Digital-to-analog converter, or simply DAC, is a semiconductor device that is used to convert a digital code into an analog signal. Digital-to-analog conversion is the primary means by which digital equipment such as computer-based systems are able to translate digital data into real-world signals that are more understandable to or useable by humans, such as music, speech, pictures, video, and the like. It also allows digital control of machines, equipment, household appliances, and the like.

A typical digital-to-analog converter outputs an analog signal, which is usually voltage or current, that is proportional to the value of the digital code provided to its inputs. Most DAC's have several digital input pins to receive all the bits of its input digital code in parallel (at the same time). Some DAC's, however, are designed to receive the input digital data in serial form (one bit at a time), so these only have a single digital input pin.