Analog Out

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DAC

A Digital to Analog Converter (DAC) will convert a digital input (number) to an analog output (voltage). The voltage of a DAC usually swings from very close to zero volts up to nearly the voltage of the microcontroller (usually 3.3 volts). This output voltage is only a weak signal and is not meant to drive a load. An op-amp or similar circuit can be added to drive a load, such as a speaker.

The analog out on a microcontroller has a given resolution, which in large part determines its precision or accuracy. Check the device documentation for details. For example, an 8-bit DAC has 256 possible output voltage levels and a resolution of 3.3V/256 or 0.013 volts.

This example will generate a triangular waveform.

var dac = DacController.GetDefault();
var analog = dac.OpenChannel(SC20100.Dac.PA4);

double d = 0.5;
double dd = 0.01;

while (true) {
    analog.WriteValue(d);
    d += dd;
    if (d <= 0 || d >= 1)
        dd *= -1;   //Invert
    Thread.Sleep(10);
}

Tip

Do not use analog outputs to control the power of an LED or a motor. Use PWM for that.

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PWM

PWM can also be used to output an analog voltage. Click here for details.

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Audio Playback

WAV audio playback can be done using an analog output pin. See Audio Playback.