• The MAX5661 is the industry's first complete 16-bit voltage- or current-output DAC with integrated high-voltage amplifiers and pass transistors.
• Due to the industry's highest level of integration, the MAX5661 saves both board space and design time.
• Board space and design time are saved by incorporating a voltage-output amplifier, current-output amplifier, and pass transistors.
• The MAX5661 is ideal for 4–20mA and/or bipolar/unipolar voltage-output applications.

16-Bit Industrial DAC Has Voltage-/Current-Output Amplifiers and Pass Transistor

SUNNYVALE, CA—February 18, 2009—Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX5661 16-bit, industrial digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with two precision, high-voltage output circuits. This DAC features unprecedented integration by incorporating a voltage-output amplifier, current-output amplifier, and pass transistors on the same silicon.

The dual-range voltage-output amplifier provides a voltage proportional to the DAC value and provides either a 0 to 10V or -10V to +10V output. The current-output amplifier, also dual-range, sources a current that is proportional to the DAC value, and can source either 0–20mA or 4–20mA of current. Both the voltage and current outputs have 25% overrange capability.

The MAX5661 was designed specifically for the industrial market, and contains many features that simplify the design of programmable logic controller (PLC) modules. The integrated voltage amplifier and voltage-to-current converter eliminate the need for additional precision resistors and for matched resistors that track well over temperature. Gain resistors are terminated outside the package, which allows for simple surge and transient protection without affecting accuracy. Load-fault detection is also integrated. If an open-circuit occurs on the current output or if a short-circuit occurs on the voltage output, the open-drain fault pin will be pulled low. The status of the fault bits is available through the SPI™ interface. To meet possible PLC legacy requirements, the outputs can drive 1.2µF capacitive loads or 1H inductive loads. Power for the current output comes from a separate supply pin, thus allowing the sourced current to be provided by either the system supplies or by a 12V to 40V (24V nominal) external supply. Finally, the 10MHz SPI interface has daisy-chain capability, which minimizes the number of optocouplers required for isolated, multiple-output modules.

The MAX5661 is available in a 10mm x 10mm, 64-pin TQFP package. Pricing for the MAX5661 starts at $5.50 (1000-up, FOB USA).

Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company reported revenue in excess of $2 billion for fiscal 2008. Maxim was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 5900 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets.