Analog Devices Debuts Integrated Precision DACS for Industrial Automation Systems


- New DACs simplify factory process control and industrial system design by offering improved performance with a high level of control functionality in a compact package.

Norwood, MA(10/8/2007) - Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), a world leader in semiconductors for signal processing applications, today introduced new precision digital-to-analog converters (DACs) that significantly improve the reliability of industrial process control applications in harsh factory environments, including those operating under extreme temperatures or high compliance voltages. The offering includes four 12-bit to 16-bit single-channel DACs that integrate user-programmable current source and voltage output, making them ideally suited for factory process control, distributed control, and smart transmitter systems. By eliminating the need for bulky discrete analog circuitry and mechanical pin-strapped configurations, the DACs reduce board space by as much as 70 percent compared to competing solutions, enabling system design engineers to deliver more cost- and space-efficient industrial equipment.

"Our newest DACs provide a compact and intelligently integrated solution for 4-20 mA transmitters and analog I/O systems, meeting the growing demand for feature-rich, highly reliable programmable automation controllers," said Mike Britchfield, product line director, Precision Data Converters, Analog Devices. "These devices offer industrial designers a high-performance, 16-bit control system that provides excellent drift and stability specifications, while reducing system inaccuracies and cost by eliminating multi-temperature factory calibration sequences."

About the Precision DACs
The new products, which include the AD5422, AD5420, AD5412, and AD5410, leverage the technological advancements enabled by Analog Devices' iCMOS(TM) industrial process technology, allowing them to achieve the high voltages needed by industrial applications. The AD5422 single-channel 16-bit DAC operates from a single 12-V to 48-V supply, or dual ±12 V to ±24 V supplies. The output configuration is software selectable from options of 5 V, 10 V, ±5 V and ±10 V in voltage mode and 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA, and 0-24 mA in current mode. All output spans include an additional over-range setting.

The AD5422 achieves an accuracy level of 0.1 percent TUE (total unadjusted error) while operating in voltage or current mode and includes a precision 5-ppm/ºC internal reference. Internal fault detection circuitry provides hardware and software indication of line faults, such as opens or shorts in cable wiring or remotely located loads. The device also integrates an over-temperature indicator. To sense output voltage, it includes a buffered voltage output with force and sense capability that can compensate for series protection resistors and field-wiring resistance. The on-chip programmable precision output amplifier allows rail-to-rail output swing to be achieved, maximizing dynamic range and enabling the device to deliver the performance needed in a wide variety of industrial applications. Analog outputs can drive capacitive loads up to 1 uF and inductive loads up to 1 H.

The AD5412 is a pin-compatible single-channel 12-bit current source and voltage output DAC. The AD5420 (16-bit) and AD5410 (12-bit) operate in current source mode only. With a single 12 V to 60 V supply, their output configuration is software selectable from 4-20 mA, 0-20 mA and 0-24 mA options.

The new DACs incorporate a 30-MHz serial peripheral interface (SPI), power-on reset and hardware CLR and CLR- select functionality for output control. Each device is fully specified over the industrial temperature range.

Availability and Pricing
All of the devices are housed in 24-lead TSSOP (thin-shrink small-outline) and 40-lead LFCSP (lead-frame chip-scale) packages. Sample units are now available. For more information, visit http://www.analog.com/pr/AD5422.

Product # Resolution/Configuration Compliance Accuracy Price (1K unit)
AD5422 16-bit, 4-20-mA current source & voltage out DAC ±24V 0.1% TUE $4.95
AD5420 16-bit, 4-20-mA current source DAC 12-to-60V 0.1% TUE $4.32
AD5412 12-bit, 4-20-mA current source & voltage out DAC ±24V 0.3% TUE $3.79
AD5410 12-bit, 4-20-mA current source DAC 12-to-60V 0.3% TUE $3.35

Analog Devices in Industrial
Analog Devices has a 40-year heritage of working in concert with its industrial manufacturing customers to define, develop, and deploy complete signal chain solutions that are optimized for their applications. ADI's legacy of supporting the industrial sector's long product life cycles with multi-year manufacturing commitments is augmented by the company's educated sales force, knowledgeable field applications engineers, and advanced design support tools that include evaluation boards and SPICE models.

About Analog Devices
Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker "ADI" and is included in the S&P 500 Index.

1 iCMOS is a trademark of Analog Devices, Inc.

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