16-bit quad DAC

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC2754-16, a quad 16-bit current output digital-to-analog converter that achieves ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity and differential nonlinearity.

All four DACs can be software programmed or pin-strapped for one of six unipolar or bipolar output ranges via a simple four-wire serial interface. Software programmability eliminates the need for precision resistors, gain stages and manual jumpers.

The device’s precision DC specifications and flexible SoftSpan output configurability make it suitable for multichannel data acquisition modules and automated test equipment.

A pin- and software-compatible 12-bit option is also available.

The DAC can output six software-programmable unipolar and bipolar output ranges up to ±10 V. The six SoftSpan output voltage ranges include two unipolar ranges (0 to 5 V, 0 to 10 V) and four bipolar ranges (±10, ±5, ±2.5, -2.5 to +7.5 V).

Voltage controlled offset and gain adjustment pins are also included for each DAC, making it possible to finetune each output.

The device outputs any of the six SoftSpan ranges while operating from a single 2.7 to 5.5 V supply and drawing 1 µA maximum.

It also offers good AC specifications, including full-scale settling time of 2 µs and low glitch impulse of 0.26 nV/s with a 3 V supply or 1.25 nV/s with a 5 V supply.