Use this electronics calculation for a first-pass component, converter, signal, motor, or sensor estimate when the stated operating conditions and units match the device data.

Actual Step (V)

Measured output step between adjacent codes.

Ideal Step (V)

Ideal output step between adjacent codes.

Express differential nonlinearity in least-significant-bit units as dnlLsb = (actualStepVolts - idealStepVolts) / idealStepVolts. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

DNL (LSB)

Signed differential nonlinearity in LSB units.

• DAC calculations depend on resolution, coding, reference range, load, settling interval, update rate, and whether endpoints or code centers define an LSB. INL, DNL, glitch energy, output impedance, reference noise, and reconstruction filtering require device data.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Check the result against the current datasheet and worst-case operating corners, then verify the circuit or measurement with simulation and bench testing where failure matters.

• DAC INL LSB

  Express integral nonlinearity in least-significant-bit counts as inlLsb = maxDeviationVolts / lsbSizeVolts.

• LSB Step Size

  Calculate the least-significant-bit step size of an ADC from its full-scale voltage.

• Ideal DAC Output Voltage

  Calculate an ideal unipolar DAC code's voltage as Vref×code/2^N. The top code is one LSB below Vref; this does not include offset, gain, or integral nonlinearity.