AD5545BRUZ - Dual 16-Bit Current-Output DAC | Analog Devices
MPN: AD5545BRUZ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16.42 | $16.42 |
| 10 | $14.78 | $147.80 |
| 100 | $12.66 | $1,266.00 |
| 500 | $11.03 | $5,515.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.74 | $9,740.00 |
AD5545BRUZ Overview
A multiplying DAC is a converter whose output is the product of a digital input code and an analog reference voltage, enabling four-quadrant operation when bipolar signals are applied. The AD5545 belongs to the current-output multiplying DAC category, which sits within the broader hierarchy of digital-to-analog converters -> data converters -> mixed-signal ICs -> semiconductor devices. Current-output architectures are favored where the reference must vary with a signal (such as in gain control, attenuators, or automatic test equipment) rather than being a fixed precision voltage.
Key features include a 2Q multiplying reference input, 0.5 µs full-scale settling time, and a bipolar output swing of up to ±15 V when used with an external high-voltage op amp. The serial interface is SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible and supports high-speed write cycles. The dual-channel integration makes the device suitable for complex waveform generation, I/Q signal synthesis, and simultaneous update applications.
Typical applications include programmable gain/attenuation stages, digital waveform synthesis, ATE (automatic test equipment) calibration, industrial process control, and precision instrumentation. The wide reference input bandwidth allows the AD5545 to function as a digitally controlled variable attenuator when paired with a high-speed current-to-voltage op amp.
When designing with this DAC, ensure the external I-to-V op amp has sufficient bandwidth and slew rate to settle within the 0.5 µs specification. Decouple VDD with a 1 µF tantalum plus 0.1 µF ceramic combination placed close to the supply pin, and route the analog ground return directly to the load to avoid ground-loop errors.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric data, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for AD5545BRUZ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with AD5545BRUZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in DNL (Differential Non-Linearity), Full-Scale Output Current, INL (Integral Non-Linearity), Operating Temperature Range, Output Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
AD5545BRUZ-REEL7
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$16.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →AD5545BRU
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5545BRUZ-REEL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5555BRUZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5545CRUZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD5545BRUZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 16-bit (dual channel) |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Output Type | Current output (unipolar) |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 4.5 V to 5.5 V |
| Full-Scale Output Current | 2 mA ±20% (set by VREF) |
| DNL (Differential Non-Linearity) | ±1 LSB (monotonic) |
| INL (Integral Non-Linearity) | ±1 LSB |
| Settling Time (to 1 LSB) | 0.5 µs |
| Reference Type | External (multiplying, 2Q) |
| Internal Feedback Resistor (RFB) | Yes (enhances temperature tracking with external op amp) |
| Digital Interface | Serial SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE-compatible |
| Bipolar Output Capability | Up to ±15 V (with external op amp) |
| Package | 16-TSSOP (RU-16) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free / Halogen-Free | Yes / Yes |
AD5545BRUZ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VOUTA — DAC A current output |
| Pin 2 | REFA — DAC A reference input |
| Pin 3 | RFBA — DAC A feedback resistor (internal) |
| Pin 4 | VDD — Analog +5V supply |
| Pin 5 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 6 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 7 | SDIN — Serial data input |
| Pin 8 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 9 | LDAC — Load DAC (latch enable) |
| Pin 10 | CLR — Asynchronous clear (active low) |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | REFB — DAC B reference input |
| Pin 13 | RFBB — DAC B feedback resistor (internal) |
| Pin 14 | VOUTB — DAC B current output |
| Pin 15 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
AD5545BRUZ is suitable for 6 applications: Programmable Gain Control / Attenuation, Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) Calibration, Precision Industrial Process Control, Digital Waveform Synthesis, Audio Attenuation and Mixing, Sensor Calibration and Trimming.
Programmable Gain Control / Attenuation
The AD5545BRUZ is well suited for digitally programmable gain stages because its multiplying reference input allows the analog signal to scale by the DAC code. With 2 mA full-scale current and 0.5 µs settling time, the part delivers 16-bit precise gain control when paired with an AD8038 current-to-voltage op amp. The dual-channel integration enables matched I/Q gain paths in transceivers. Compared to fixed-gain amplifiers, the AD5545BRUZ provides 65,536 steps of resolution per channel, ensuring monotonic gain control for AGC loops. The 16-TSSOP footprint also simplifies layout in dense RF front ends.
Recommended
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) Calibration
In ATE systems, the AD5545BRUZ serves as a precision bipolar stimulus source for calibrating instruments such as multimeters, oscilloscope references, and source-measure units. The dual 16-bit channels enable simultaneous calibration of two ranges or channels, while ±15 V bipolar output swing (with external op amp) covers the voltage spans typical of industrial test fixtures. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the AD8065 is the recommended op amp for THD-critical specifications in this application. The 0.5 µs settling time enables fast test sequencing, and the SPI-compatible interface supports fast code updates under software control.
Recommended
Precision Industrial Process Control
The AD5545BRUZ fits 4-20 mA current loop emulation, actuator biasing, and setpoint generation in industrial control systems. Its 16-bit resolution provides 0.024% step granularity, suitable for valve positioning, motor speed reference, and temperature setpoint synthesis. The single 5V supply integrates cleanly with industrial 24V-rail-derived 5V systems via intermediate DC-DC converters. Compared to lower-resolution DACs, the AD5545BRUZ reduces control loop quantization error, improving the linearity of PID-driven processes in factory automation equipment.
Recommended
Digital Waveform Synthesis
The AD5545BRUZ can generate arbitrary analog waveforms when updated sequentially via its SPI interface from a microcontroller or FPGA. The 0.5 µs settling time supports waveform frequencies up to several hundred kHz with 16-bit amplitude accuracy. Dual channels enable simultaneous in-phase/quadrature synthesis for communications or differential stimulus. According to the AD5545/AD5555 datasheet, the current-output architecture with multiplying reference allows the waveform amplitude to be modulated by an external carrier signal, enabling complex modulation schemes such as amplitude-shift keying without additional mixers.
Recommended
Audio Attenuation and Mixing
Although primarily a precision instrumentation DAC, the AD5545BRUZ can function as a digitally controlled audio attenuator or summing node when its multiplying reference receives the audio signal. The 16-bit resolution yields 96 dB of attenuation range in 0.0015 dB steps, sufficient for studio-grade digital volume control. The dual channels enable stereo operation from a single 16-TSSOP device. Compared to dedicated audio DACs, the AD5545BRUZ trades sampling rate for linearity, making it better suited for analog audio gain control than full-bandwidth audio reproduction.
Recommended
Sensor Calibration and Trimming
The AD5545BRUZ serves as a digital trim source for sensor calibration in production test, replacing mechanical potentiometers with software-controlled offsets. The dual channels can trim two sensors (for example, a bridge sensor's zero and span) simultaneously using a single DAC. The 16-bit resolution supports trim accuracy better than 0.01% of full scale, while the 2 mA output current can directly drive low-impedance calibration networks. According to Analog Devices datasheet patterns, the AD5545BRUZ pairs naturally with instrumentation ADCs such as the AD7091 for closed-loop calibration routines.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AD5545BRUZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AD5545BRUZ-REEL7 | AD5545BRU | AD5555BRUZ | AD5545CRUZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 16-TSSOP (RU-16) | 16-TSSOP (RU-16) | 16-TSSOP (RU-16) | 16-TSSOP (RU-16) | 16-TSSOP (RU-16) |
| Resolution | 16-bit (dual) | 16-bit (dual) | 16-bit (dual) | 14-bit (dual) | 16-bit (dual) |
| Output Type | Current output, 2 mA FS | Current output, 2 mA FS | Current output, 2 mA FS | Current output, 2 mA FS | Current output, 2 mA FS |
| Supply Voltage | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V | 4.5V to 5.5V |
| DNL | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB |
| Settling Time | 0.5 µs | 0.5 µs | 0.5 µs | 0.5 µs | 0.5 µs |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes | Yes | No (legacy lead-bearing) | Yes | Yes |
| Packaging | Tube | Tape & Reel (1000) | Tube | Tube | Tube |
Key Differentiators
- Dual 16-bit resolution in single TSSOP-16 (vs TI DAC8831)
- Higher resolution than the 14-bit AD5555BRUZ (vs AD5555BRUZ)
- RoHS-compliant lead-free package (vs AD5545BRU)
Design Notes
Decouple the +5V VDD pin with a 1 µF tantalum in parallel with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed as close to the device as possible (within 2-3 mm). The ceramic handles high-frequency switching transients from the serial interface, while the tantalum absorbs lower-frequency supply noise. According to the AD5545/AD5555 datasheet, the analog and digital ground pins should be joined at a single point near the device to prevent digital switching currents from corrupting the analog output.
Do not leave the reference input floating - even with both DACs disabled, leakage through the reference can shift the output. Tie unused REFA or REFB to ground or a fixed voltage through a 1 kΩ resistor. Also note that the internal RFB resistor is intended to be paired with an external I-to-V op amp in a transimpedance topology - do NOT use RFB as a fixed load resistor, or the temperature tracking benefit is lost. The AD8038 is the typical ADI-recommended companion for bandwidth, while the AD8065 is specified for THD-critical paths per the datasheet.
Route the serial interface signals (SCLK, SDIN, CS, LDAC) away from the analog outputs (VOUTA, VOUTB) to avoid digital-to-analog crosstalk. Keep digital traces short and surround them with ground. Use a series termination resistor (33-100 Ω) at the SCLK driver if the bus length exceeds 50 mm. Estimated: at a 50 MHz SCLK rate, a 10 cm trace without termination can introduce 100-200 ps of edge jitter, degrading settling time accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Analog Devices product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets industrial/commercial instrumentation rather than automotive. The non-RoHS predecessor AD5545BRU remains available for legacy designs.
