DAC60501: Please recommend a comprehensive DAC solution

Hi Steve, 

We don't have many negative output DACs that support I2C, and we don't have many DACs that support 45mA. 

You'll need an external op amp to achieve the bipolar output and additional current drive. 

Both of these articles should help:

Unipolar voltage output DAC to bipolar voltage output circuit (Rev. A)

High-current voltage output circuit using a precision DAC (Rev. A)

You can likely find an op amp that'll support the 45mA and just follow the first article for the bipolar output, or you can follow the second article which shows how to get up to 10A of current using an external transistor. 

The DAC60501 that you shared is a good choice. DAC53701 would also work, though you wouldn't be able to use the internal reference for the circuit shown in the first article. 

Best,

Katlynne Jones

Hi Katlynne,

Thank you for the information provided earlier. We would like to further discuss this topic in more detail.

We are currently planning to use two DACs to generate a single bipolar voltage output ranging from -2.5V to +2.5V. We prefer to use the internal reference of the DACs and avoid relying on any external reference voltage source.

After post-processing through an amplifier or buffer stage, our goal is to maintain the final VOUT signals (VOUT_P / VOUT_N) within the same -2.5V to +2.5V range, while supporting an output current of at least 100mA (IOUT ≥ 100mA).

We already have a preliminary circuit design, and we would like to confirm whether this architecture is feasible. Additionally, we would greatly appreciate your recommendations on the appropriate circuit topology and suitable component selection (such as DACs, amplifiers, etc.) that could help us meet these requirements.

Hi Steve, 

Are you looking for a bipolar output? Or are you looking for a differential output with both VOUT_P and VOUT_N having a full-scale range of 0 to 2.5V with the differential range between VOUT_P and VOUT_N being -2.5V to +2.5V? 

I'd recommend DAC60502. You get the internal reference, and since both DACs are in the same device they will operate off of the same reference. We have power op amps that can support up to 100mA of current. Or you can use a precision op amp and use the circuit you've shared to achieve the high current. Do you have a preference there? 

Best,

Katlynne Jones

Hi Katlynne,

We are currently planning to use a differential output approach, where two DACs individually control VOUT_P and VOUT_N to achieve an adjustable voltage range from -2.5V to +2.5V.
If we use power op amps, could you provide a complete reference circuit, including the required passive component values?
*We expect VDAC to be equal to VOUT_P/N in voltage, with the main difference being that the output current (IOUT) needs to exceed 100mA.

Thanks.

Hi Steve,

Best,

Katlynne Jones