Low-Power DACs prolong battery life in portable applications.

Press Release Summary:



Suited for portable applications, 2-wire sensors, and motor control in robotics, 14-bit MAX5214 and 16-bit MAX5216 are DACs with respective accuracies of ±0.25 and ±1 LSB INL that consume 80 µA max in operation mode and 0.4 µA in power-down mode. Programmable, single-channel solutions, supplied in 8-pin uMAX® package and rated for -40 to +105°C operation, integrate internal buffer that reduces required number of external components in system design as well as space required on PCB.



Original Press Release:



Extremely Low-Power DACs Prolong Battery Life in Portable Applications and Circuits Where Power Efficiencies are of Concern



  • The MAX5214 and MAX5216 are precision digital-to-analog converters (DACs) with 14-bit and 16-bit resolution, respectively.
  • With the lowest power consumption in their class, 80microamps in operation mode (max) and 0.4microamps in power-down mode, these DACs prolong battery life and improve the system power budget.
  • Their accuracy of ±0.25 LSB (MAX5214) and ±1 LSB (MAX5216) INL is also the best in their class.
  • These DACs are ideal for portable applications, 2-wire sensors, and motor control in robotics.

    Extremely low-power DACs prolong battery life in portable applications and circuits where power efficiencies are of concern

    Best-in-class accuracy is ideal for high-precision systems like motor controllers in robotic applications.

    SUNNYVALE, CA-Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) introduces the MAX5214 (14-bit) and MAX5216 (16-bit) digital-to-analog converters (DACs). With power consumption less than 80microamps IQ, these DACs prolong battery life in portable applications. Best-in-class accuracy, a small package size, and the low current consumption and make these devices equally attractive in 2-wire sensors where low current levels must be measured and power efficiency is important.

    While the MAX5214/MAX5216 single-channel DACs already have extremely low power consumption, programmability adds flexibility and efficiency to power usage. Power consumption can be reduced further by writing the power-down sequence into the device registers. This makes the devices applicable for systems with limited power budgets such as portable glucose meters. In these cases, the devices can be powered-on to perform the required tasks with 80microamps of current consumption in operation mode and then powered down to reduce the electrical current consumption to 0.4microamps. Additionally, on power-up, the MAX5214/MAX5216 reset the DAC output to zero, providing extra safety for applications that drive valves or other transducers that need to be off on power-up.

    These DACs are the best in their class for accuracy and precision. The MAX5214 and MAX5216 provide ±0.25 LSB and ±1 LSB of integral nonlinearity (INL), respectively, over their wide resolution spectrum. They are ideal for high-performance systems executing repetitive tasks in numerous counts that demand the same high precision and accuracy each time. Motor controllers in robotic applications are a typical example.

    The MAX5214/MAX5216 integrate an internal buffer, which reduces both the number of external components needed in the system design and the total space required on the PCB. Buffer integration also simplifies design in.

    The MAX5214/MAX5216 operate efficiently in industrial environments from -40 degrees Celsius to +105 degrees Celsius. Both devices are offered in a compact 8-pin uMAX(R) package. Pricing starts at $3.89 (1000-up, FOB USA).

    Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 6400 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets.

    Maxim reported revenue of approximately $2.0 billion for fiscal 2010. A Fortune 1000 company, Maxim is included in the Nasdaq 100, the Russell 1000, and the MSCI USA indices. For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.

    uMAX is a registered trademark of Maxim Integrated Products, Inc.

    DATA SHEET: A Data Sheet for these products is available on the web.
    http://www.maxim-ic.com/MAX5214

    Drew Ehrlich
    Senior Public Relations Specialist
    Maxim Integrated Products
    Email: drew.ehrlich@maxim-ic.com
    Phone: 408-331-4252
    Fax: 408-331-4132
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