June 23, 2009 -- Linear Technology Korea (CEO Hong Sa-kwak, www.linear.com ) announced the release of a quad 16-bit current output DAC (product name: LTC2754-16) that achieves ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity (INL) and integral nonlinearity (DNL). All four DACs can be programmed with software or pin-strapped to fit one of six unipolar or bipolar output ranges via a simple 4-wire serial interface.

Software programming capabilities eliminate the need for expensive precision registers, gain stages, and passive jumpers. The LTC2754-16's precision DC specifications and flexible SoftSpan output configuration make it ideal for multi-channel data acquisition modules and automated test equipment. Pin- and software-compatible 12-bit options are also available, facilitating easy switching to different resolutions in the final product.

The LTC2754-16 can output six proprietary software-programmable unipolar and bipolar output ranges up to ±10V. The six SoftSpan output voltage ranges include two unipolar ranges (0V to 5V, 0V to 10V) and four bipolar ranges (±10V, ±5V, ±2.5V, -2.5V to +7.5V). Voltage-controlled offset and gain adjustment pins are included for each DAC, allowing for fine-tuning of each DAC output. The LTC2754-16 operates from a single 2.7V to 5.5V power supply while outputting in 6 SoftSpan ranges and consumes only a maximum power current of 1uA.

The LTC2754-16 offers excellent AC specifications, including a full-scale setup time of just 2 µs, low glitch impulses of 0.26 nV•s with a 3 V power supply, or 1.25 nV•s with a 5 V power supply. The LTC2754-16's 2 MHz multiplying bandwidth and superior AC specifications are key for applications such as waveform generation. High-speed setup and low glitches reduce harmonic distortion, making it possible to generate higher frequency, low-noise output waveforms. The LTC2754-16's serial interface operates at clock speeds up to 40 MHz and enables DAC output range configuration as well as internal register readback functions.

The LTC2754-12 is a pin-compatible 12-bit device available in 16-bit and 12-bit versions in a 7mm x 8mm QFN-52 package. The serial LTC2754 belongs to the family of quad, dual, and single DACs (LTC2755/LTC2753/LTC2751) capable of communicating via parallel I/O. The LTC2754-12 is priced at $9.15 per unit in 1,000-unit quantities, while the LTC2754-16 is priced at $17.85 per unit. Further details are available at www.linear.com .