Texas Instruments DAC81404EVM

Overview

DAC81404EVM from Texas Instruments is a BoosterPack™-form-factor evaluation module designed to characterize the DAC81404 - a 16-bit, quad-channel, buffered voltage-output digital-to-analog converter with ±20-V output range, integrated 2.5-V reference, and per-channel sense pins for IR-drop compensation. It interfaces via SPI with an MSP-EXP432E401Y LaunchPad™ and supports bipolar/unipolar supply configurations up to ±21.5 V.

For engineers reviewing the DAC81404EVM datasheet, DAC81404EVM pinout, DAC81404EVM application, or DAC81404EVM equivalent, this EVM enables rapid functional validation, register-level control, high-current output testing (up to 100 mA), and precision analog output calibration in lab and design verification environments.

Technical Context

The DAC81404EVM implements a complete hardware-software evaluation system centered on the DAC81404 IC. It provides force-sense outputs for all four channels, configurable power domains (AVDD/AVSS up to ±21.5 V), onboard REF6025 2.5-V precision reference, and optional high-current output stage using discrete NPN/PNP transistors.

Hardware communication uses a 4-wire SPI interface routed through standard BoosterPack™ headers (J1/J4), with LDAC, CLR, SYNC, SCLK, SDIN, SDO, and RST signals mapped to LaunchPad™ GPIOs. The GUI software supports immediate and deferred register writes, real-time DAC channel configuration, and full register map access with save/load capability.

Key Specifications

Availability

DAC81404EVM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automated test equipment development, servo motor drive prototyping, analog output module validation, and precision data acquisition system characterization requiring stable component supply and full evaluation support.

Supply support for DAC81404EVM 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, specializing in analog, embedded processing, and power management technologies with over 90 years of innovation in industrial, automotive, and communications applications.

The DAC81404EVM belongs to TI's precision DAC evaluation platform family, engineered to accelerate time-to-test for high-voltage, high-accuracy digital-to-analog conversion in industrial control and test instrumentation systems.

FAQ

What hardware is required to operate the DAC81404EVM?

The DAC81404EVM requires the MSP-EXP432E401Y LaunchPad™ as its host controller - it does not operate standalone. The LaunchPad provides SPI communication, power (3.3 V for IOVDD, 5 V for DVDD), and firmware execution. External power supplies (up to ±21.5 V) must be connected to J17 for AVDD/AVSS, and jumpers (e.g., J11, J14, J18) configure operating mode and high-current output. DAC81404EVM cannot function without these components.

Does the DAC81404EVM support both DAC81404 and DAC61402 devices?

No - the DAC81404EVM is specifically configured for the DAC81404RHB (16-bit, quad-channel). While the BP-DAC61402EVM shares identical board layout and firmware architecture, the DAC81404EVM ships with the DAC81404RHB pre-mounted and its GUI defaults to 4-channel operation. Swapping to DAC61402RHB is physically possible but invalidates calibration, firmware compatibility, and GUI channel mapping - DAC81404EVM is not validated for DAC61402 use.

How is the high-current output stage enabled on the DAC81404EVM?

The DAC81404EVM enables high-current output (up to 100 mA) only on Channel B via discrete transistor stage. To activate it: install jumper J14 (connects DAC_VOUT_B to high-current input), install jumper J18 (loads output with 100 Ω), and remove jumper J21 (disconnects input from DAC_VOUT_B ground path). This configuration bypasses the internal buffer and routes output through Q1/Q2/Q3 transistors - DAC81404EVM documentation explicitly restricts high-current operation to Channel B only.

Can the DAC81404EVM generate bipolar outputs?

Yes - DAC81404EVM supports true bipolar operation (±20 V) by configuring jumper J11 to position 1–2 (bipolar mode), applying AVSS = –21.5 V and AVDD = +21.5 V to J17 pins 5 and 4 respectively, and ensuring AVDD–AVSS ≤ 42 V. The DAC81404 IC itself is specified for –40°C to +125°C operation in bipolar mode, and the EVM's sense pins (VSENSE_N_A–D) maintain accuracy under ground-bounce conditions up to ±12 V.

Is external reference supported on the DAC81404EVM?

Yes - DAC81404EVM supports external 2.5-V reference injection via jumper J16. When J16 is installed (pins 1–2), the external reference connects directly to the DAC's REFIO pin, overriding the onboard REF6025IDGKR. This allows users to evaluate reference sensitivity, noise rejection, or alternate reference sources. The REF6025 remains powered but is electrically isolated from REFIO when J16 is closed - DAC81404EVM's schematic confirms this hard-switched topology.