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www.digilentinc.com 
215 E Main Suite D | Pullman, WA 99163 
(509) 334 6306 Voice and Fax
Overview 
The Digilent PmodDA2 Digital to Analog 
Module Converter, converts signals from digital 
values to analog voltages on two channels 
simultaneously with twelve bits of resolution. 
The PmodDA2 uses a 6-pin header connector 
and, at less than one square inch, is small 
enough to be located where the reconstructed 
signal is required. 
Features include: 
• two National Semiconductor 
DAC121S101, 12-bit D/A converters 
• a 6-pin header and 6-pin connector 
• two simultaneous D/A conversion 
channels 
• very low power cons um ption 
• small form factor (0.80” x 0.80”). 
Functional Description 
The PmodDA2 can produce an analog output 
ranging from 0-3.3 volts when operated with a 
3.3V power supply. It has two simultaneous 
D/A conversion channels, each with a 12-bit 
converter that can proc ess s e p ar at e d i git a l 
signals. 
The PmodDA2 is equipped with two 
DAC121S101 digital to analog converters. 
Sending commands via the 
SPI/MICROWIRE™ serial bus to the D/A 
converters produces outputs. The two 
converters are conn e cted in parallel so that 
commands are sent to both converters 
simultaneously. 
The PmodDA2 is designed to work with either 
Digilent programmable logic system boards or 
embedded control system boards. Most 
Digilent system boards, such as the Nexys, 
Basys, or Cerebot, have 6-pin 
Doc: 502-113    page 1 of 2 
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connectors that allow the PmodDA2 to plug 
directly into the system board or to connect via 
a Digilent six-wire cable 
Some older Digilent boards may need a 
Digilent Module Interface Board (MIB) and a 6pin cable to connect to the PmodDA2. The MIB 
plugs into the system board and the cable 
connects the MIB to the PmodDA2. 
Digilent PmodDA2 
D1
Sync,
2
Clock
D2
J1 Connector
 GND
 VCC
Block Diagram 
Figure 1 
Analog Output s 
DAC121S101
D/A
Conv erter
DAC121S101
D/A
Conv erter
Figure 2 
J2 Connector

Document Title  Digilent Confidential   Digilent, Inc. 
See Table 1 for a description of the signals on 
the interface connectors J1 and J2. For 
additional information, refer to the PmodDA2 
schematic available on the Digilent web site at 
www.digilentinc.com. 
The PmodDA2 is usually powered from the 
Digilent system board connected to it. The 
power and ground connections are on pins five 
and six of the digital interface connector J1. 
Alternatively, the PmodDA2 can be p owered 
from an external power supply provided 
through pins five and six of the analog 
interface connector J2. In this case the power 
select jumper on the system board should be 
set to disconnect power from the system board 
to J1. Damage may result if two power 
supplies are connected at the same time. 
The Digilent convention is to provide 3.3V to 
power Pmod modules. The Pm odD A 2 c an b e 
operated at any power supply voltage between 
2.7V and 5.5V, however caution should be 
exercised if using any voltage greater than 
3.3V, as damage to the Digilent system board 
could result. For more information refer to 
reference manuals or schematics for the 
system board available at 
www.digilentinc.com
. 
For detailed information about the National 
Semiconductor data sheet refer to the National 
Semiconductor web site at www.national.com
. 
Table 1: Interface Connector Signal 
Descriptions 
Digital 
Interface – J1 
1 SYNC (common) 
2  DINA (converter IC1) 
3  DINB (converter IC2) 
4 SCLK (common) 
5 GND 
6 VCC 
Analog 
Interface – J2 
1  VOUTA (converter IC1) 
2 N/C 
3  VOUTB (converter IC2) 
4 N/C 
5 GND 
6 VCC 
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