D/A and A/D converters

Abstract

If a continuous signal is to be processed using digital methods, the analog variable at the input must be converted to the equivalent number. This is the purpose of an analog-to-digital converter (A/D converter, ADC). For the reconversion of the digital number to a proportional analog voltage or current, a digital-to-analog converter is used (D/A converter, DAC). The following sections deal with the most important principles of D/A and A/D conversion.