Pmod DA2 Reference Manual

The Digilent Pmod DA2 is a 2 channel 12-bit Digital-to-Analog Converter module capable of outputting data up to 16.5 MSa.

Download This Reference Manual

Features

  • 12-bit digital-to-analog converter
  • Two simultaneous conversion channels
  • Very low power consumption
  • 6-pin Pmod connector with GPIO interface

Functional Description

The Pmod DA2 provides two channels of 12-bit Digital-to-Analog conversion, allowing users to achieve a resolution up to about 1mV.


Interfacing with the Pmod

The Pmod DA2 communicates with the host board via an SPI-like protocol. By bringing the Chip Select line to a low voltage state, users may send a series of 16 clock pulses on the Serial Clock line (SCLK). The data is sent out with the most significant bit (MSB) first on the last 12 clock pulses. An example data stream of how the data might look is provided from the TI datasheet below:

Example PmodDA2 Data Stream


PmodDA2 Block Diagram

Pinout Description Table

Pin Signal Description
1 ~SYNC Chip Select
2 DINA Data In for Channel A
3 DINB Data In for Channel B
4 SCLK Serial Clock
5 GND Power Supply Ground
6 VCC Power Supply (3.3V/5V)

Any external power applied to the Pmod DA2 must be within 2.7V and 5.5V; however, it is recommended that Pmod is operated at 3.3V.


Physical Dimensions

The pins on the pin header are spaced 100 mil apart. The PCB is 1 inch long on the sides parallel to the pins on the pin header and 0.8 inches long on the sides perpendicular to the pin header.


Additional Information

The schematics of the Pmod DA2 are available here. Additional information about the DAC including communication modes and specific timings of the chip can be found by checking out its datasheet here.

Example code demonstrating how to get information from the Pmod DA2 can be found here.

If you have any questions or comments about the Pmod DA2, feel free to post them under the appropriate section (“Add-on Boards”) of the Digilent Forum.