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Electrical

ADC Resolution Calculator

Estimate an ideal analog-to-digital converter step size and the nearest lower code for an input voltage.

Ideal component relationshipsUnits and assumptions explained below
Digital measurement desk
Digital measurement desk

Choose resolution and reference, then compare the input with the available codes.

See the method

Set the converter and input

Runs on your device

Voltage step and code

Your result

Let’s calculate.

Use the Calculate button to see your result.

Review the method below for assumptions and conventions.

How to use this tool

  1. Enter resolution bits, reference voltage, input voltage.
  2. Select Calculate to view the result.
  3. Check the method and assumptions below before using the result.

The method, explained

LSB = Vref/2^N. Code = floor(Vin/LSB), clamped to the largest N-bit code at full scale.

A WORKED EXAMPLE

Using resolution bits = 12 bits, reference voltage = 3.3 V, input voltage = 1.65 V, the result is 0.000805664062 V. Change these example inputs to match your task; use the method above to check each step.

Understanding your result

Ideal unipolar converter; excludes noise, offset, gain error and differential nonlinearity. Actual ADC endpoint conventions may vary.

What to keep in mind

Ideal unipolar converter; excludes noise, offset, gain error and differential nonlinearity. Actual ADC endpoint conventions may vary. Ideal-component calculation for study and estimation. It does not select safe wiring, protective devices or component ratings for an installation.

Common questions

How do I use this adc resolution calculator?

Estimate an ideal analog-to-digital converter step size and the nearest lower code for an input voltage. Enter resolution bits in bits, reference voltage in V, input voltage in V. The starting example is editable; use values for the same system or project.

Which assumptions affect this result?

Ideal unipolar converter; excludes noise, offset, gain error and differential nonlinearity. Actual ADC endpoint conventions may vary.

Methodology maintained by ClarityKit. How these tools are built and checked.