The most high-performance audio applications in the market are designed with delta-sigma DAC as compared to multiplying DAC or R-2R ladder network DACs with 16 to 18-bit resolution.

As discussed earlier, the delta sigma DAC had the benefit of improving the dynamic performance of the audio DACs, which were being limited by the achievable precision of the R-2R designs.

However, delta-sigma designs introduce noise on the output due to their high-frequency switching called “out-of-band noise”. This noise is generally out of the audible range but does result in the need for output filtering.

The DAC11001B features a flat noise density, which means that the out-of-band noise is much lower than a delta-sigma DAC. In addition, its advanced track-and-hold features result in a low output glitch which is input code independent.

This new technology allows designers to challenge the assumption that precision DACs are inadequate in high-fidelity audio applications.