Which ADC method is the most commonly used, involving a comparator and an R-2R ladder DAC?

The method of successive approximation ADC is most commonly used for converting analog signals to digital form due to its balance of speed, accuracy, and resource efficiency. This technique employs a comparator and an R-2R ladder DAC to perform the conversion in stages, progressively narrowing down the range of values to find the closest digital representation of the analog input.

In the successive approximation process, the converter generates a series of binary values, from which the comparator determines if the current value is higher or lower than the analog signal. This iterative approach allows the ADC to efficiently hone in on the desired value without needing multiple samples or the complex circuitry associated with other methods, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

This method offers a compact design that is relatively easy to implement, which contributes to its popularity in modern electronic systems, especially for applications requiring moderate conversion speeds with sufficient precision.