DAC-08CQ - 8-Bit High-Speed Multiplying DAC | AMD/Analog Devices
MPN: DAC-08CQ ✗ End of LifeDAC-08CQ Overview
A multiplying DAC (MDAC) is a digital-to-analog converter whose output is the product of a digital input word and an analog reference current or voltage, enabling four-quadrant multiplication when bipolar references are used. DACs of this class sit within the broader hierarchy of data converters (DAC -> data converter -> mixed-signal IC -> semiconductor) and are distinguished from integrating or sigma-delta types by their inherently high update rates and ability to operate on AC reference signals.
Key features of the DAC-08CQ include ±10 ppm/°C typical full-scale output current drift, monotonic multiplying performance over a 20:1 reference current range, low glitch energy, and 1 LSB-accurate matching across the rated operating temperature range. Its advanced bipolar circuit design achieves settling within 85 ns to within ±1/2 LSB for full-scale transitions, while zero-scale output current and drift remain essentially negligible compared to 1/2 LSB.
The DAC-08CQ is built on a bipolar process optimized for high-speed current steering, with an internal R-2R-type ladder network and high-impedance current sources that minimize dynamic errors during code transitions. The combination of fast settling and low glitch makes it suitable for video-rate signal generation, waveform synthesis, and digitally controlled calibration systems where step accuracy matters more than absolute DC precision.
Typical applications include CRT display systems, precision motor control, audio attenuators, digitally programmable gain stages, function generators, and high-speed automatic test equipment. The wide reference current range also makes it well suited for process-control loops and software-calibrated instrumentation.
When designing with this part, pay attention to the reference current source impedance: the DAC's multiplying bandwidth depends on keeping the reference source impedance low (typically under 500 ohm). For high-speed or AC-reference operation, buffer the reference with a low-output-impedance amplifier such as the AD844 to preserve bandwidth.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found on a single manufacturer page, including pin-compatibility guidance across the DAC08 family temperature grades.
Drop-in alternatives for DAC-08CQ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
DAC08CQZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC08F
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC08CF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC08EF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC08HN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
DAC-08CQ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 8 bits |
| Converter Type | High-Speed Multiplying DAC (current output) |
| Settling Time (to ±1/2 LSB) | 85 ns (typical) |
| Full-Scale Output Current Drift | ±10 ppm/°C (typical) |
| Reference Current Range | Approx. 0.2 mA to 4 mA (20:1 range) |
| Digital Interface | Universal TTL/CMOS compatible |
| Output Type | Current (requires external I-to-V op-amp) |
| Monotonicity | Guaranteed over rated temperature range |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial grade) |
| Package | LCCC-20 (LCC-20) surface mount |
| Pin Count | 20 |
| Screening Level | Commercial |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Architecture | Bipolar current-steering R-2R ladder |
| Glitch Energy | Low (per DAC08 family datasheet) |
| ECCN | EAR99 |
DAC-08CQ lccc-20 (lcc-20) surface mount Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for DAC-08CQ (lccc-20 (lcc-20) surface mount 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 DAC-08CQ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
DAC-08CQ is suitable for 6 applications: CRT Display and Video Waveform Generation, Digitally Controlled Attenuator and Programmable Gain, Precision Motor Control and Servo Loops, Function Generators and Arbitrary Waveform Synthesis, Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) Pin Drivers, Process Control and Software-Calibrated Instrumentation.
CRT Display and Video Waveform Generation
The DAC-08CQ's 85 ns settling time and low glitch energy make it well suited for CRT display deflection and video-rate waveform generation where step accuracy directly determines image quality. With full-scale current drift of ±10 ppm/°C and monotonic performance across the 20:1 reference range, the device delivers clean, artifact-free video ramps and pattern synthesis without code-dependent brightness steps. Place the DAC's current output into a high-slew op-amp such as the AD844 to drive 75 ohm video lines, while bypassing VCC/VEE with 0.1 uF ceramic and 10 uF tantalum capacitors placed within 5 mm of the supply pins.
Recommended
Digitally Controlled Attenuator and Programmable Gain
Because the DAC-08CQ is a true multiplying DAC, it accepts an AC or bipolar DC reference and produces an output whose amplitude is the product of the digital code and reference current. This makes it ideal as a four-quadrant digital attenuator or programmable gain stage in audio mixing consoles, instrumentation front-ends, and AGC loops. Drive the reference pin from a low-impedance buffer (under 500 ohm) to preserve bandwidth, and select the reference current in the 0.2 mA to 4 mA range for clean operation over the full 20:1 dynamic range.
Recommended
Precision Motor Control and Servo Loops
High-speed position and velocity servo loops benefit from the DAC-08CQ's 85 ns update rate, allowing the digital command word to be translated to a precise analog reference current that drives a power stage with minimal loop delay. The bipolar current-steering architecture delivers ±10 ppm/°C full-scale drift, ensuring stable motor current under varying ambient conditions typical of industrial cabinets. Use the DAC output to command a current-mode H-bridge or a torque reference through a high-current op-amp.
Recommended
Function Generators and Arbitrary Waveform Synthesis
Arbitrary waveform generators and DDS-style synthesizers require a DAC that updates rapidly with minimal code-to-code glitch, exactly the design target of the DAC08 family. The DAC-08CQ's 85 ns settling and low glitch energy allow direct digital synthesis of sine, triangle, and pulse waveforms at frequencies into the low MHz range when clocked at appropriate rates. Drive the reference with a precision current source and route the output through a reconstruction filter to remove image frequencies.
Recommended
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) Pin Drivers
Semiconductor ATE systems use high-speed DACs to program stimulus levels for device-under-test pins. The DAC-08CQ's 85 ns settling time lets the test head switch voltage or current levels between measurements with minimal dead time, increasing throughput on multi-site testers. The bipolar current output integrates cleanly with force-and-sense amplifier topologies to deliver programmable voltages up to ±10 V or currents up to 40 mA per pin.
Recommended
Process Control and Software-Calibrated Instrumentation
In 4-20 mA industrial loops and software-calibrated instrumentation, the DAC-08CQ acts as a precision setpoint generator or trim DAC. The 20:1 reference current range supports wide trim spans while ±10 ppm/°C drift maintains accuracy over the 0 °C to +70 °C commercial range. Pair with an isolated current loop driver such as the XTR105 or AD694 to deliver 4-20 mA outputs from the DAC's voltage-mode signal.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for DAC-08CQ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | DAC08CQZ | DAC08F | DAC08CF | DAC08EF | DAC08HN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | AMD / Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | NXP Semiconductors |
| Package | LCCC-20 (LCC-20) | LCCC-20 - same | LCCC-20 - same | LCCC-20 - same | LCCC-20 - same | LCCC-20 - same |
| Resolution | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Settling Time | 85 ns | 85 ns | 85 ns | 85 ns | 85 ns | 85 ns |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C (typical industrial grade) |
| Output Type | Current (unipolar) | Current (unipolar) | Current (unipolar) | Current (unipolar) | Current (unipolar) | Current (unipolar) |
| Architecture | Bipolar current-steering R-2R | Bipolar current-steering R-2R | Bipolar current-steering R-2R | Bipolar current-steering R-2R | Bipolar current-steering R-2R | Bipolar current-steering R-2R |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard 8-bit 85 ns MDAC with the longest installed base (vs AD7524)
- 20:1 reference current multiplying range (vs DAC08HN (NXP))
- Commercial-temperature LCCC package for SMT manufacturing (vs DAC-08EN (PDIP))
Design Notes
The DAC-08CQ operates from ±V supplies (typically ±5 V to ±15 V); bypass both VCC and VEE with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor in parallel with a 10 uF tantalum capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pins. Inadequate bypassing will degrade the 85 ns settling performance and can introduce code-dependent supply noise on the output.
Reference current source impedance must be kept below approximately 500 ohm to maintain the 20:1 multiplying bandwidth specified in the DAC08 family datasheet. A high-impedance reference will reduce AC multiplying performance and add distortion; buffer the reference input with a low-output-impedance amplifier such as the AD844.
Keep digital input traces (B1-B8) routed away from the analog output and reference traces to minimize digital feedthrough. Use a ground plane under the DAC and place the I-to-V op-amp within 25 mm of the Iout pin to limit parasitic capacitance, which can otherwise slow the 85 ns step response.
The DAC-08CQ's current output is high-impedance and sensitive to capacitive loading; add a compensation network (typically 10-30 pF across the I-to-V op-amp feedback resistor) if the layout forces more than 10 pF of stray capacitance on the Iout node. Without compensation, the op-amp may ring or fail to settle within 85 ns.
Compliance Information
DAC-08CQ is marked obsolete by AMD per GlobalSpec. RoHS/REACH compliance not explicitly documented in available data; verify with supplier. ECCN EAR99 per GlobalSpec record.
