16-bit DAC from ADI for remote industrial applications

Analog Devices has introduced the AD5421 DAC, a precision 16-bit DAC (digital-to-analog converter) with on-board power management circuitry designed for loop-powered, smart transmitter applications used in industrial equipment. Smart transmitters are microprocessor-based field instruments that monitor process control variables, including temperature, mass flow rate, and pressure. They are typically located in hazardous or remote areas and enable two-way communication via the 4-to-20 mA analog loop by using additional communication protocols.

The AD5421 DAC is a loop powered, digital to 4-to-20 mA transmitter that ADI claims consumes 50 percent less power and offers a 55 percent footprint saving over competing offerings. It has a programmable voltage regulation circuitry. It is suggested for supplementary functions such as extra communication protocols to enhance network connectivity and display screens to improve system interfacing. It is said to offer high linearity and low drift performance thus eliminating the need for multiple, costly calibration routines. The AD5421 consists of a voltage regulator, which is commonly used to power itself and other devices in the smart transmitter. The regulator provides a programmable 1.8-V to 12-V output voltage. The device also contains 1.25-V and 2.5-V references. It consumes 250 µA of quiescent current, offers 0.05 percent maximum TUE (Total Unadjusted Error) and 5ppm (parts per million) drift performance. It can be used with standard HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer) protocol circuitry and offers NAMUR compliant output ranges.

"The low power consumption and intelligent power management circuitry of the AD5421 DAC preserve the system power budget and enable the development of high-performance, feature-rich smart transmitters," said Donal Geraghty, product line director, Converter Group, Analog Devices. "The new DAC meets the productivity demands of the process control industry by improving the accuracy and repeatability of smart transmitters operating in harsh factory environments."

Operating temperature range: -40deg C to +105deg C

Pricing and Availability

Product Sample
Availability Price Each
per 1,000 Package

AD5421 Now $4.52 9.7 mm × 4.4 mm 28-lead TSSOP
(thin-shrink small-outline package)

5 mm × 5 mm 32-lead LFCSP
(lead frame chip scale package)

For more information visit: http://www.analog.com/pr/AD5421