Microchip adds new compact, low-cost, non-volatile Digital-to-Analogue Converters (DACs)

The DACs will enable designers to develop more creative designs while meeting targets for reducing size and cost in consumer applications such as wireless microphones and MP3-player accessories, and in industrial applications including motor control, flow measurement, temperature control and light control.

The integrated EEPROM enables DAC settings to be recalled at power up, for added system flexibility. The choice of 8-, 10- or 12-bit resolution provides flexibility to achieve the right balance of functionality and cost, whilst the buffered output voltage allows a selectable gain of 1 or 2, and provides a rail-to-rail output. Low power consumption of 210 mA extends battery life, and the small packages enable a reduced footprint on the PCB.

To support rapid development of MCP47x6 DACs, the PICtail™ Plus Daughter Board (ADM00317), priced at $24.99, incorporates the 8-bit MCP4706, 10-bit MCP4716, and 12-bit MCP4726. The board allows a connection to either the Explorer 16 Starter Kit (DV164033) for 16-and 32-bit PIC® microcontrollers (MCUs), or the PICkit™ Serial Analyzer (DV164122), for reading and writing to the DAC registers using the PICkit Serial Analyzer PC software.