Topic:-

ADC Characteristics & Successive

Approximation ADC

BY GROUP:- 5
Analog-to-Digital Converter
What is an ADC?
An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is an electronic device that converts an
analog signal (a continuous, varying signal) into a digital signal (a discrete,
numerical representation). This process is essential in modern technology, as
most digital devices, from computers to smartphones, rely on digital signals.
How does an ADC work?
1. Sampling: The ADC takes samples of the analog signal at regular intervals.
The frequency at which these samples are taken is called the sampling
rate.
2. Quantization: Each sample is assigned a numerical value representing its
amplitude. This process is called quantization. The number of possible
values determines the quantization level or resolution of the ADC.
3. Coding: The numerical values are converted into a digital code, such as
binary.
 ADC Characteristics

• Resolution: The number of bits used to represent each

sample. Higher-resolution ADCs can capture more subtle
variations in the analog signal.
• Sampling Rate: The frequency at which samples are taken. A
higher sampling rate is required to accurately capture signals
with higher frequencies.
• Conversion Time: The time it takes for an ADC to convert a
single sample. Faster conversion times are desirable for high-
speed applications.
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): A measure of the ADC's ability
to accurately represent the analog signal without introducing
noise.
• Dynamic Range: The ratio between the largest and smallest
signals that the ADC can accurately represent.
• Aperture Uncertainty: The variation in the sampling instant
due to factors like clock jitter and internal delays.
Successive Approximation
ADC
What is a Successive Approximation ADC?
The Successive Approximation ADC is the ADC of choice for
low-cost medium to high-resolution applications, the resolution
for SAR ADCs ranges from 8 - 18 bits, with sample speeds up to
5 mega-samples per second (MSPs). Also, it can be constructed in
a small form factor with low power consumption, which is why this
type of ADC is used for portable battery-powered instruments.
As the name implies, this ADC applies a binary search algorithm to
convert the values, which is why the internal circuitry may be
running at several MHZ but the actual sample rate is much less
due to the Successive Approximation algorithm. We discuss
more about it later in this article.
Working of Successive Approximation ADC
The cover image shows the basic successive approximation
ADC circuit. But to understand the working principle a little
better, we are going to use a 4-bit version of it. The image below
shows exactly that.
As you can see, this ADC consists of a comparator, a digital-to-
analog converter, and a successive approximation register along
with the control circuit. Now, whenever a new conversation starts,
the sample and hold circuit samples the input signal. And that
signal is compared with the specific output signal of the DAC.
Now let's say, the sampled input signal is 5.8V. The reference of the ADC is 10V.
When the conversion starts, the successive approximation register sets the most
significant bit to 1 and all other bits to zero. This means the value becomes 1, 0, 0,
0, which means, for a 10V reference voltage, the DAC will produce a value of 5V
which is half of the reference voltage. Now this voltage will be compared to the
input voltage and based on the comparator output, the output of the successive
approximation register will be changed. The image below will clarify it more.
Further, you can look at a generic reference table for more details on DAC.
Previously we have made many projects on ADCs and DACs, you can check those
out for more information.
This means if Vin is greater than the output of the DAC, the most significant bit will
stay as it is, and the next bit will be set for a new comparison. Otherwise, if the
input voltage is less than the DAC value, the most significant bit will be set to zero,
and the next bit will be set to 1 for a new comparison. Now if you see the below
This is how the successive approximation ADC changes 1 bit at a
time to determine the input voltage and produce the output
value. And whatever the value might be in four iterations, we
will get the output digital code from the input value. Finally, a
list of all possible combinations for a four-bit successive
approximation ADC is shown below.
Conversion Time, Speed, and
resolution of Successive
Approximation ADC
• Conversion Time:- In general, we can say that for an N-bit ADC, it will take
N clock cycles, which means the conversion time of this ADC will become-
• Tc = N x Tclk
• TC is short for Conversion Time.
• And unlike other ADCs, the conversion time of this ADC is independent
of the input voltage.
• As we are using a 4-bit ADC, to avoid aliasing effects, we need to take a
sample after 4 consecutive clock pulses.
• Conversion Speed:- The typical conversion speed of this type of ADC is
around 2 - 5 Mega Samples Per Seconds(MSPS), but there are few that can
reach up to 10 (MSPS). An example would be LTC2378 by Linear
Technologies.
• Resolution:- The resolution of this type of ADC can be around 8 - 16 bits,
but some types can go up to 20-bits, an example can be ADS8900B by
Advantages and Disadvantages of Successive
Approximation ADCs (SAR ADCs)
1. Advantage
• Simple Architecture: SAR ADCs have a relatively simple design, making them
cost-effective.
• High Resolution: They can achieve high resolutions, making them suitable
for applications requiring precise measurements.
• Moderate Speed: While not as fast as flash ADCs, SAR ADCs are still
reasonably fast for many applications.
• Low Power Consumption: They typically consume less power compared to
other ADC types.
2. Disadvantages
• Slower Conversion Time: Compared to flash ADCs, SAR ADCs have a slower
conversion time due to the sequential nature of their operation.
• Limited Bandwidth: They may not be suitable for very high-frequency
signals.
Key Differences:

Feature ADC Successive Approximation ADC

Conversion Uses a successive approximation

Method Can use various methods register
Varies depending on the Moderate speed, suitable for many
Speed type applications
Varies depending on the
Resolution type Can achieve high resolutions
Power Varies depending on the
Consumption type Relatively low power consumption
Varies depending on the
Complexity type Moderate complexity
 Applications of Successive Approximation ADCs (SAR ADCs)
SAR ADCs are widely used in various applications due to their combination of high resolution, low
power consumption, and moderate speed. Here are some common applications:

Industrial Control Systems:

Audio and Video Systems:
Medical Equipment: Industrial Control
•Process control
•Digital audio players •Electrocardiographs (ECGs) Systems:
•Factory automation
•Sound cards •Electromyographs (EMGs) ••Process
Robotics control
•Video cameras •Blood pressure monitors •Factory automation
•Digital video recorders (DVRs) •Medical imaging devices •Robotics

CommunicationSystems: Systems:
•Consumer Electronics: Data Acquisition Systems:
Communication •Digital cameras •Environmental monitoring
•Modems
•Modems
•Digital signal processing (DSP) •Digital multimeters •Scientific research
•Digital signal processing (DSP)
•Portable audio players •Industrial data logging
Thank you