DACs save power in industrial signal generation

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Jan 21, 2008

Software-programmable pin-compatible 16, 14 and 12bit DACs typically draw only 0.7uA of supply current while generating an output swing up to +/-10V.

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC2751 family of extremely low-power software-programmable 16, 14 and 12bit digital-to-analogue convertors (DACs).

These current output DACs typically draw only 0.7uA of supply current (2uA maximum), while generating an output swing up to +/-10V.

Six unique output voltage ranges can be programmed via SoftSpan software, including two unipolar ranges (0 to 5 or 0 to 10V) and four bipolar ranges (+/-10, +/-5, +/-2.5 or -2.5 to +7.5V).

Software programmability eliminates the need for expensive precision resistors, gain stages and manual jumper switching.

The LTC2751-16 offers accurate DC specifications, including +/-1LSB (maximum) INL and DNL over the -40 to +85C industrial temperature range.

With its precision linearity and supply current less than 1uA, the LTC2751-16 can be used in DC precision positioning systems, high-resolution gain and offset adjustment applications, and portable instrumentation.

The LTC2751-16 also offers excellent AC specifications, including full-scale settling time of only 2us and low 2nVs glitch impulse, which is key for AC applications such as waveform generation.

Low glitch reduces the transient voltages between code changes in the DAC.

Fast settling and low glitch reduce harmonic distortion, making it possible to produce higher frequency, lower noise output waveforms.

The LTC2751 DACs use a bidirectional input/output parallel interface that allows readback of any internal register, as well as the DAC output span setting.

A power-on reset circuit returns the DAC output to 0V when power is first applied and a CLR pin asynchronously clears the DAC to 0V in any output range.

The LTC2751 16, 14 and 12bit DACs are available today in pin-compatible QFN-38 (5 x 7mm) packages.

Pricing begins at US $4.95 for the LTC2751-12 in 1000-piece quantities.