TECHNO MAIN SALTLAKE

R-2R DAC LADDER

• NAME: SAPTARSHI SARKAR

• DEPARTMENT: ELECTRONICS AND COMMUNICATION ENGINEERING (ECE-B)
• BATCH: SECOND YEAR (THIRD SEMESTER, 2024)
• SUBJECT CODE: EC 302
• ROLL NO: 13000323085
• REGISTRATION NUMBER: 231300110690(2023-24)
 CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION

II. ANALYZING R-2R DAC LADDER

III. R-2R DAC LADDER IN DIFFERENT MODES

IV. ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS

V. CONCLUSION AND FUTURE TRENDS

VI. REFERENCE
 INTRODUCTION
The R-2R ladder digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is a
fundamental building block in analog signal processing. It is
widely used in various applications, from audio systems to
industrial control. The R-2R DAC ladder is a simple yet
effective circuit topology that converts a digital input signal
into an analog output voltage. It consists of a network of
resistors arranged in a ladder-like structure, which allows for a
linear relationship between the digital input and the analog
output.
Throughout this presentation, we will dive into the inner
workings of the R-2R DAC ladder, examining how it functions
and the key factors that contribute to its widespread adoption.
We will also explore the various advantages it offers, such as
its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and excellent linearity. We
will discuss the limitations of the R-2R DAC, including its
sensitivity to resistor tolerances and the trade-offs between
resolution, speed, and power consumption. Understanding
these limitations will help us identify the most suitable
applications for this technology.
ANALYZING R-2R DAC LADDER
❑ ANALYZING USING THEVENINS THEOREM:

By methodical application of Thevenin Equivalent circuits

and Superposition, we can easily show how the R-2R circuit
works. Working through the circuit, simplifying it with
Thevenin equivalents, makes this process simple. Thevenin
says that if your circuit contains linear elements like voltage
sources, current sources and resistors, that you can cut your
circuit at any point and replace everything on one side of
the cut with a voltage source and a single series
resistor. The two 2R resistors to the left of the first cut line i
appear in parallel (when the digital bit b0 is grounded), and
can be replaced with a single resistor R. The series
combination of the two R resistors on the left which
combine to a single resistor of value 2R, which is in parallel
with the 2R resistor to b1.
Thus, the output impedance of the R-2R resistor network is
always equal to R, regardless of the size (number of bits) of
the network.
❑ CALCULATION OF ANALOG VOLTAGE OUTPUT:

We’ll calculate the contribution of two of the bits of our 4-bit R-2R DAC to show the process. We’ll assume
the bits b0 and b2 are logic high, and bits b1 and b3 are logic low (ground). We start by replacing the circuit to
the left of the left-most cut-line with its Thevenin equivalent.

Thus, the analog output voltage when bits b0 and b2 are equal to
logic one is simply given by Vb0/16 + Vb2/4.The contribution of each
bit to the output is a simple binary weighting function of each bit.
From the MSB to the LSB, the voltage contribution each bit is cut in
half. Thus, the general form of the equation to calculate the output
voltage is:
R-2R DAC LADDER IN DIFFERENT MODES
Voltage Mode
A voltage mode R–2R resistor ladder network is shown in Figure. Bit
an−1 (most significant bit, MSB) through bit a0 (least significant bit,
LSB) are driven from digital logic gates. Ideally, the bit inputs are
switched between V = 0 (logic 0) and V = Vref (logic 1). The R–2R
network causes these digital bits to be weighted in their contribution
to the output voltage Vout. Depending on which bits are set to 1 and
which to 0, the output voltage (Vout) will have a
corresponding stepped value between 0 and Vref minus the value of
the minimal step, corresponding to bit 0.
Current Mode
Since the output impedance is independent of digital code, the analog
output may equally-well be taken as a current into a virtual ground, a
configuration called current mode (or sometimes inverted mode).
Using current mode, the gain of the DAC may be adjusted with a
series resistor at the reference voltage terminal. The current for all
bits pass through an equivalent resistance of 2R to ground. The less
significant the bit, the more resistors its signal must pass through. At
each node each bit's current is divided by two.
ADVANTAGES AND LIMITATIONS
The R-2R ladder DAC offers several advantages over other DAC architectures:
 Simplicity: R-2R DACs are relatively simple to design and implement,
requiring only a few resistors and switches.
 Accuracy: They can achieve high accuracy and linearity, thanks to the
precise ratios between the R and 2R resistors.
 Cost-Effectiveness: They are generally less expensive to manufacture than
other types of DACs, due to their simplified design.
 Scalability: They can be easily scaled to support a wide range of
resolutions and output voltage ranges.
While R-2R DACs offer numerous benefits, they also have some limitations:
 Resistor Tolerance: The accuracy of the DAC depends on the precision of
the resistors. Any variations in resistor values can lead to errors in the
analog output.
 Switching Noise: The switching process of the ladder can generate noise,
which can affect the signal quality.
 Limited Bandwidth: R-2R DACs have a limited bandwidth, meaning they
are not suitable for high-frequency applications.
PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATIONS
R-2R DACs are ubiquitous in various applications, owing to
their versatility and cost-effectiveness:
 Audio Systems:R-2R DACs are commonly used in audio
systems for converting digital audio signals into analog
signals, which can then be amplified and played through
speakers.
 Industrial Control:In industrial control systems, R-2R
DACs are used to convert digital control signals into analog
signals that can control motors, valves, and other actuators.
 Instrumentation:R-2R DACs are also employed in
instrumentation for generating precise reference voltages
and for converting digital measurements into analog
signals.
 Medical Devices:R-2R DACs are used in medical devices
for generating signals for pacemakers, defibrillators, and
other medical instruments.
CONCLUSION AND FUTURE TRENDS
R-2R DACs have proven to be a reliable and
versatile solution for analog signal processing.
Their simplicity, accuracy, and cost-
effectiveness make them suitable for a wide
range of applications. As technology continues
to advance, we can expect further
improvements in R-2R DAC performance,
including higher resolutions, wider
bandwidths, and lower power consumption.
Future trends in R-2R DAC technology
include the development of more compact and
efficient ICs, the integration of R-2R DACs
with other analog and digital circuits, and the
exploration of new materials and fabrication
processes to further enhance performance and
reduce costs.
REFERENCE
❖ GeeksforGeeks (R-2R DAC Ladder
explanation with diagram)

❖ Electronics-Lab.com (Digital to Analog

converter R-2R)

❖ Tek.com (Tutorial: Digital to Analog

Conversion)

❖ Wikipedia.com (DAC ladders)