Fundamentals of Choosing and Using A/D and D/A Converters

It's one thing to understand the specifications and internal architectures of analog/digital (A/D) and digital/analog (D/A) converters, it's another to be able to navigate the maze of available converters and realize their full performance. In "Fundamentals of Choosing and Using A/D and D/A Converters", Planet Analog editor Bill Schweber takes a "pin-in, black-box" view of converters and explains the factors you need to consider when selecting an appropriate converter for your application.

The course looks at analog signal ranges, digital protocols and formats, serial versus parallel interfaces, internal and external references and clocks, drivers and buffers, isolation, and filters--and how their choices affect overall signal-chain performance. The course will focus on tradeoffs and optimizing overall performance so the selected converter meets its potential in your application.