R-2R Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) Chips
Reviewed by: Scott Orlosky, consulting engineer
Description
An R-2R Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) chip is a type of DAC that uses a resistor ladder network to convert digital signals into analog signals. The resistor ladder consists of resistors with only two values: R and 2R. This configuration simplifies the design and manufacturing process, making R-2R DACs a popular choice for various applications. The R-2R ladder network can be implemented in either voltage-mode or current-mode, depending on the specific requirements of the application.
Working Principle
The working principle of an R-2R DAC involves a series of resistors arranged in a ladder-like configuration. Each bit of the digital input controls a switch that connects the corresponding resistor either to a reference voltage or to ground. The combination of these switches determines the output voltage or current. For example, in a voltage-mode R-2R DAC, the resistors add fractions of the reference voltage to produce the output voltage. In a current-mode R-2R DAC, the resistors split the reference current to produce the output current. The precision of the output depends on the accuracy of the resistor values and the stability of the reference voltage or current.
Applications
R-2R DACs are used in a variety of applications where digital signals need to be converted to analog form. Common applications include audio signal processing, waveform generation, and data acquisition systems. They are also used in communication systems, instrumentation, and control systems where precise analog output is required.
Advantages over other Signal Converter Chips
R-2R DACs offer several advantages over other types of DACs. One of the main advantages is their simplicity and ease of implementation. The use of only two resistor values (R and 2R) reduces the complexity of the design and makes it easier to achieve high precision. Additionally, R-2R DACs are generally less expensive to manufacture compared to other types of DACs, such as binary-weighted DACs. They also offer good linearity and are capable of high-speed operation, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.
Limitations
Despite their advantages, R-2R DACs have some limitations. One of the main limitations is their sensitivity to resistor tolerance. Any variation in the resistor values can lead to errors in the output signal. Additionally, R-2R DACs are typically limited to low resolutions, as achieving high resolution would require extremely precise resistors, which can be difficult and costly to manufacture. Another limitation is that they may require a stable and precise reference voltage or current to ensure accurate output.
Considerations
When designing or selecting an R-2R DAC, several considerations should be taken into account. The accuracy and stability of the resistors are crucial for achieving precise output. The reference voltage or current should also be stable and accurate. Additionally, the operating speed and resolution requirements of the application should be considered, as these factors will influence the choice of DAC architecture. Finally, the overall cost and complexity of the design should be weighed against the performance requirements to ensure that the chosen DAC meets the needs of the application.
from Texas Instruments
Precision 16-Bit, Buffered Voltage-Output DAC 16-WQFN -40 to 105 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: WQFN
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
2 channel 12 bit D-A converter,DAC7612U [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: SOIC; SOIC
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
IC DAC 6BIT V-OUT SC70-6 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: TSSOP; 6-TSSOP, SC-88, SOT-363
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit Digital-to-Converter With 16-Bit Bus Interface 28-PDIP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
1 channel 10bit D-A converter,AD7533LN [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 10
- Package Type: DIP; PDIP; PDIP
- INL: 0.0500
from DigiKey
8 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 4 20-TSSOP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: TSSOP; "20-TSSOP (0.173"", 4.40mm Width)"
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Tube
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit Digital-to-Analog Converter with Serial Data Interface 16-PDIP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
AD7537JNZ [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 12
- Package Type: DIP; PDIP; PDIP
- INL: 1
from DigiKey
8 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 4 20-QFN (4x4) [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: 20-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Tube
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit Digital-to-Analog Converter with 16-Bit Bus Interface 28-PDIP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
12 bit D-A converter,DAC8043U SOIC8 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 12
- Package Type: SOIC; SOIC
- INL: 1
from DigiKey
10 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 8 20-VQFN (5x5) [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: 20-VQFN Exposed Pad
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit Digital-to-Analog Converter with Serial Data Interface 16-PDIP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
8 bit D-A converter,TLC7226CN DIL20 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 8
- Package Type: DIP; PDIP; PDIP
- INL: 1
from DigiKey
DUAL CHANNEL, 8-BIT, VOLATILE, I [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: TSSOP; "8-TSSOP (0.173"", 4.40mm Width)"
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Tape Reel
from Texas Instruments
12-Bit Serial Input Digital-To-Analog Converter 8-PDIP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
DAC,16Bit,Voltage O/P,Serial I/P,DAC7731 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 16
- Package Type: SSOP; SSOP
- INL: 3
from DigiKey
DUAL CHANNEL, 8-BIT, NONVOLATILE [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Tube
from Texas Instruments
Dual, 12-Bit Serial Input Digital-To-Analog Converter 8-SOIC -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
D/A Converter 10-Bit 8-Channel SSOP-B20 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 20
- Package Type: SSOP; SSOP-B
- Resolution: 10
from DigiKey
IC DAC 8BIT V-OUT 10MSOP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: "10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118"", 3.00mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
12-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-To-Analog Converter 24-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SSOP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
1 channel 8 bit D-A converter,TLC7524CN [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 8
- Package Type: DIP; PDIP; PDIP
- INL: 0.5000
from DigiKey
12 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 1 20-SO [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC; "20-SOIC (0.295"", 7.50mm Width)"
- Interface Type: Parallel; Parallel
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
Quad, Serial Input, 12-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-To-Analog Converter 20-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC,SSOP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
1 channel 8bit D-A converter,AD7524JR [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 8
- Package Type: SOIC; SOIC
- INL: 0.5000
from DigiKey
IC DAC 10BIT V-OUT 14SOIC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC; "14-SOIC (0.154"", 3.90mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
Quad, Serial Input, 12-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-To-Analog Converter 20-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC,SSOP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
AD5426YRMZ [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Resolution: 8
- Package Type: MSOP
- INL: 0.2500
from DigiKey
IC DAC 14BIT V-OUT 10UMAX [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: "10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP (0.118"", 3.00mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
Quad, Serial Input, 12-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-To-Analog Converter 20-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC,SSOP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
Multiplying DAC 12-Bit Buff. Latches DIP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Pins: 20
- Package Type: DIP; PDIP; PDIP
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT V-OUT 16QSOP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SSOP; "16-SSOP (0.154"", 3.90mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
Quad, Serial Input, 12-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-To-Analog Converter 20-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC,SSOP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
ADC 2 channel 16bit, AD1866R [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Pins: 16
- Package Type: SOIC; SOIC W
- Resolution: 16
from DigiKey
IC DAC 10BIT V-OUT 8SOIC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC; "8-SOIC (0.154"", 3.90mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
12-Bit, Parallel Input Digital-To-Analog Converter 20-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SSOP
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
DAC,8 BIT,2 WIRE SERIAL,I2C,MAX517BCPA+ [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: DIP; PDIP; PDIP
- Resolution: 8
from DigiKey
IC DAC 14BIT V-OUT 8UMAX [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: TSSOP; "8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118"", 3.00mm Width)"
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
12-Bit Quad Voltage Output Digital-to-Analog Converter 28-PDIP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
MAXIM,MAX517BCSA+ [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: SOIC; SOIC
- Resolution: 8
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT V-OUT 8UMAX [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: TSSOP; "8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118"", 3.00mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
12-Bit Quad Voltage Output Digital-to-Analog Converter 28-PDIP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
I.C. MAX525BCAP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Pins: 20
- Package Type: SSOP; SSOP
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT V-OUT 14SOIC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC; "14-SOIC (0.154"", 3.90mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
Serial Input, 16-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-to-Analog Converter 20-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SSOP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
DAC,12 BIT,SERIAL,V OUTPUT,MAX531BCSD+ [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Pins: 14
- Package Type: SOIC; SOIC
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT V-OUT 16SOIC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC; "16-SOIC (0.295"", 7.50mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit, Dual Voltage Output DAC with Serial Interface 32-LQFP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: LQFP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
MAXIM,MAX5322EAI+ [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 28
- Package Type: SSOP; SSOP
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT DUAL ULP 12-TQFN [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: 12-WQFN Exposed Pad
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI; Microwire
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit, Quad Voltage Output Digital-to-Analog Converter 48-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SSOP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
I.C MAX543ACPA [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R; String
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: DIP; PDIP; PDIP
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
12 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 4 14-TSSOP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: TSSOP; "14-TSSOP (0.173"", 4.40mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-to-Analog Converter 32-TQFP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: TQFP
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
Triple 8-Bit VOutput DACs Serial Int. [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 14
- Package Type: SO
- Resolution: 8
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT V-OUT 10TDFN [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: 10-WFDFN Exposed Pad
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit, Dual Voltage Output DAC with Parallel Interface and Reset to Mid-Scale 32-LQFP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: LQFP
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
2-Wire Serial 8-Bit DACs Outputs [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: SO
- Resolution: 8
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT V-OUT 10TDFN [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: 10-WFDFN Exposed Pad
- Interface Type: Serial; I2C
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16-Bit, Quad Voltage Output Digital-to-Analog Converter 48-SSOP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SSOP
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dual 8-Bit Voltage-Output Serial DAC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: SO
- Resolution: 8
from DigiKey
IC DAC 12BIT V-OUT 20WLP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: 20-WFBGA, WLBGA
- Interface Type: I2C; I2C
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
16 Bit, Quad Voltage Output Digital to Analog Converter 64-LQFP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: LQFP
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
Dual 8-Bit Voltage-Output Serial DAC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: SO
- Resolution: 8
from DigiKey
IC DAC 16BIT V-OUT 32LQFP [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: LFQP; 32-LQFP
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
Digital to Analog Converter, Quad, 16 Bit, 12uS Settling Time, +/- 1 LSB DNL 64-LQFP -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: LQFP
- Interface Type: Parallel
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
Quad 10Bit V-Output DAC Serial Interface [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 20
- Package Type: DIP; DIP
- Resolution: 10
from DigiKey
16 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 1 48-LQFP (7x7) [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: LFQP; 48-LQFP
- Interface Type: Parallel; Parallel
- Packing Method: Cut Tape (CT)
from Texas Instruments
Quad, Serial Input, 12-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-To-Analog Converter 16-SOIC -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
+5V Voltage-Output Serial 12-Bit DACs [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 14
- Package Type: SO
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
12 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 2 16-SOIC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC; "16-SOIC (0.295"", 7.50mm Width)"
- Interface Type: SPI; SPI
- Packing Method: Tube
from Texas Instruments
Quad, Serial Input, 12-Bit, Voltage Output Digital-To-Analog Converter 16-SOIC -40 to 85 [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC
- Interface Type: Serial; SPI
- Screening Level: Catalog
from RS Components, Ltd.
Serial CMOS Multiplying 12-Bit DAC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Pins: 8
- Package Type: DIP; DIP
- Resolution: 12
from DigiKey
12 Bit Digital to Analog Converter 2 24-SOIC [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Package Type: SOIC; "24-SOIC (0.295"", 7.50mm Width)"
- Interface Type: Parallel; Parallel
- Packing Method: Tube
from Universal Semiconductor, Inc.
The USC1841 contains four 8 bit Digital to Analog Converters (DAC), with output amplifiers and digital interface logic and storage for each DAC. Full specified performance is achieved without trim. The chip contains 8 bit latches for each of the four DACs. Data transfer is over a common 8 bit bus... [See More]
- Architecture: R-2R
- Production Status: Full-Production
- Package Type: DIP
- Screening Level: Commercial; Industrial; Military