A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) converts a digital signal into an analog signal. This process is essential in various applications, including audio equipment, telecommunications, and instrumentation systems. A DAC consists of several components, including resistors, capacitors, and operational amplifiers, which work together to produce an output that closely resembles the original input signal. The conversion from digital to analog involves several steps: digitization, processing, and reconstruction. During digitization, the input signal is converted into a series of binary numbers or code words. These code words are then processed by the DAC's circuitry before being converted back into an analog signal through reconstruction. DACs can be classified based on their architecture, with popular types including voltage-mode, current-mode, and delta-sigma DACs. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages in terms of performance, cost, and ease of implementation.