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MAX542
+5V, Serial-Input, Voltage-Output 16-Bit DACs
Single, Serial, Voltage-Output DAC in a SO Package
Maxim Confidential 
MyMaxim SubscriptionsProduct Details
The MAX541/MAX542 are serial-input, voltage-output, 16-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that operate from a single +5V supply. They provide 16-bit performance (±1LSB INL and DNL) over temperature without any adjustments. The DAC output is unbuffered, resulting in a low supply current of 0.3mA and a low offset error of 1LSB.
The DAC output range is 0V to VREF. For bipolar operation, matched scaling resistors are provided in the MAX542 for use with an external precision op amp (such as the MAX400), generating a ±VREF output swing. The MAX542 also includes Kelvin-sense connections for the reference and analog ground pins to reduce layout sensitivity. A 16-bit serial word is used to load data into the DAC latch. The 10MHz, 3-wire serial interface is compatible with SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE, and it also interfaces directly with optocouplers for applications requiring isolation. A power-on reset circuit clears the DAC output to 0V (unipolar mode) when power is initially applied. The MAX541 is available in 8-pin plastic DIP and SO packages. The MAX542 is available in 14-pin plastic DIP and SO packages.
The DAC output range is 0V to VREF. For bipolar operation, matched scaling resistors are provided in the MAX542 for use with an external precision op amp (such as the MAX400), generating a ±VREF output swing. The MAX542 also includes Kelvin-sense connections for the reference and analog ground pins to reduce layout sensitivity. A 16-bit serial word is used to load data into the DAC latch. The 10MHz, 3-wire serial interface is compatible with SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE, and it also interfaces directly with optocouplers for applications requiring isolation. A power-on reset circuit clears the DAC output to 0V (unipolar mode) when power is initially applied. The MAX541 is available in 8-pin plastic DIP and SO packages. The MAX542 is available in 14-pin plastic DIP and SO packages.
Key Features
- Full 16-Bit Performance Without Adjustments
- +5V Single-Supply Operation
- Low Power: 1.5mW
- 1µs Settling Time
- Unbuffered Voltage Output Directly Drives 60-kilohm Loads
- SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-Compatible Serial Interface
- Power-On Reset Circuit Clears DAC Output to 0V (unipolar mode)
- Schmitt Trigger Inputs for Direct Optocoupler Interface
Applications/Uses
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Data Acquisition
- High-Resolution Offset and Gain Adjustment
- Industrial Process Controls
Parametric specs for Precision DACs (< 1MHz)
| Resolution (bits) | 16 |
| # Channels | 1 |
| Interface | Serial - SPI |
| Output Type | Voltage- Unbuffered |
| Reference | Ext. |
| INL (±LSB) (max) | 1 2 4 |
| Supply Range (V) (min) | 4.75 |
| Supply Range (V) (max) | 5.5 |
| ICC (mA) (max) | 1.1 |
| Settling Time (µs) (typ) | 1 |
| Package/Pins | PDIP/14 SOIC (N)/14 |
| Oper. Temp. (°C) | -55 to +125 -40 to +85 0 to +70 |
| Budgetary Price (See Notes) | $10.52 @1k |
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Technical Docs
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Additional Resources
4-20mA Transmitter Design Calculator/Error Analyzer Description
The MAX54X evaluation kit (EV kit) provides a proven design to evaluate the MAX541/MAX542 serial-input, voltage-output, 16-bit digital-to-analog convertors (DACs). The EV kit also includes Windows XP®-, Windows Vista®-, and Windows® 7-compatible software that provides a simple graphical user interface (GUI) for exercising the features of these devices.
The DACs are controlled by an on-board MAXQ® microcontroller, which provides two separate SPI control interfaces.
The EV kit provides an on-board +2.5V high-precision voltage reference (MAX6126). The EV kit also provides precision bipolar and ultra-precision unipolar op amps, the MAX9632 (single) and MAX44251 (dual), respectively.
The EV kit comes with the MAX541AESA+ and a MAX542AESD+ installed; however, it can also be used to evaluate other parts in the same family. Contact the factory for free samples of the pin-compatible devices shown in Table 1 in the full data sheet.
View Details Features
- Provides Both Bipolar and Unipolar Outputs
- On-Board +2.5V High-Precision Voltage Reference
- On-Board Bipolar and Unipolar High-Precision Op Amps
- Proven High-Performance 16-Bit DAC PCB Layout
- High-Speed USB 2.0 USB-PC Connection (Cable Included)
- Windows XP-, Windows Vista-, and Windows 7-Compatible Software
- RoHS Compliant
- Proven PCB Layout
- Fully Assembled and Tested
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Support & Training
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Filtered SearchOur dedicated team of Applications Engineers are also available to answer your technical questions. Visit our support portal
Parameters
Parametric specs for Precision DACs (< 1MHz)
| Resolution (bits) | 16 |
| # Channels | 1 |
| Interface | Serial - SPI |
| Output Type | Voltage- Unbuffered |
| Reference | Ext. |
| INL (±LSB) (max) | 1 2 4 |
| Supply Range (V) (min) | 4.75 |
| Supply Range (V) (max) | 5.5 |
| ICC (mA) (max) | 1.1 |
| Settling Time (µs) (typ) | 1 |
| Package/Pins | PDIP/14 SOIC (N)/14 |
| Oper. Temp. (°C) | -55 to +125 -40 to +85 0 to +70 |
| Budgetary Price (See Notes) | $10.52 @1k |
Key Features
- Full 16-Bit Performance Without Adjustments
- +5V Single-Supply Operation
- Low Power: 1.5mW
- 1µs Settling Time
- Unbuffered Voltage Output Directly Drives 60-kilohm Loads
- SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-Compatible Serial Interface
- Power-On Reset Circuit Clears DAC Output to 0V (unipolar mode)
- Schmitt Trigger Inputs for Direct Optocoupler Interface
Applications/Uses
- Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
- Data Acquisition
- High-Resolution Offset and Gain Adjustment
- Industrial Process Controls
Description
The MAX541/MAX542 are serial-input, voltage-output, 16-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that operate from a single +5V supply. They provide 16-bit performance (±1LSB INL and DNL) over temperature without any adjustments. The DAC output is unbuffered, resulting in a low supply current of 0.3mA and a low offset error of 1LSB.
The DAC output range is 0V to VREF. For bipolar operation, matched scaling resistors are provided in the MAX542 for use with an external precision op amp (such as the MAX400), generating a ±VREF output swing. The MAX542 also includes Kelvin-sense connections for the reference and analog ground pins to reduce layout sensitivity. A 16-bit serial word is used to load data into the DAC latch. The 10MHz, 3-wire serial interface is compatible with SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE, and it also interfaces directly with optocouplers for applications requiring isolation. A power-on reset circuit clears the DAC output to 0V (unipolar mode) when power is initially applied. The MAX541 is available in 8-pin plastic DIP and SO packages. The MAX542 is available in 14-pin plastic DIP and SO packages.
The DAC output range is 0V to VREF. For bipolar operation, matched scaling resistors are provided in the MAX542 for use with an external precision op amp (such as the MAX400), generating a ±VREF output swing. The MAX542 also includes Kelvin-sense connections for the reference and analog ground pins to reduce layout sensitivity. A 16-bit serial word is used to load data into the DAC latch. The 10MHz, 3-wire serial interface is compatible with SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE, and it also interfaces directly with optocouplers for applications requiring isolation. A power-on reset circuit clears the DAC output to 0V (unipolar mode) when power is initially applied. The MAX541 is available in 8-pin plastic DIP and SO packages. The MAX542 is available in 14-pin plastic DIP and SO packages.
Technical Docs
Support & Training
Search our knowledge base for answers to your technical questions.
Filtered SearchOur dedicated team of Applications Engineers are also available to answer your technical questions. Visit our support portal
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