ADC Calculator

ADC Calculator

Number of Bits (n):

Enter bits (1-31) or total resolution value (≥32)

Please enter a valid number of bits (1-32)

Analog Voltage (Vin):

Please enter a valid input voltage (≥0)

Reference Voltage (Vref):

Please enter a valid reference voltage (>0)

Results

Digital Value (Decimal): - The primary ADC output.

Step Size (LSB): - Smallest detectable voltage change.

Binary Output: - Useful for microcontroller programming.

The ADC Calculator is a powerful tool designed to convert analog input signals into their corresponding digital values. Whether working with an 8-bit, 12-bit, or 16-bit Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), this calculator delivers accurate results in decimal, binary, and hexadecimal formats.

What is an Analog-to-Digital Converter?

An Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is a crucial part of modern electronics that converts continuous analog signals into discrete digital values that computers and digital systems can process. The accuracy of this conversion depends on the ADC’s resolution, which is defined by the number of bits it uses. A higher bit count means better resolution and more accurate digital representation.

This conversion is fundamental in applications ranging from audio recording and temperature sensing to digital multimeters and industrial automation.

How Does an ADC Work?

At its core, an ADC maps an analog input voltage $V_{in}$ to a digital value based on the reference voltage $V_{ref}$ and the ADC’s resolution $n$ . The formula used for this conversion is:

$\text{ADC Value} = \left\lfloor \frac{V_{in}}{V_{ref}} \times (2^n - 1) \right\rfloor$

Concepts Explained

Resolution

The resolution of an ADC determines how finely it can divide the input range. For example:

An 8-bit ADC has $2^8 = 256$ discrete levels.
A 12-bit ADC has $2^{12} = 4096$ discrete levels.
A 16-bit ADC has $2^{16} = 65,536$ discrete levels.

Higher resolution means smaller steps between levels, enabling more precise measurements.

Reference Voltage ( $V_{ref}$ )

This is the maximum voltage the ADC can measure. Any input voltage above $V_{ref}$ will saturate at the maximum digital value.

Analog Input Voltage ( $V_{in}$ )

For accurate conversion, the measured voltage must fall within the range of 0 to $V_{ref}$ .

Example Calculations

Example 1: 8-bit ADC

Given:

$V_{ref} = 5V$
$V_{in} = 3.2V$

Step 1: Calculate the maximum ADC value:

$\text{Max Value} = 2^8 - 1 = 255$

Step 2: Calculate the ADC output:

$\text{ADC Value} = \left\lfloor \frac{3.2}{5} \times 255 \right\rfloor = \left\lfloor 0.64 \times 255 \right\rfloor = 163$

Result:

Numeric Output = 163
Binary Output = 10100011
Hexadecimal Output = 0xA3

Example 2: 12-bit ADC

Given:

$V_{ref} = 3.3V$
$V_{in} = 1.5V$

Step 1: Calculate the maximum ADC value:

$\text{Max Value} = 2^{12} - 1 = 4095$

Step 2: Calculate the ADC output:

$\text{ADC Value} = \left\lfloor \frac{1.5}{3.3} \times 4095 \right\rfloor = \left\lfloor 0.4545 \times 4095 \right\rfloor = 1863$

Result:

Numeric Output = 1863
Binary Output = 11101000111
Hexadecimal Output = 0x747

Example 3: 16-bit ADC

Given:

$V_{ref} = 3.6V$
$V_{in} = 2.7V$

Step 1: Calculate the maximum ADC value:

$\text{Max Value} = 2^{16} - 1 = 65535$

Step 2: Calculate the ADC output:

$\text{ADC Value} = \left\lfloor \frac{2.7}{3.6} \times 65535 \right\rfloor = \left\lfloor 0.75 \times 65535 \right\rfloor = 49151$

Result:

Numeric Output = 49151
Binary Output = 1011111111111111
Hexadecimal Output = 0xBFFF

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