ADC0804 is a very commonly used 8-bit analog to digital convertor.

It is a single channel
IC, i.e., it can take only one analog signal as input. The digital outputs vary from 0 to a
maximum of 255. The step size can be adjusted by setting the reference voltage at pin9. When
this pin is not connected, the default reference voltage is the operating voltage, i.e., Vcc. The step
size at 5V is 19.53mV (5V/255), i.e., for every 19.53mV rise in the analog input, the output
varies by 1 unit. To set a particular voltage level as the reference value, this pin is connected to
half the voltage. For example, to set a reference of 4V (Vref), pin9 is connected to 2V (Vref/2),
thereby reducing the step size to 15.62mV (4V/255).
ADC0804 needs a clock to operate. The time taken to convert the analog value to digital value is
dependent on this clock source. An external clock can be given at the Clock IN pin. ADC 0804
also has an inbuilt clock which can be used in absence of external clock. A suitable RC circuit is
connected between the Clock IN and Clock R pins to use the internal clock.
ADC/DAC basic questions
1. Why two pins for ground are available in ADC0804?
There are two pins that are available for ground in the ADC0804. One is for analog and
the other is for digital pins.
2. What is the function of the WR pin?
WR pins active low input tells ADC0804 about the start of conversion
3. Step size is selected by which two bits?
Step size is selected by the Vref/2 bit as its value is Vref/256.
4. What is the difference between ADC0804 and MAX1112?
ADC0804 is used for parallel ADC and MAX1112 is used for serial ADC
5. How many voltage levels possible in 8 input DAC?
For n input DAC has 2^n discrete voltage levels
6. INTR, WR signal are an input/output signal pin?
INTR pin tells about the end of the conversion (output) and WR pin tells us to start the
conversion (input)
7. What is the function of the SCLK pin in MAX1112?
SCLK is used to bring data out and send in the control byte.

8. What are the programming steps are followed in ADC0804 IC?

While programming the ADC0804 IC firstly we need to select the channel from the A, B,
C pins. Then we need to activate the ALE signal, this is needed to latch the address. Then
we start the conversion from the WR pin. After monitoring the INTR pin we get to know
about the end of the conversion. Then we activate the OE enable to read out data out of
the ADC chip
9. State CLK IN pin usage.
CLK IN pin is used to tell about the conversion time, INTR pin tells about the end of the
conversion and ADC0804 has a resolution of 8 bits only so all three statements are true.
10. Tell about DAC0808.
DAC0808 is used for parallel data to analog data conversion.
Exercise
1. What are the factors you consider for the selection of ADC?
2. What do you mean by Resolution of ADC?
3. How do you determine the number of bits of ADC is required for you?
4. Which factor determines the number of iterations in SAR done to approximate the input
voltage?
5. What are the 2 methods of ADC interface?
6. Can you brief up the steps involved in ADC interface with 8051 or any microprocessor for the
EOC based method?
7. Can you brief up the steps involved in ADC interface with 8051 or any microprocessor for the
Interrupt based method?
8. How do you select the particular channel of an ADC? For example, can you tell for
ADC0809?
9. When will you make the OE high in case of ADC0809?
10. What will happen if SC and EOC are tied together in ADC0809?