Analog Devices Inc. DC812A
- Part No.:
- DC812A
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Package:
- Datasheet:
-
DC812A.pdf
- Description:
- EVAL BOARD FOR LTC2606
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Product details
Overview
DC812A from Analog Devices is a 16-bit rail-to-rail voltage-output DAC with I²C interface, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V supply. It delivers ±15mA output drive, guarantees monotonicity over temperature, features double-buffered latches, and includes an asynchronous LDAC pin for precise timing control - used in precision instrumentation and industrial process control systems.
For engineers reviewing the DC812A datasheet, DC812A pinout, DC812A application, or DC812A equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed 16-bit monotonicity, 400kHz I²C compatibility, power-on reset to zero scale, 10-lead DFN package footprint, and mid-scale reset variants (DC812A-1) for bias-sensitive analog chains.
Technical Context
The DC812A implements a 16-bit segmented R-2R + string DAC architecture with integrated rail-to-rail output buffer, supporting both standard (100kHz) and fast-mode (400kHz) I²C communication. Its control logic decodes 3-bit chip address inputs (CA0–CA2) to select among 27 unique slave addresses.
Power-on behavior is configurable: DC812A resets to zero scale; DC812A-1 resets to mid-scale. The LDAC pin enables asynchronous update of the DAC register independent of I²C transaction completion, critical for synchronized multi-DAC systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 16 bits - full 65,536-step analog output granularity with guaranteed monotonicity across –40°C to 85°C. |
| DNL / INL | ±1 LSB / ±4 LSB - ensures no missing codes and predictable transfer function linearity in closed-loop control. |
| I²C Speed | 400 kHz - supports high-throughput configuration in time-critical calibration sequences without CPU overhead. |
| Supply Range | 2.7V to 5.5V - interoperable with 3.3V and 5V logic domains and compatible with wide-input industrial power rails. |
| Output Drive | ±15 mA min - directly drives 2 kΩ loads or low-impedance op-amp inputs without external buffering. |
| Power-Down Current | 1 µA max - enables ultra-low-power sleep states in battery-operated test equipment. |
| Settling Time | 9 µs to ±1 LSB - meets timing requirements for 100 kSPS closed-loop feedback loops. |
Pinout & Package
DC812A is housed in a 10-lead (3mm × 3mm) plastic DFN package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 11), which must be soldered to PCB ground for thermal and electrical integrity.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CA2 (Pin 1) | I²C Address Bit 2 | Selects one of 27 slave addresses via VCC/GND/floating; enables multi-DAC bus sharing without address conflict. |
| SDA (Pin 2) | Serial Data Bidirectional | Open-drain I²C data line requiring external pull-up; supports standard/fast-mode clocking and ACK handshake. |
| SCL (Pin 3) | Serial Clock Input | High-impedance I²C clock input; timing-critical for byte synchronization and glitch-free register updates. |
| CA0 (Pin 4) | I²C Address Bit 0 | Part of 3-bit hardware address encoding; eliminates need for software-configurable address registers. |
| CA1 (Pin 5) | I²C Address Bit 1 | Enables deterministic, collision-free I²C addressing in dense sensor/actuator networks. |
| REF (Pin 6) | Reference Voltage Input | Accepts 0V to VCC reference; sets full-scale output range (e.g., 0–4.096V with external precision reference). |
| VOUT (Pin 7) | Analog Voltage Output | Rail-to-rail buffered output capable of sourcing/sinking ±15 mA; drives capacitive loads up to 1000 pF. |
| GND (Pin 8) | Analog Ground | Primary return path for DAC core and output buffer; must be low-impedance and separated from digital ground. |
| VCC (Pin 9) | Positive Supply | Single 2.7–5.5V supply powers DAC core, I²C interface, and output amplifier - no separate AVDD/DVDD required. |
| LDAC (Pin 10) | Asynchronous Update | Falling-edge-triggered latch control; allows synchronous update of multiple DC812A devices from a common signal. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 27-Address I²C Configuration | Hardware-selectable slave address eliminates firmware address management and enables plug-and-play DAC expansion. |
| Zero-Scale Power-On Reset | Ensures safe startup in systems where non-zero DAC output could trigger unintended actuator motion or relay closure. |
| Double-Buffered Registers | Separates input loading from output update - prevents intermediate code glitches during multi-byte writes. |
| 1 µA Power-Down Mode | Reduces system standby power in portable ATE and handheld calibrators without losing register state. |
| ±15 mA Rail-to-Rail Output | Directly interfaces with op-amps, transducers, and current-sense resistors - eliminates external output buffers in most applications. |
Applications
| Process Control Loops | Automated Test Equipment |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Generating precise 4–20 mA loop current setpoints via voltage-to-current converter in PLC analog output modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy voltage reference source for current-sense amplifier feedback; updated at 100 Hz via I²C under RTOS scheduling. Use Value: 16-bit resolution enables sub-μA current step resolution (e.g., 0.16 μA/LSB at 20 mA full scale), improving PID controller stability. | Use Scenario: Calibrating multimeter front-end gain stages using programmable reference voltages during self-test sequences. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-settling voltage source synchronized to test sequencer via LDAC; updated only on command, not continuously. Use Value: 9 µs settling time and ±1 LSB DNL ensure measurement accuracy within 0.0015% FSR - meeting Class I metrology standards. |
| Industrial Sensor Excitation | Medical Instrumentation |
Use Scenario: Providing stable, low-noise excitation voltage to precision bridge sensors (e.g., load cells, pressure transducers) in weigh scales. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-drift, rail-to-rail voltage source referenced to same VREF as ADC - enabling ratiometric measurement. Use Value: 0.125 LSB/mA load regulation error minimizes span shift when sensor impedance varies with temperature. | Use Scenario: Setting bias points for EEG/ECG amplifier gain stages and filter cutoffs in portable patient monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power, low-glitch DAC for analog front-end configuration; powered down between patient measurements. Use Value: 1 µA shutdown current extends battery life in Class II medical devices while preserving calibration state across sleep cycles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar DAC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MCP4725 | 12-bit resolution, internal VREF, no LDAC pin, 3.3V-only supply | Limited to lower-precision consumer-grade systems; lacks asynchronous update for synchronized multi-channel use | Choose when cost sensitivity outweighs resolution and timing control requirements |
| AD5662 | 16-bit, SPI interface, 2.7–5.5V, includes internal 2.5V reference, no CA-pin address selection | Requires SPI host resources and external address decoding logic; better for single-DAC, high-integration SoC designs | Prefer when SPI is already dominant in system architecture and board space permits discrete address logic |
Compared with MCP4725 and AD5662, DC812A uniquely combines I²C address flexibility, LDAC synchronization, and guaranteed 16-bit monotonicity in a 3×3 mm DFN - making it optimal for space-constrained, multi-DAC industrial control nodes requiring deterministic timing and zero-glitch startup.
Availability
DC812A is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, automated test equipment, precision instrumentation, and medical device calibration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges (–40°C to 85°C).
Supply support for DC812A 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.
The DC812A belongs to the LTC26xx family of precision rail-to-rail DACs designed specifically for applications demanding high DC accuracy, low power, and robust digital interface reliability in harsh industrial environments.
FAQ
What is the power-on behavior of the DC812A?
The DC812A performs a power-on reset to zero scale: its VOUT rises less than 10 mV above ground during supply ramp-up and remains at 0 V until the first valid I²C write-and-update command executes. This behavior prevents spurious outputs in safety-critical analog chains. The variant DC812A-1 resets to mid-scale instead, supporting bias-point initialization in AC-coupled signal paths.
Does DC812A support true 16-bit monotonicity across temperature?
Yes, DC812A guarantees 16-bit monotonicity over the full operating temperature range (–40°C to 85°C). This is verified per datasheet specification and ensures no missing codes across all temperatures - essential for closed-loop control systems where non-monotonic behavior could cause instability or limit-cycle oscillation.
How does the LDAC pin function in DC812A?
The LDAC pin on DC812A provides asynchronous DAC register update: a falling edge triggers immediate transfer of data from the input register to the DAC register and initiates analog output conversion. This allows precise synchronization across multiple DC812A devices using a shared LDAC signal - independent of I²C bus timing or transaction completion.
Can DC812A operate with a 3.3V supply and 2.048V reference?
Yes, DC812A operates with VCC = 3.3V and VREF = 2.048V. Its specified performance includes load regulation, DNL, and settling time under these conditions. At 3.3V, supply current is 270 µA typical, and power-down current remains ≤1 µA - making it suitable for low-voltage portable instrumentation.
What package type and thermal considerations apply to DC812A?
DC812A uses a 10-lead 3mm × 3mm plastic DFN package with exposed thermal pad (Pin 11). That pad must be soldered to a PCB ground plane for thermal dissipation and noise immunity. Junction-to-ambient thermal resistance is θJA = 43°C/W; proper pad layout and copper area are required to maintain operation within 125°C maximum junction temperature.
DC812A Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Packaging:
- Box
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of DAC's:
- 1
- Number of Bits:
- 16
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- -
- Data Interface:
- I2C
- Settling Time:
- 10 µs
- DAC Type:
- Voltage
- Utilized IC / Part:
- LTC2606
- Contents:
- Board(s)
DC812A FAQ
1.How can I place an order for DC812A through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for DC812A on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for DC812A reliable?
The price and inventory of DC812A are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for DC812A is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for DC812A?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for DC812A transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for DC812A?
DC812A orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your DC812A order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for DC812A?
For technical support, including DC812A datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your DC812A requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that DC812A is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All DC812A products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that DC812A meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of DC812A?
All DC812A units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with DC812A, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The DC812A part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for DC812A:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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