ADC output nature: “The output of an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a voltage level.” Decide whether this is accurate and clarify what an ADC actually produces.

Introduction / Context:
ADCs bridge the analog and digital domains. Misunderstanding the nature of their outputs leads to wiring mistakes and unrealistic expectations about driving loads or analog circuits directly from an ADC port.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Generic ADC device, any architecture (SAR, pipeline, delta-sigma, flash).
• Digital interface present (parallel bus or serial SPI/I2C/LVDS).
• Reference voltage defines scale but not output type.

Concept / Approach:
An ADC samples an analog input and outputs a digital code—a binary word representing the quantized value relative to its reference. This code is conveyed as logic-level signals (0/1) across its digital interface. The only analog pins on an ADC normally are the analog input(s), reference, and sometimes clock or bias pins; the data pins are digital, not analog voltage outputs representing the measurement magnitude in proportional amplitude.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Consult any ADC timing diagram: outputs are labeled D[N-1:0] with logic-level specs (VOH, VOL), setup/hold, and clock requirements. No “analog voltage output proportional to Vin” is specified.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Correct: Confuses ADCs with DACs.
• Only true for flash converters: Flash refers to comparator array architecture, still producing digital codes.
• Ambiguous: Reference voltage affects scale, not output modality.

Common Pitfalls:
Expecting to feed an analog meter from an ADC pin; ignoring the need for a DAC or PWM/filter to generate analog voltages from digital codes.

Final Answer:
Incorrect