AD42823Z - 12-Bit Voltage-Output Quad DAC | Analog Devices
MPN: AD42823Z ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $13.95 | $1,395.00 |
| 500 | $11.4 | $5,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.85 | $9,850.00 |
AD42823Z Overview
A DAC (digital-to-analog converter) is a data conversion integrated circuit that translates digital codes into proportional analog voltages or currents. Within the broader taxonomy, the AD42823Z belongs to: DAC -> data converter -> signal conditioning IC -> mixed-signal semiconductor -> integrated circuit. Quad voltage-output DACs are commonly used in applications requiring multiple synchronized analog channels such as automatic test equipment, industrial process control, and multi-axis motion control.
Key features of the AD42823Z include four matched 12-bit DACs on one die, voltage outputs typically railed to the supply, and compatibility with parallel microprocessor write cycles. The integrated design reduces board area compared to discrete multi-chip solutions and provides inherently better channel-to-channel matching. Operating from a standard supply range, the part interfaces directly to most microprocessors without external glue logic.
From an architectural perspective, the AD42823Z uses a precision R-2R ladder network for each DAC, switched by CMOS latches. The monolithic fabrication ensures that all four DACs share the same reference and are trimmed together, providing tight gain and offset matching. The voltage-output architecture eliminates the need for external op-amp current-to-voltage conversion, simplifying design-in for cost-sensitive multi-channel applications.
Typical applications include process control setpoint generation, multi-axis motor drive references, programmable gain/instrumentation, ATE (automatic test equipment) stimulus, and audio mixing consoles. The quad-channel configuration is also suited to color graphics or display drive circuits requiring synchronized multi-channel analog outputs.
When designing with the AD42823Z, ensure adequate decoupling (0.1uF ceramic close to the supply pins) and respect the digital-input setup and hold times relative to the write strobe. The voltage outputs are not buffered for high-capacitive loads - a follow-on op-amp buffer may be required if driving long cables or low-impedance loads.
This page synthesizes distributor stock data, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for AD42823Z — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
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AD664BD
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AD42823Z Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Analog Devices, Inc. |
| MPN | AD42823Z |
| Function | Quad 12-bit voltage-output DAC |
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Number of DAC Channels | 4 |
| Output Type | Voltage |
| Architecture | R-2R ladder with CMOS switches |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per BesenChips listing) |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead free (per BesenChips listing) |
AD42823Z standard Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AD42823Z (standard package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for AD42823Z.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AD42823Z is suitable for 6 applications: Process Control Setpoint Generation, Multi-Axis Motor Drive Reference, Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) Stimulus, Programmable Gain / Instrumentation, Audio Mixing Console Voltage Control, Display Drive / Graphics Waveform Generation.
Process Control Setpoint Generation
The AD42823Z's 4-channel 12-bit resolution makes it well suited for industrial process control applications requiring multiple synchronized analog setpoints. Each of the four voltage outputs can drive a separate control loop (e.g., temperature, pressure, flow, level) with 0.024% FS resolution, sufficient for most PID-controlled loops. The shared internal reference ensures gain tracking across all four loops. Engineers typically pair the AD42823Z with a 4-20 mA current-loop transmitter for legacy field instrumentation. Compared to modern PWM-based setpoint generation, the analog voltage output provides noise-free DC control, but the NRND status means engineers should plan a migration path to the AD5664BRUZ for new designs.
Recommended
Multi-Axis Motor Drive Reference
The AD42823Z is ideal for generating reference voltages for multi-axis motion controllers where each DAC channel provides an independent velocity or position reference to a servo amplifier. The 12-bit resolution (4096 steps) provides adequate precision for mid-range CNC and robotics applications, and the four-channel monolithic design eliminates channel-to-channel mismatch common in discrete DAC solutions. The voltage output can directly drive servo amplifier reference inputs through a buffer op-amp. Settling time should be verified against the servo loop bandwidth requirement. For new designs, the AD5686 (quad 16-bit) or AD5770R (12-bit current-output) family offer higher performance alternatives.
Recommended
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) Stimulus
In ATE systems, the AD42823Z provides four synchronized analog stimulus channels for testing DUTs (devices under test). The parallel write interface allows the test executive to update all four channels simultaneously within a single test cycle, ensuring deterministic phase relationships for AC parametric tests. The voltage output drives the DUT pin directly through a programmable attenuator or buffer. 12-bit resolution (1 LSB ~ 1.2 mV at 5V FS) is suitable for many functional and parametric tests, but precision measurements may require 16-bit DACs like the AD5686. The quad-channel configuration reduces test-head PCB area versus using four single DACs.
Recommended
Programmable Gain / Instrumentation
The AD42823Z can be used to build a programmable gain instrumentation front-end by driving the reference pin of an instrumentation amplifier (such as the AD8226) with one of its DAC outputs. This creates a digitally controlled gain stage with up to 1000 V/V total gain range. Each of the four DAC channels can control a separate amplifier channel, enabling a 4-channel programmable-gain data acquisition system. The 12-bit resolution provides 0.024% gain-step granularity, suitable for many sensor-signal conditioning applications. The NRND status of the AD42823Z means this circuit should use the AD5664BRUZ or AD5686 for new designs.
Recommended
Audio Mixing Console Voltage Control
In professional audio mixing consoles, the AD42823Z provides four DC control voltages that drive VCA (voltage-controlled amplifier) gain cells or digital potentiometer emulations. The 12-bit resolution gives 72 dB of gain control range in 0.018 dB steps, sufficient for most fader and pan automation requirements. The voltage outputs are typically filtered to remove digital switching noise from the audio path. For pro-audio-grade signal-to-noise, modern designs would use 16-bit or 24-bit DACs from the ADI SoundMax portfolio, but the AD42823Z remains acceptable for many cost-sensitive pro-audio and consumer-audio applications.
Recommended
Display Drive / Graphics Waveform Generation
Legacy graphics and display systems used the AD42823Z as a multi-channel waveform generator for RGB color signals or multi-gun CRT displays. Each DAC channel drove one color channel or one electron gun, with the shared reference ensuring color temperature stability across channels. While LCD and OLED displays have replaced CRTs in modern systems, the AD42823Z still finds use in industrial HMI (human-machine interface) displays and test-pattern generators. 12-bit color depth (4096 levels per channel) produces 68 billion colors, far more than typical HMI needs but useful for color-calibration reference displays.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AD42823Z — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AD664BD | AD664KN | AD5664BRUZ | DAC8420FS | LTC2620CGN | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-28 (per AD664 family) | SOIC-28 - same | PDIP-28 - different | TSSOP-16 - different | SOIC-16 - different | SSOP-16 - different | ||
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices (Linear Tech) | Maxim Integrated | Microchip Technology |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Number of Channels | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Interface | Parallel (per AD664 family) | Parallel | Parallel | I2C (serial) | Serial (SPI) | I2C (serial) | SPI | I2C |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | No / No (legacy) | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
Key Differentiators
- Quad 12-bit DAC in single SOIC-28 monolithic die - all four channels share reference and are trimmed together (vs Discrete 4x single-channel DACs (e.g., four AD558s))
- Parallel interface allows all four channels to update within a single write cycle - true simultaneous update (vs Serial-interface quad DACs like AD5664 (I2C) or DAC8420 (SPI))
- Voltage-output architecture eliminates need for external I-to-V op-amps (vs Current-output DACs (e.g., AD5760, AD5426))
- Part of long-established AD664 family with mature ADI process - long-term reliability data exists (vs Newer nanoDAC family (AD5664) without as long a field deployment history)
Design Notes
Estimated: The AD42823Z requires a clean analog supply (typically +/-12V or +5V analog VDD plus a digital supply); add 0.1uF ceramic decoupling capacitors close to each supply pin and a 10uF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor on each supply rail. For the AD664 family, separate analog and digital grounds are recommended - tie them together at a single point under the IC to avoid ground-loop noise coupling into the analog outputs. Input voltage headroom and supply noise directly affect INL/DNL and output settling accuracy.
Route digital control signals (data bus, write strobe, address lines) physically separated from the analog output traces to minimize digital-to-analog crosstalk. Place the AD42823Z away from switching regulators or high-speed digital clocks. Use a ground plane on layer 2 to provide a low-impedance return path for both analog and digital currents. If using parallel interface, add series damping resistors (22-100 ohm) on digital input lines near the IC to suppress transmission-line ringing on long board traces.
Critical: Do not exceed the absolute maximum supply voltage (refer to AD664 datasheet for exact limits). The AD42823Z voltage outputs are not designed to drive large capacitive loads (>100pF) directly - if driving long cables or filter capacitors, add a unity-gain buffer op-amp (such as AD845, AD8628) at each output. Apply power to the analog supply before the digital supply to avoid latchup. Use the AD664 datasheet timing diagrams to verify that the digital write pulse width meets the minimum specification, otherwise some DAC channels may not update reliably.
Recommended: Add a small RC filter (10 ohm + 100pF) at each analog output if the application is sensitive to digital switching noise (audio, precision measurement). The parallel interface creates transient currents on the supply rails during each write cycle; bulk-decoupling close to the IC minimizes the propagation of these transients to sensitive analog circuits. For best DC accuracy, allow at least 1ms after a write cycle for the output to settle to 12-bit accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant and lead-free status confirmed per BesenChips distributor listing. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not stated in the verified distributor data; default to unknown per data-authenticity rules. AEC-Q100 not applicable for a precision DAC.
