How does the world's simplest sigma-delta DAC work?

1. How does Sigma-Delta DAC work?
2. Are R2R DACs better?
3. Why delta-sigma modulator is used?
4. What is the main advantage of Sigma-Delta architecture?

How does Sigma-Delta DAC work?

A delta-sigma DAC encodes a high-resolution digital input signal into a lower-resolution but higher sample-frequency signal that is mapped to voltages, and then smoothed with an analog filter. In both cases, the temporary use of a lower-resolution signal simplifies circuit design and improves efficiency.

Are R2R DACs better?

A NOS R2R DAC design sounds much more natural and more musically alive than any DS DAC with digital filters and a corrective feedback loop inherited by its design. However, it must be admitted that there is no DAC design without weakness and even NOS R2R designs have their own weaknesses.

Why delta-sigma modulator is used?

The goal of delta-sigma modulation is to achieve higher transmission efficiency by transmitting only the changes (delta) in value between consecutive samples, rather than the actual samples themselves. ADCs and digital-to-analog converters (DACs) both can use delta-sigma modulation.

What is the main advantage of Sigma-Delta architecture?

Delta-sigma ADCs implement oversampling, decimation filtering, and quantization noise shaping to achieve high resolution and excellent antialiasing filtering.