Date: 06/02/2009

Software-compatible, multichannel DACs for process-control applications

Maxim Integrated Products launched a family of quad (MAX5134/MAX5135) and dual (MAX5136/MAX5137), 16-bit and 12-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) which are pin and software compatible. These multichannel DACs are designed to address environmental concerns about power consumption.

In sleep mode, the MAX5134-MAX5137 family draws less than 300nA. Four 12- or 16-bit DACs can operate on an average current of 2.5microamps. Featuring an integrated voltage reference, these DACs also give designers flexibility to change channel count and resolution with little or no design rework.

The high linearity (±8LSB INL for the 16-bit DAC and ±1LSB INL for the 12-bit DAC) and flexibility make them ideal for industrial process control and portable instrumentation applications, such as communication systems, programmable logic controllers, servo loops, and automatic test equipment. Other applications include automatic tuning, gain and offset adjustment, power amplifier control, data acquisition, programmable voltage, and current sources.

Using conventional converter solutions, designers had to redesign their board and rework the software to change resolution or channel count. With the MAX5134-MAX5137 family of pin- and software-compatible DACs, Designers can now switch between quad- and dual-channel 12-bit and 16-bit DACs without redesigning their board or control software. Also, each DAC features a software-controlled power-down mode for each channel.

Other features of MAX5134-MAX5137 are:

1. Optional integrated high-precision 10ppm/°C internal reference
2. Double-buffered input registers
3. Hardware-selectable, power-up or reset-to-zero/midscale DAC output
4. Low-power consumption (ISHDN = 300nA, typ)
5. 30MHz, 3-wire SPI-/QSPI-/MICROWIRE-/DSP-compatible serial interface
6. LDAC asynchronously updates DAC outputs simultaneously
7. Guaranteed monotonic over all operating conditions
8. Wide +2.7V to +5.25V supply range
9. Rail-to-rail buffered output operation
10. Low gain error (less than ±0.5%FS, max) and offset (less than ±10mV, max)
11. Specified over the -40°C to +105°C industrial temperature range.

Package: (4mm x 4mm) 24-pin TQFN package

Price:
1. $9.95 for the MAX5134 (1000-up, FOB USA)
2. $4.75 for the MAX5135 (1000-up, FOB USA)
3. $5.75 for the MAX5136 (1000-up, FOB USA)
4. $2.50 for the MAX5137 (1000-up, FOB USA)

Availability: Samples and evaluation kits are available now.

For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com