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HomeElectronics8-bit PWM + 8-bit Dpot = 16-bit hybrid DAC

8-bit PWM + 8-bit Dpot = 16-bit hybrid DAC



8-bit PWM + 8-bit Dpot = 16-bit hybrid DAC

Pulse width modulation (PWM) is a terrific foundation for digital to analog conversion. Credit score goes to options like simplicity and (theoretically) excellent differential and integral linearity. Sadly, PWM’s want for ripple filtering tends to make it gradual, particularly if excessive decision (upward of 8 bits) is required. 

Wow the engineering world along with your distinctive design: Design Concepts Submission Information

Determine 1 presents a workaround for PWM’s lethargy through the use of it to implement solely probably the most vital 8 bits of a excessive decision (16-bit) DAC whereas a distinct expertise (digital potentiometer) supplies the low order 8. The 2 outputs are then passively summed in a easy 256:1 ratio resistor voltage divider. The payoff is 256 occasions quicker settling (than if PWM had been used for a full 16-bit depend), mixed with 16-bit decision, monotonicity, linearity (each INL and DNL) and microvolt zero stability. The circuit lives off just some mA drawn from a single 5-V rail whereas incorporating a reasonably good voltage reference. And it’s low cost.

Right here’s the way it works.

Determine 1 PWM most important byte (msbyte) combines with Dpot least vital byte (lsbyte) to supply 16-bit decision, monotonicity, and linearity.

Incoming 3 to 5v logic, 8-bit decision PWM is inverted and level-shifted by R5C7 and high-speed AC inverter U1 to turn into an correct 0 to 2.50v sq. wave due to the LM4040 voltage reference and the inherent properties of CMOS logic when used as precision analog switches. The waveform is un-inverted and buffered by the opposite 5 parts of U1 to turn into a low impedance (~5 Ω) top quality 0 to 100% responsibility cycle PWM output. U1’s wonderful transition symmetry (Tphl and TPlh propagation occasions differ by lower than 100 ps) helps promote accuracy and linearity whereas the constructive suggestions by way of R5 creates a latching motion that accommodates static 0% (0v) and 100% (2.5v) responsibility cycle states. 

Lively low-pass analog-ripple-subtraction filtering happens through the R1C1 + R2C2 community as described in “Cancel PWM DAC ripple with analog subtraction”. The 4.99 kΩ x 0.1 µF = 499 µs RC time-constant proven is acceptable for 16-bit (96 dB) ripple attenuation if we assume an 256/32 MHz = 8 µs PWM interval. The capacitances will after all want proportional adjustment for various PWM clock frequencies.

In the meantime 1k Dpot U2 supplies an SPI managed, 8-bit decision, 0 to 2.5v lsbyte contribution that’s summed with the U1’s PWM output in a 256:1 ratio by the R2R3 voltage divider. The R2:R3 ratio ought to be correct and secure to higher than 0.5%. R3 is a lot greater than the two.5k (max) variable impedance supplied by the pot that its contribution to nonlinearity stays lower than +/-½ lsb.

In the meantime wiper resistance results are so small as to be fully educational.

Stephen Woodward’s relationship with EDN’s DI column goes again fairly a great distance. Over 100 submissions have been accepted since his first contribution again in 1974.

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