STMicroelectronics RH-DAC121K1
- Part No.:
- RH-DAC121K1
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Category:
- Digital to Analog Converters (DAC)
- Package:
- 10-CFlatpack
- Datasheet:
-
RH-DAC121K1.pdf
- Description:
- RAD-HARD, 12-BIT D/A CONVERTER
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,569
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Product details
Overview
RH-DAC121K1 from STMicroelectronics is a rad-hard, 12-bit voltage-output digital-to-analog converter with rail-to-rail output swing, internal voltage reference, and SPI-compatible 3-wire serial interface operating up to 20 MHz. It delivers monotonic performance across -55 °C to +125 °C, features power-on reset to 0 V output, and supports power-down modes with 0.5–80 µA supply current. Used in satellite telemetry and spacecraft housekeeping systems requiring radiation tolerance.
For engineers reviewing the RH-DAC121K1 datasheet, RH-DAC121K1 pinout, RH-DAC121K1 application, or RH-DAC121K1 equivalent, key selection criteria include total ionizing dose (100 krad(Si)), SEL immunity (125 MeV·cm²/mg), hermetic Flat-10 package, guaranteed monotonicity over full temperature range, and rail-to-rail output drive capability at 2.3–3.6 V supply.
Technical Context
The RH-DAC121K1 implements a segmented 12-bit DAC architecture with internal buffered rail-to-rail output stage and integrated 2.5 V reference. Its serial interface uses falling-edge clocking on SCLK with SYNC/ frame synchronization, supporting 16-bit word transfers and interrupt-driven early termination.
Power management includes four selectable power-down states (normal, 5 kΩ-to-GND, 100 kΩ-to-GND, high-impedance), enabling precise leakage control in standby. Radiation hardening is achieved via QML-V qualification per MIL-STD-883 TM 1019, with full characterization at high-dose rates (50–300 rad/s) and SEL immunity verified at 125 °C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit with no missing codes across -55 °C to +125 °C - ensures monotonic analog output for closed-loop control in extreme environments. |
| INL / DNL | ±4 LSB INL (end-point), ±0.7 LSB DNL - maintains linearity critical for precision telemetry signal reconstruction. |
| Output Range | Rail-to-rail voltage output (0 V to VCC) - enables full dynamic range utilization without external level-shifting. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.3 V to 3.6 V - compatible with modern low-voltage spacecraft power buses and reduces system-level power conversion complexity. |
| Settling Time | 3.2–13 µs (CL = 200–500 pF) - supports fast update rates in real-time housekeeping monitoring loops. |
| Radiation Tolerance | 100 krad(Si) TID, SEL immune up to 125 MeV·cm²/mg - qualified for long-duration LEO/GEO missions without derating. |
| Interface Speed | Up to 20 MHz SCLK - enables 50 ns minimum clock period for high-throughput configuration and data loading. |
| Operating Temp | -55 °C to +125 °C ambient - validated for direct mounting on satellite chassis without thermal shielding. |
Pinout & Package
Package: Hermetic ceramic Flat-10 (SMD 5962R21208), grounded metallic lid electrically connected to Pin 5. Dimensions: 6.35 × 6.35 × 2.44 mm (L × W × H), mass 0.42 g.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VCC | Power supply and reference input | Must be decoupled to GND; supplies internal reference and logic; defines full-scale output range. |
| VOUT | Analog voltage output | Rail-to-rail buffered output; drives capacitive loads up to 500 pF with <13 µs settling time. |
| GND | Ground reference | Common return for analog and digital circuitry; required for accurate offset and gain performance. |
| DIN | Serial data input | MSB-first 16-bit data stream clocked on falling SCLK edges after SYNC/ assertion. |
| SCLK | Serial clock input | Falling-edge triggered; supports 1–20 MHz operation; timing-critical for setup/hold compliance. |
| SYNC/ | Frame synchronization input | Active-low enable; rising edge acts as write abort interrupt; synchronizes 16-bit word transfer. |
| NC (Pins 2, 3, 5, 6) | No-connect terminals | Pins 2, 3, 6 unconnected; Pin 5 internally tied to metallic lid - may be left floating or grounded for charge dissipation. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Rad-hard QML-V qualification | Fully compliant with MIL-STD-883 TM 1019 for TID and heavy-ion testing - eliminates need for system-level radiation mitigation overhead. |
| Power-on reset to 0 V | Guaranteed zero-volt output at power-up - prevents spurious actuator movement or sensor bias during cold start. |
| Four power-down modes | Selectable 5 kΩ/100 kΩ pull-down or high-Z output - enables configurable leakage control for battery-constrained subsystems. |
| Internal voltage reference | Stable 2.5 V reference with -0.7 ppm/°C tempco - removes external reference component and associated board space, noise, and calibration burden. |
| Low quiescent current | 110–180 µA active mode, 0.5–1 µA deep power-down - extends mission lifetime in energy-limited platforms. |
| Hermetic Flat-10 package | Sealed ceramic construction with grounded lid - ensures long-term reliability in vacuum and atomic oxygen environments. |
Applications
| Telemetry Signal Generation | Satellite Housekeeping Control |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Converting digital health metrics (voltage, temperature, current) into analog signals for downlink analog telemetry channels. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision voltage-output DAC generating calibrated DC levels representing subsystem status parameters. Use Value: 12-bit resolution and ±4 LSB INL ensure sub-1% accuracy in parameter reporting across orbital thermal cycles. |
Use Scenario: Driving analog inputs of spacecraft power management units (PMUs) for regulated bus voltage trimming and load switching thresholds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Rail-to-rail output DAC setting reference voltages for comparator-based fault detection circuits. Use Value: 0 V to VCC output range matches PMU input common-mode requirements without external op-amps or level shifters. |
| Onboard Sensor Calibration | Radiation-Hardened Test Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: Providing programmable bias voltages to onboard radiation monitors and particle detectors during in-orbit calibration sequences. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Stable, monotonic DAC supplying precision reference offsets to front-end amplifiers and ADC drivers. Use Value: Guaranteed monotonicity and -20 µV/°C zero-code drift prevent calibration errors under thermal cycling between eclipse and sunlit orbits. |
Use Scenario: Embedded in ground-support test fixtures used to validate rad-hard components prior to integration into flight hardware. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability DAC generating known analog stimuli for functional verification of rad-hard analog ICs. Use Value: 100 krad(Si) TID rating allows extended use in radiation test chambers without degradation or recalibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar radiation-tolerant DAC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD5541A-EP | 16-bit resolution, no internal reference, requires external 2.5 V reference; 100 krad(Si) TID but SEL not specified | Lacks integrated reference and SYNC/ interrupt; higher resolution but larger package (LCC-20) | Choose when >12-bit precision is mandatory and external reference design is acceptable. |
| MAX5177ASEA+ | 12-bit, internal reference, but only 30 krad(Si) TID rating and commercial temp range (-40 °C to +85 °C) | Not qualified for spaceflight; suitable only for ground-test or non-critical subsystems | Use only for prototyping or non-flight hardware where radiation tolerance is not required. |
Compared with AD5541A-EP and MAX5177ASEA+, RH-DAC121K1 uniquely combines QML-V certification, integrated reference, SYNC/ interrupt capability, and hermetic Flat-10 packaging - making it the only drop-in solution for flight-critical telemetry and housekeeping functions in radiation-intensive orbits.
Availability
RH-DAC121K1 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for satellite telemetry, spacecraft housekeeping, and radiation-hardened test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended mission lifetimes and extreme thermal environments.
Supply support for RH-DAC121K1 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
STMicroelectronics is a global semiconductor leader specializing in automotive, industrial, and aerospace-grade ICs, with dedicated rad-hard product lines certified to QML-V and ESA ESCC standards.
RH-DAC121K1 belongs to ST's RHR (Radiation-Hardened) DAC family, designed specifically for precision analog signal generation in spaceborne systems where reliability, radiation resilience, and hermetic packaging are non-negotiable.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the RH-DAC121K1 serial interface?
The RH-DAC121K1 supports SCLK frequencies up to 20 MHz, with minimum clock period of 50 ns and strict timing requirements: tSUCL = 0 ns, tSUD = 6 ns, tDHD = 4.5 ns. This enables high-speed configuration and data loading while maintaining robust operation in noisy spacecraft environments.
How does the SYNC/ pin function during normal operation and interrupt mode?
SYNC/ is an active-low frame synchronization input. When pulled low, it enables the 16-bit shift register; data is clocked in on falling SCLK edges. If SYNC/ rises before the 16th clock, the rising edge acts as an interrupt and the incomplete write is discarded - preventing partial updates that could cause transient output glitches.
Is Pin 5 (NC) required to be grounded in the RH-DAC121K1 layout?
Pin 5 is internally connected to the metallic upper lid and may be left unconnected or tied to GND. Grounding Pin 5 provides a path to sink electrostatic charges accumulated on the lid in vacuum environments, improving long-term reliability - recommended for flight designs but not mandatory for functionality.
What power-down modes are available, and how do they affect output impedance?
The RH-DAC121K1 offers four power-down modes: normal operation, 5 kΩ-to-GND, 100 kΩ-to-GND, and high-impedance. In 5 kΩ and 100 kΩ modes, the output is actively pulled to GND with defined resistance; in high-Z mode, output impedance exceeds 1 MΩ - enabling safe sharing of analog nodes with other sources.
RH-DAC121K1 Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- STMicroelectronics
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 10-CFlatpack
- Packaging:
- Strip
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- -
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Number of D/A Converters:
- 1
- Settling Time:
- 13µs
- Output Type:
- Voltage - Buffered
- Differential Output:
- No
- Data Interface:
- SPI
- Reference Type:
- Internal
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 2.3V ~ 3.6V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 2.3V ~ 3.6V
- INL/DNL (LSB):
- ±4 (Max), ±0.7 (Max)
- Architecture:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -55°C ~ 125°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 10-CFlatpack
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
RH-DAC121K1 FAQ
1.How can I place an order for RH-DAC121K1 through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for RH-DAC121K1 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 RH-DAC121K1 reliable?
The price and inventory of RH-DAC121K1 are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for RH-DAC121K1 is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for RH-DAC121K1?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for RH-DAC121K1 transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for RH-DAC121K1?
RH-DAC121K1 orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your RH-DAC121K1 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 RH-DAC121K1?
For technical support, including RH-DAC121K1 datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your RH-DAC121K1 requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that RH-DAC121K1 is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All RH-DAC121K1 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 RH-DAC121K1 meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of RH-DAC121K1?
All RH-DAC121K1 units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with RH-DAC121K1, 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 RH-DAC121K1 part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for RH-DAC121K1:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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