How To Calculate ADC

ADC Resolution Formula:

\[ Resolution = \frac{V_{fs}}{2^n} \]

Resolution (V/LSB):

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1. What is ADC Resolution?

ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter) resolution refers to the smallest voltage change that can be detected by the converter. It determines the precision of the digital representation of an analog signal and is typically expressed in volts per least significant bit (V/LSB).

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the ADC resolution formula:

\[ Resolution = \frac{V_{fs}}{2^n} \]

Where:

\( V_{fs} \) — Full scale voltage range (V)
\( n \) — Number of bits in the ADC
\( 2^n \) — Total number of discrete levels

Explanation: The resolution represents the voltage value of one least significant bit (LSB), which is the smallest detectable voltage change the ADC can measure.

3. Importance of ADC Resolution

Details: Higher resolution ADCs provide more precise measurements, reducing quantization error and improving signal fidelity. Resolution selection is critical in applications requiring accurate analog signal conversion.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the full scale voltage range in volts and the number of bits of the ADC. Both values must be positive (V_fs > 0, n ≥ 1).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the relationship between bits and resolution?
A: Each additional bit doubles the number of discrete levels, halving the resolution and doubling the precision.

Q2: What is a typical ADC resolution range?
A: Common ADC resolutions range from 8-bit (coarse) to 24-bit (high precision), with 12-bit and 16-bit being common in industrial applications.

Q3: How does resolution affect measurement accuracy?
A: Higher resolution reduces quantization error, providing more accurate digital representations of analog signals.

Q4: What is the difference between resolution and accuracy?
A: Resolution is the smallest detectable change, while accuracy refers to how close the measured value is to the true value. A high-resolution ADC can still be inaccurate due to other errors.

Q5: When should I use higher resolution ADCs?
A: Use higher resolution ADCs for applications requiring precise measurements, such as medical instruments, scientific equipment, and high-fidelity audio systems.