When working with microcontrollers, one of the first challenges you’ll encounter is bridging the gap between the analog world we live in and the digital world your MCU understands. That bridge is the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).
In his latest tutorial, “CH32V003F4P6 – ADC Basics”, Curious Scientist offers a clear and practical guide to getting the ADC of the CH32V003F4P6 up and running. For anyone exploring this microcontroller, it’s an invaluable resource that not only saves time but also helps you avoid common pitfalls.
A brief look at ADCs
An ADC is the component responsible for turning analog inputs—voltages from a sensor, the position of a knob, even audio signals—into digital values a microcontroller can process. Without it, the system remains cut off from much of the physical world.
The idea is not new. The foundations of digital sampling go back to the 1920s with Paul Rainey’s early pulse code modulation work and Harry Nyquist’s sampling theorem. In the 1930s, Alec Harley Reeves developed a PCM system capable of digitizing analog signals at 6 kHz with just 5 bits of resolution. What was groundbreaking then has since evolved into highly precise, fast, and compact converters that we now take for granted in everyday devices—from smartphones to medical instruments.
Why this tutorial matters
While ADCs are everywhere, working with them can still feel intimidating the first time you dive into the registers. Curious Scientist makes the process accessible by walking step by step through the CH32V003F4P6’s ADC configuration. You’ll see how to:
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Initialize the ADC and perform continuous sampling.
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Read values from a potentiometer connected to PC4.
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Handle floating-point output in an environment that doesn’t natively support it.
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Improve accuracy with oversampling and averaging techniques.
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Scan multiple channels efficiently using DMA.
These are not abstract concepts—they’re tested, working approaches with real code you can apply directly in your projects.
Putting it into context
What makes this article stand out is how it balances theory with practical implementation. The explanation of oversampling, for example, doesn’t just show you the math—it demonstrates how to achieve greater effective resolution without extra hardware. Similarly, the section on multi-channel scanning shows you how to make better use of the microcontroller’s resources for more complex applications.
Taken together, the tutorial is part of a broader series covering GPIOs, USART, and timers, giving developers a structured learning path with the CH32V003 family.
