Resolution of a 12-bit DAC expressed as a percentage of full scale Calculate the ideal step size (resolution) of a 12-bit DAC as a percent of full-scale output.

Introduction / Context:
Resolution specifies the smallest change in analog output corresponding to a one-LSB change in the digital input. Expressing it as a percent of full scale helps compare converters of different bit widths.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Ideal unipolar 12-bit DAC.
• Resolution (1 LSB) = full-scale range / 2^N.

Concept / Approach:
For N bits, the step size fraction is 1 / 2^N. As a percentage, PercentResolution = (1 / 2^N) * 100%. For N = 12, 2^12 = 4096.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Rule of thumb: each additional bit halves the percent resolution. 10-bit ≈ 0.0977%, 11-bit ≈ 0.0488%, 12-bit ≈ 0.0244%.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• 0.0488%: That corresponds to 11-bit resolution (1/2048).
• 0.000488%: Far too small; would imply 1/204,800 of full scale.
• 0.0833%: About 1/1200, not a power-of-two step.

Common Pitfalls:

• Using 2^N − 1 instead of 2^N for step size; for percent resolution, 1/2^N% is standard.

Final Answer:
0.0244%