Precision DACs Reduce Design Time

The 16-bit MAX5138 and 12-bit MAX5139 precision digital-to-analog converters (DACs) integrate a high-precision voltage reference and offer excellent linearity. Pin and software compatibility save design time by allowing designers the ability to change resolution without redesigning the board or control software. The devices’ voltage reference features a temperature coefficient of 10 ppm/°C, while an internal buffer provides improved load regulation and transition-glitch suppression for the DAC output. A power-down mode reduces current consumption to 200 nA. A pin-programmable, zero/midscale DAC output ensures that the output powers up to the desired state, even during a loss of power. The DACs accept a 3-wire SPI-/QSPI-/Microwire-/DSP-compatible serial interface, which saves board space and reduces the complexity of optically isolated and transformer-isolated applications. To reduce the number of optocouplers in isolated applications, the serial interface features a Ready output for easy daisy-chaining of multiple MAX5138/MAX5139 devices or other compatible devices. The devices are also software compatible with the MAX5134-MAX5137 family of quad and dual, 16- and 12-bit DACs. Prices start at $3.39 for the MAX5138, and $1.60 for the MAX5139 in quantities of 1000. Samples and evaluation kits are available. MAXIM INTEGRATED PRODUCTS, Sunnyvale, CA. (800) 998-8800.