR
V0 =
2
V0=VR2

VR
Therefore, the output voltage of 3-bit R-2R Ladder DAC is 2
VR2 volts for a binary input,

b2 b1 b0 b2b1b0 = 100.

https://www.tutorialspoint.com/linear_integrated_circuits_applications/linear_integrated_circuits_applications_dac_example_problem.htm 5/5