The MAX551/MAX552 are 12-bit, current-output, 4-quadrant multiplying digital-to-analog converters (DACs). These devices are capable of providing unipolar or bipolar outputs when operating from either a single +5V (MAX551) or +3V (MAX552) power supply. An internal power-on-reset circuit clears all DAC registers on power-up, setting the DAC output voltage to 0V.
The SPI/QSPI and MICROWIRE-compatible 3-wire serial interface saves board space and reduces power dissipation compared with parallel-interface devices. The MAX551/MAX552 feature double-buffered interface logic with a 12-bit input register and a 12-bit DAC register. Data in the DAC register sets the DAC output voltage. Data is loaded into the input register through the serial interface. The active-low LOAD input transfers data from the input register to the DAC register, updating the DAC output voltage. The MAX551/MAX552 are available in an 8-pin DIP package or a space-saving 10-pin µMAX package. The µMAX package provides an asynchronous clear (CLR-bar) input that clears all DAC registers when pulled to GND, setting the output voltage to 0V.
