Exam-style question
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Explain how a DAC is used when playing digital audio, and contrast its operation with that of an ADC.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- A DAC receives the digital audio data and converts it into a corresponding analogue signal.
- This analogue signal can then be sent to audio equipment that produces the sound.
- In contrast, an ADC takes an analogue signal, such as the output from an analogue sensor, and converts it into digital data for a computer to process.
- Therefore, an ADC converts analogue to digital, whereas a DAC converts digital to analogue.
Explanation
Why this works
The answer should describe the direction of conversion for both devices and identify digital audio conversion as the most common use of a DAC. It should also link ADCs with analogue sensors.
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