ADC Basic Configurations 1 (Flash Method)

This type of A/D converter utilizes 2N-1 comparators (for an N bit converter) to compare the analog signal with successive reference voltages. The results are then converted into digital format using an encoder.

Features:

• Analog signals are converted into digital signals directly (since the comparators themselves are the sampling devices), making a Sample and Hold circuit unnecessary.
• This allows for extremely fast conversion (with sampling frequencies above 1GHz possible).
• However, the relatively larger size and power consumption (due to the number of comparators are required: 2N-1) limit resolution to around 8bits.