I'm not an expert on this, but I think I can give some basic info. Voltage output means it does not need any conversion. You could theoretically connect it directly to an input with just some resistors and caps.
With a current output, you need to convert it from current to voltage. Commonly referred to as "I/V conversion." Opamps can do this, but some people make discrete part I/V conversions. As to which method is better, voltage output or current output, I have no idea.
With a current output, you need to convert it from current to voltage. Commonly referred to as "I/V conversion." Opamps can do this, but some people make discrete part I/V conversions. As to which method is better, voltage output or current output, I have no idea.
As I understand it, DACs output current. This current must be converted to voltage. DAC chips that output voltage simply have this built-in to the IC. If you look at the datasheet, there will usually be something indicating an opamp onboard the chip.
The difference, then, is that one can build a much higher quality converter by not building it on the chip, so current output converted properly will generally sound beter. A Voltage ourpur chip will generally be cheaper and require less board space.
The difference, then, is that one can build a much higher quality converter by not building it on the chip, so current output converted properly will generally sound beter. A Voltage ourpur chip will generally be cheaper and require less board space.
You may also refer to this mountain of information (also by way of AD):
http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/39-06/data_conversion_handbook.html
It's a series of seminar notes that was then turned into a book (which I just ordered) called "Data Conversion Handbook" :
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0750678410?v=glance
Happy learning!
http://www.analog.com/library/analogDialogue/archives/39-06/data_conversion_handbook.html
It's a series of seminar notes that was then turned into a book (which I just ordered) called "Data Conversion Handbook" :
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0750678410?v=glance
Happy learning!
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