Before selecting a DAC, assess the absolute system
requirements:
-
What are the key specifications? – Output voltage range, current drive capability,
current drive, and communication interface are important considerations.
- Is a high resolution necessary? –
Some applications achieve sufficient performance with lower bit resolutions, reducing the
DAC power and cost.
-
What is the bandwidth of the DAC? – The minimum time needed for DAC output changes
is related to output slew rate limitations and settling time.
-
What integrated features reduce system complexity? – Integrated voltage reference,
diagnostic features such as output monitoring and STATUS alarms, or integrated
analog-to-digital converters (ADC) can simplify the design and reduce bill-of material
(BOM).
-
What device rating does the target industry
require? – AEC-Q100 for automotive (Q1) or radiation
hardened for space applications (SP).