[sdiy] MIDM-CV DACs, Part #3 (last)

[Paul Schreiber]

>Theoretically, an
> "ideal" 12 Bit DAC, being used to generate 0-10V  would provide  409.6 steps
> per 8ve, 34 steps per semi-tone (or a little less than 3 cents).  If you
> generate 0-5V you double this theoretical resolution.


Incorrect. This is true for the 'perfect' 0LSB INL DAC.

The rule is: for every 1/2LSB of INL error, you effectively give up 1 'perfect' bit. A 12-bit
+-1LSB INL DAC has the same accuracy as a 'perfect' 10-bit DAC.

Also, the INL spec is a MAXIMUM. You can get a +-1LSB DAC that is really +-0.01LSB by pure luck,
same as randomly grabbing a 5% resistor that measures to 0.01%

Paul S.