# The Spark Gap - Episode 33

- Show: [The Spark Gap](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap)
- Published: 2015-05-20
- Length: 1h 29m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33
- Listen: https://thesparkgap.net/the-spark-gap-episode-33

## Summary

Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the practical application of Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) in embedded electronics. They highlight specific components like the TI INA226 current/voltage monitor and the Microchip HV5623 high-voltage driver, using them to illustrate concepts of resolution, linearity, and signal integrity. The conversation covers the trade-offs between using built-in microcontroller ADCs versus standalone parts, emphasizing the importance of voltage references, grounding strategies, and noise management.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33#t=0) Introduction and Show Banter
- [1:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33#t=86) Component Spotlight: TI INA226 and Microchip HV5623
- [9:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33#t=567) ADC Fundamentals: SAR vs. Sigma-Delta and Resolution
- [26:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33#t=1607) ADC Performance Metrics: INL, DNL, and Noise
- [40:08](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33#t=2408) Maximizing ADC Performance: Buffering and References
- [53:27](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33#t=3207) Grounding Strategies and Microcontroller ADC Limitations
- [1:10:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33#t=4201) DAC Overview: Types, Implementation, and Trade-offs

## Topics

- [Analog & power electronics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/analog-and-power-electronics)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Chips, FPGAs & semiconductors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/chips-and-fpgas)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- TI (company)
- INA226 (chip)
- Microchip (company)
- HV5623 (chip)
- SuperText (company)
- Arduino (product)
- ATmega328 (chip)
- STM32F407 (chip)
- Propeller 2 (chip)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Analog Devices, Design Spark - Unusual Usenet Usurpation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-06-28-analog-devices-design-spark-unusual-usenet-usurpation) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Kendall Castor-Perry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-01-27-an-interview-with-kendall-castor-perry) (The Amp Hour)
- [EE Movies, Part Rants and SPICE.](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2010-11-16-ee-movies-part-rants-and-spice) (The Amp Hour)
- [An Interview with Hank Zumbahlen - Zoppa Zumbahlen Zateticism](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2014-02-19-an-interview-with-hank-zumbahlen-zoppa-zumbahlen-zateticism) (The Amp Hour)
- [AD620, DesignSpark, Instrumentation Amplifier - The Rant Rhetorical](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2011-03-15-ad620-designspark-instrumentation-amplifier-the-rant-rhetorical) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to The Spark Gap.