The 16-bit DAC81404 and 12-bit DAC61404 (DACx1404) are pin-compatible, quad-channel, high-voltage output, digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The DACx1404 consist of an R-2R-based ladder followed by an output buffer. The devices also include a precision reference and a reference buffer. The R-2R-based ladder is production trimmed to provide monotonicity and a linearity of ±1 LSB. The devices are also optimized to reduce the code-to-code change glitch to less than 2 nV-s.

The DACx1404 output amplifier provides bipolar voltage outputs up to ±20 V, and unipolar voltage outputs up to 40 V. Each output channel includes sense pins to eliminate the IR drop across load connections, and sense a difference of up to ±12 V between the load and DAC grounds. Alternatively, the sense pins can also be used for output offset adjustment. An external capacitor compensation pin is also provided to stabilize the output amplifier for high capacitive loads.

Communication to the DACx1404 is performed through a 4-wire serial interface that supports stand-alone and daisy-chain operation. An optional frame-error check provides added robustness to the device serial interface.

The DACx1404 incorporate a power-on-reset circuit that connects the DAC outputs to ground at power up. The outputs remain in this mode until the device is properly configured for operation. The devices include additional reliability features such as short-circuit protection and a thermal alarm.