EDN Access — 08.15.96 Dual 12-bit DAC squeezes into eight-pin package

Out in Front: August 15, 1996

Dual 12-bit DAC squeezes into eight-pin package

A dual voltage-output 12-bit DAC from Linear Technology suits applications in which space is at a premium, such as trimming and calibration, process-control, test-equip-

ment, and battery-operated communications handsets. The LTC1446, in a DIP or an SO-8 package, provides rail-to-rail output to 4.095V (5V version) and 2.5V (3V "L" version). The dual DAC includes an internal reference and a power-on reset function.

The LTC1446 interfaces to a system processor via a three-wire Microwire- and SPI (serial-peripheral-interface)-compatible interface; you can daisy-chain the devices for more DACs per serial port. The monotonic DAC has a maximum differential-nonlinearity error of ±0.5 LSB. The 5V version has a typical supply current of 1 mA; the 3V version, 650 µA. Price is $6.40 (1000).

—by Bill Schweber

Linear Technology Corp, Milpitas, CA. (408) 432-1900, fax (408) 434-0507. Circle No. 479