Analog Circuits LAB Manual

Experiment No. 7

4 Bit R – 2R Op-Amp Digital to Analog Converter

Prof. Chaitanya K J, Dept. of ECE, JCER, Belagavi. Page 1

 Analog Circuits LAB Manual

Expt.No.7 Design and realization of R – 2R Digital to Analog Converter

Aim: To Design and realize R – 2R digital to analog converter

Apparatus required:

SI. No. Particulars Specification Quantity

1 Op-Amp IC - 741 1
2 Resistors 1KΩ 4
2.2KΩ 6
3 Regulated Power supply (0-12V),0.1A 1
,1 1
4 Digital voltmeter (0– 20V) 1

Theory: Digital systems are used in ever more applications, because of their increasingly
efficient, reliable, and economical operation with the development of the microprocessor,
data processing has become an integral part of various systems Data processing involves
transfer of data to and from the micro computer via input/output device’s. Since digital
systems such as micro computers use a binary system of ones and zeros, the data to be put
into the micro computer must be converted from analog to digital form. On the other hand, a
digital-to-analog converter is used when a binary output from a digital system must be
converted to some equivalent analog voltage or current.

The function of DAC is exactly opposite to that of an ADC. In the circuit, the op-amp is
connected in the inverting mode. The op-amp can also be connected in the non-inverting
mode.

The circuit diagram represents a 4-digit converter. Thus, the number of binary inputs is four.
We know that, a 4-bit converter will have 24 = 16 combinations of output. Thus, a
corresponding 16 outputs of analog will also be present for the binary inputs. The circuit is
basically works as a current to voltage converter.

For Eg. If b0 is closed it will be connected directly to the +5V.Thus, voltage across R =
5VCurrent through R = 5V/10kohm = 0.5mACurrent through feedback resistor, Rf = 0.5mA
Thus, output voltage = -(1kohm)*(0.5mA) = -0.5V. Thus, according to the position
(ON/OFF) of the switches (bo-b3), the corresponding “binary-weighted” currents will be

Prof. Chaitanya K J, Dept. of ECE, JCER, Belagavi. Page 2

 Analog Circuits LAB Manual

obtained in the input resistor. The current through Rf will be the sum of these currents. This
overall current is then converted to its proportional output voltage. Naturally, the output will
be maximum if the switches (b0-b3) are closed he output is a negative going staircase
waveform with 15 steps of -0.5V each.

In practice, due to the variations in the logic HIGH voltage levels, all the steps will not have
the same size. The value of the feedback resistor Rf changes the size of the steps. Thus, a
desired size for a step can be obtained by connecting the appropriate feedback resistor. The
only condition to look out for is that the maximum output voltage should not exceed the
saturation levels of the op-amp.

Circuit diagram:

R R R R 2R

2R 2R 2R 2R
2R VCC
B0 B1 B2 B3 (MSB)
(LSB)
2
7
- 6 Vo
VR
IC741
3
(0-20V)
+ 4
v
-VEE

Fig. 1 Four bit R – 2R DAC

Prof. Chaitanya K J, Dept. of ECE, JCER, Belagavi. Page 3

 Analog Circuits LAB Manual

Nature of graph:

Fig. 2 Waveform of R – 2R DAC

Observation:
Digital Inputs Analog equivalent output (Volts)
B3 B2 B1 B0 Theoretical Practical
0 0 0 0 0
0 0 0 1 -0.68
0 0 1 0 -1.3
0 0 1 1 -2.
0 1 0 0 -2.75
0 1 0 1 -3.4
0 1 1 0 -4.1
0 1 1 1 -4.8
1 0 0 0 -5.5
1 0 0 1 -6.1
1 0 1 0 -6.8
1 0 1 1 -7.5
1 1 0 0 -8.25
1 1 0 1 -8.9
1 1 1 0 -9.6
1 1 1 1 -10.3

Prof. Chaitanya K J, Dept. of ECE, JCER, Belagavi. Page 4

 Analog Circuits LAB Manual

Sample calculation:

Vo = - x5

For B0 = 1, B1 =0, B2 =1, B3 = 0

Vo = - X5

Vo = -3.4V

Procedure:

1) Connect the circuit as shown in Fig 1 with R = 1KΩ and 2R = 2.2KΩ.

2) Use single strand wire for B0 to B3 to set various combination as defined in
observation table.
3) Apply the biasing voltages of +12V to pin7 and pin4 of IC741 respectively.
4) Set Vref as 5 volts.
5) For each switching combination in the observation table compute and note the output
voltage Vout .
6) Plot the graph of output voltage obtained versus input combination applied.

Result:

The R – 2R ladder DAC is designed & implemented.

Prof. Chaitanya K J, Dept. of ECE, JCER, Belagavi. Page 5