Hello everyone and thank you all for your help

Ok so we are trying to make a flash ADC converter which will basically take 16 discrete voltage levels and convert it into 4 bits.
A flash converter is the best way to do so given our constraints; as we must use opamps and an encoder.
So I know that an opamp can be utilised as a comparator and that's what we are gonna do; outputs from the opamps will go as inputs into a priority encoder. It should look something like this http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/Electronic/ietron/adc5.gif except it's gonna be a 16 to 4.
So the thing is, when an opamp is used a comparator it outputs either +Vcc or -Vcc. Will the Encoder read any negative analog voltage as a low?? and any positive analog voltage as a high?? or can the encoder accept only digital inputs??
Furthermore how likely is it that we can find a 16 to 4 line priority encoder

Thank you once again

 

Look at the input specs for the encoder. That will tell you what the input voltage ranges are for the part you want to use.

What is the input voltage range for your ADC? What are the logic output voltages for your ADC?

 

when an opamp is used a comparator it outputs either +Vcc or -Vcc. Will the Encoder read any negative analog voltage as a low?? and any positive analog voltage as a high?? or can the encoder accept only digital inputs??

Typical digital circuits, like an priority encoder, don't like negative voltages so use a single-supply type op amp operating from a single positive supply.

how likely is it that we can find a 16 to 4 line priority encoder

One option is two 4532 8-bit priority encoders, which can be cascaded to form a 16-bit encoder as shown in its data sheet.

 

Look at the input specs for the encoder. That will tell you what the input voltage ranges are for the part you want to use.

What is the input voltage range for your ADC? What are the logic output voltages for your ADC?

Got the specs, thanks

 

Typical digital circuits, like an priority encoder, don't like negative voltages so use a single-supply type op amp operating from a single positive supply.
One option is two 4532 8-bit priority encoders, which can be cascaded to form a 16-bit encoder as shown in its data sheet.

Thanks for the reply bruh, I think I can just make the -Vcc of the opamp grounded as in 0 volts thus if the output of the opamp is negative it'll just output 0 volts which is a logical 0.
I checked the data sheet as you suggested, A 16 to 4 line priority encoder can be made but I need logic ( OR gates to be specific ) does that mean I need an Or gates chip it does right?? Do you know what the chip would be??

 

I think I can just make the -Vcc of the opamp grounded as in 0 volts thus if the output of the opamp is negative it'll just output 0 volts which is a logical 0.

You need an op amp designed for single supply operation, such as the LM324.

A 16 to 4 line priority encoder can be made but I need logic ( OR gates to be specific ) does that mean I need an Or gates chip it does right?? Do you know what the chip would be??

Here's a list of common CMOS logic gates.
I'll let you find the right one.

 

You need an op amp designed for single supply operation, such as the LM324.
Here's a list of common CMOS logic gates.
I'll let you find the right one.

Cool then thanks

 

Look at the input specs for the encoder. That will tell you what the input voltage ranges are for the part you want to use.

What is the input voltage range for your ADC? What are the logic output voltages for your ADC?

http://www.ti.com/general/docs/lit/getliterature.tsp?genericPartNumber=cd4532b&fileType=pdf
well, this is the data sheet but I couldn't find the input specs
Could you kindly point it out for me.

 

http://www.ti.com/general/docs/lit/getliterature.tsp?genericPartNumber=cd4532b&fileType=pdf
well, this is the data sheet but I couldn't find the input specs
Could you kindly point it out for me.

About the very first thing there: