Numeric resolution claim: “An 8-bit digital-to-analog converter has a resolution of 0.125 V.” Evaluate this claim.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Stating a specific resolution in volts for a DAC without specifying full-scale (FS) is incomplete. Resolution in volts depends on both bit depth and the FS range (reference). This question highlights the necessity of including FS when quoting absolute resolution numbers.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • n = 8 bits (256 codes).
  • Resolution (LSB size) ≈ FS / 2^n for typical definitions.
  • FS is not given; therefore a unique voltage value cannot be asserted.


Concept / Approach:
Absolute resolution in volts is proportional to FS. For an 8-bit DAC, LSB ≈ FS / 256. If FS = 5 V, LSB ≈ 19.53 mV; if FS = 10 V, LSB ≈ 39.06 mV; if FS = 32 V, LSB = 0.125 V. Thus, the value 0.125 V is not universally true—it corresponds to a particular FS, not 8 bits alone.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify missing parameter: FS not specified.Write general formula: LSB ≈ FS / 2^n.Plug cases: For 8 bits, LSB values vary linearly with FS.Conclude the universal claim is incorrect.


Verification / Alternative check:
Given 0.125 V, back-solve FS ≈ 0.125 * 256 = 32 V. The statement would be conditionally correct only if FS is known to be 32 V, which the stem does not specify.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Correct: false because FS is unspecified.Correct only if full-scale equals 32 V: a useful conditional note, but the stem claims universality; hence the correct classification is “Incorrect.”Current-output qualifier: architecture does not fix the numeric LSB without FS.


Common Pitfalls:
Quoting “mV per LSB” without FS context; mixing nominal reference with buffered full-scale; ignoring gain settings that scale FS.


Final Answer:
Incorrect

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