Microchip has announced low-power DACs that self-configure at power-up, using internal non-volatile memory instead of host processor intervention.

Microchip-MCP47-48FxBx8-nonVol-DACs

They are DACs with multiple channels, built-in EEPROM, a built-in reference and an I2C interface:

• MCP47FEBx4 quad channel
• MCP47FEBx8 octo channel

MCP48 parts have similar functions, but with SPI replacing the I2C interface.

There are 8bit, 10bit or 12bit parts

• MCP47FEB0x 8bit ADCs
• MCP47FEB1x 10bit ADCs
• MCP47FEB2x 12bit ADCs

“Handhelds and other portable systems are expected to deliver more capabilities in smaller, simpler designs,” said company v-p Bryan Liddiard. “We help achieve this goal with the first DACs that eliminate processor overhead during power-up and provide the channel density, low power consumption and integrated features.”

Microchip-MCP47-48FxBx8-nonVol-DACs

EEPROM configurable parameters include: reference source (internal, external or Vdd), power-saving-mode output load (125kΩ, 1kΩ or open), initial output value (full scale, mid scale or zero) and output gain (x1 or x2).

Standard operation is over -40 to +125°C and 2.7V to 5.5V. The serial interface works down to 1.8V (as do the DACs with reduced performance)

EEPROM write is available at normal operating voltage, then a ~9V write option allows various parameters to be set so that they cannot be altered at normal operating voltages – this is branded ‘wiperlock’ – see table 4.4 in the data sheet.

Operating current is typically 1mA for quad channel parts and 1.8mA for octo parts. Both power down to 680nA and consume 2.7mA during EEPROM write.

If power-up self-configuration is not required, there are similar RAM-based devices identified by FV instead of FE in the middle of the part number.

Packaging is 5 x 5mm 20 lead VQFN with exposed thermal pad or 20 lead TSSOP.