Analog Devices Inc. AD8804ARU

Overview

AD8804ARU from Analog Devices is a 12-channel, 8-bit voltage-output digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with independent VREFH and VREFL pins for zero- and full-scale voltage setting, ±1/2 LSB typical DNL, 0.6 µs settling time, and 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface - designed for precision dc voltage trimming in video gain/offset, CRT geometric correction, and portable equipment calibration.

For engineers reviewing the AD8804ARU datasheet, AD8804ARU pinout, AD8804ARU application, or AD8804ARU equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated TSSOP-20 pin mapping, confirmed alternative parts with functional differences, and supply support for volume production in industrial and embedded systems.

Technical Context

The AD8804ARU implements twelve independent R-2R ladder DACs sharing dual reference inputs (VREFH and VREFL), enabling programmable output range from VREFL to VREFH via VO(Dx) = (Dx/256) × (VREFH – VREFL) + VREFL. Each DAC features its own latch updated by a 12-bit serial word (4-bit address + 8-bit data) on positive CLK edges while CS is low.

It supports single +3 V to +5.5 V supply operation, consumes only 10 µA in active mode (CMOS logic levels), and enters shutdown mode (<10 µA IREFH) with latch state retention. Output resistance is 5 kΩ ±20% per channel, matched within ±1.5% between channels, and open-circuited during shutdown.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

TSSOP-20 (RU-20) package: 0.65 mm pitch, 4.4 mm × 6.5 mm body, 1 mm profile - optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable and high-density instrumentation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multichannel DAC applications.

Compared with AD8804ARU, AD8802ARU offers identical pinout and footprint but sacrifices flexible zero-scale adjustment, while MAX5216ETP+ trades VREFL capability and SPI simplicity for higher resolution and I²C compatibility - making AD8804ARU optimal for applications demanding programmable span and minimal MCU resource usage.

Availability

AD8804ARU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for video calibration, CRT correction, portable equipment trim, battery-operated sensor biasing, and industrial analog front-end calibration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for AD8804ARU includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets since 1965.

The AD8804 belongs to Analog Devices' TrimDAC® family - purpose-built for replacing mechanical potentiometers in precision dc voltage adjustment applications with digital programmability, latch retention, and low-power operation.

FAQ

What is the function of the VREFL pin on the AD8804ARU?

The VREFL pin on the AD8804ARU sets the zero-scale output voltage for all 12 DAC channels, enabling user-defined output spans such as 0.5 V to 4.5 V. Unlike the AD8802ARU, the AD8804ARU uses VREFL independently from VREFH, allowing full-scale and zero-scale to be set separately - a key feature for maximizing effective resolution in systems with limited voltage headroom. This functionality is exclusive to AD8804 variants and is not present on AD8802ARU.

Does the AD8804ARU support true rail-to-rail output swing?

The AD8804ARU does not provide true rail-to-rail output swing - its output voltage range is defined strictly by VREFH and VREFL, and it cannot exceed those references. When VREFH = VDD and VREFL = GND, the output spans the full supply range, but internal DAC ladder limitations prevent reaching exactly VDD or GND under load. Measured full-scale output is typically 4.98 V at VDD = 5 V, confirming practical rail-to-rail capability within 20 mV. The AD8804ARU output remains stable and monotonic across this range.

How many bits are required to program a single DAC channel on the AD8804ARU?

A total of 12 bits are required to program one DAC channel on the AD8804ARU: the first 4 bits (MSB-first) form the DAC address (0000 to 1011 for channels O1–O12), and the last 8 bits contain the 8-bit data value (00000000 to 11111111). The serial interface loads these bits while CS is low, and the rising edge of CS decodes the address and updates the target DAC latch. This 12-bit structure is fixed and documented in the AD8804ARU timing diagram and serial-data word format table.

Can the AD8804ARU operate from a 3 V supply?

Yes, the AD8804ARU is fully specified for operation from +2.7 V to +5.5 V, including +3 V ±10%. At VDD = 3 V, logic thresholds adjust accordingly (VIH = 2.1 V min, VIL = 0.6 V max), and supply current remains below 10 µA in CMOS mode. All electrical specifications - including DNL, INL, settling time, and output resistance - are guaranteed across this range. The AD8804ARU maintains full functionality and performance at 3 V, making it suitable for battery-powered applications.

What happens to DAC output states during shutdown mode of the AD8804ARU?

During shutdown mode (SHDN = low), the AD8804ARU disables internal reference current paths and places all 12 DAC outputs in a high-impedance (open-circuit) state - no current flows into or out of O1–O12. Crucially, DAC latch contents are retained, so upon exit from shutdown (SHDN = high), each output resumes its pre-shutdown voltage immediately. This behavior is explicitly guaranteed in the AD8804ARU datasheet and enables seamless power cycling without recalibration.