MAX509/MAX510
Quad, Serial 8-Bit DACs
with Rail-to-Rail Outputs
14 ______________________________________________________________________________________
If multiple devices share a common DIN line, Figure 7's
configuration provides simultaneous update by strob-
ing LDAC low. CS1, CS2, CS3... are driven separately,
thus controlling which data are written to devices 1, 2, 3....
Analog Section
DAC Operation
The MAX509/MAX510 contain four matched voltage-
output DACs. The DACs are inverted R-2R ladder net-
works that convert 8-bit digital words into equivalent
analog output voltages in proportion to the applied ref-
erence voltages. Each DAC in the MAX509 has a sepa-
rate reference input, while the two reference inputs in
the MAX510 each share a pair of DACs. The two refer-
ence inputs permit different full-scale output voltage
ranges for each pair of DACs. A simplified diagram of
one of the four DACs is shown in Figure 8.
Reference Input
The MAX509/MAX510 can be used for multiplying
applications. The reference accepts both DC and AC
signals. The voltage at each REF input sets the full-
scale output voltage for its respective DAC(s). If the ref-
erence voltage is positive, both the MAX509 and
MAX510 can be operated from a single supply. If dual
supplies are used, the reference input can vary from
V
SS
to V
DD
, but is always referred to AGND. The input
impedance at REF is code dependent, with the lowest
value (16kΩ for the MAX509 and 8kΩ for the MAX510)
occurring when the input code is 55 hex or 0101 0101.
The maximum value, practically infinity, occurs when
the input code is 00 hex. Since the REF input imped-
ance is code dependent, the DAC's reference sources
must have a low output impedance (no more than 32Ω
for the MAX509 and 16Ω for the MAX510) to maintain
output linearity. The REF input capacitance is also code
dependent: 15pF typical for the MAX509 and 30pF
typical for the MAX510.
The output voltage for any DAC can be represented by
a digitally programmable voltage source as:
VOUT = (NB x VREF) / 256
where NB is the numerical value of the DAC's binary
input code.
Output Buffer Amplifiers
All MAX509/MAX510 voltage outputs are internally
buffered by precision unity-gain followers that slew at
up to 1V/µs. The outputs can swing from V
SS
to V
DD
.
With a 0V to +4V (or +4V to 0V) output transition, the
amplifier outputs will settle to 1/2LSB in typically 6µs
when loaded with 10kΩ in parallel with 100pF.
The buffer amplifiers are stable with any combination of
resistive loads ≥ 2kΩ and capacitive loads ≤ 300pF.
__________Applications Information
Power Supply and
Reference Operating Ranges
The MAX509/MAX510 are fully specified to operate with
V
DD
= 5V ±10% and V
SS
= 0V to -5.5V. 8-bit perfor-
mance is guaranteed for both single- and dual-supply
operation. The zero-code output error is less than 14mV
when operating from a single +5V supply.
The DACs work well with reference voltages from V
SS
to V
DD
. The reference voltage is referred to AGND.
The preferred power-up sequence is to apply V
SS
and
then V
DD
, but bringing up both supplies at the same
time is also acceptable. In either case, the voltage
applied to REF should not exceed V
DD
during power-
up or at any other time. If proper power sequencing is
not possible, connect an external Schottky diode
between V
SS
and AGND to ensure compliance with the
Absolute Maximum Ratings
. Do not apply signals to
the digital inputs before the device is fully powered up.
Power-Supply Bypassing
and Ground Management
In single-supply operation (AGND = DGND = V
SS
=
0V), AGND, DGND and V
SS
should be connected
together in a "star" ground at the chip. This ground
should then return to the highest quality ground avail-
able. Bypass V
DD
with a 0.1µF capacitor, located as
close to V
DD
and DGND as possible. In dual-supply
operation, bypass V
SS
to AGND with 0.1µF.
Careful PC board layout minimizes crosstalk among
DAC outputs, reference inputs, and digital inputs.
Figures 9 and 10 show suggested circuit board layouts
to minimize crosstalk.
