Milpitas, Calif.—Linear Technology Corp. has introduced the LTC2631, a family of pin- and software-compatible 12-bit, 10-bit and 8-bit D/A converters in a tiny TSOT-23 package, making it the smallest I²C D/A converter family with an internal reference on the market today.

D/A converters in such small packages are ideal for fine tuning bias voltages in applications such as optical networking and RFID systems. The LTC2631 makes the integrated 10ppm/°C reference output available to drive the reference inputs for all other data converters on the board, while maintaining good stability over temperature.

The LTC2631 releases alongside an SPI-equivalent LTC2640 12-/10-/8-bit family, each offering the choice of a 2.5V or 4.096V full-scale output range. Alternatively, an external reference can be applied if more accuracy or a non-standard voltage range is required. The LTC2631/LTC2640 D/A converter outputs can power up to zero-scale or mid-scale with the internal or external reference, allowing more flexibility for designs that cannot be forced to ground when power is first applied.

The LTC2631 and LTC2640 D/A converters both offer 12-bit DC performance of ±1LSB(max) integral nonlinearity error, enabling operation in open-loop as well as closed-loop systems. The LTC2631 and LTC2640 complement a family of ultra-tiny D/A converters that includes the previously released LTC2630 (SPI-compatible, SC70 6-pin package, internal reference not bonded out). These low-power D/A converters draw only 180µA of supply current at 3V, making them well-suited for portable equipment.

The LTC2631/LTC2640 are ideal for automotive voltage adjustment, as they have guaranteed specifications for the H-grade temperature range (-40°C to +125°C), in addition to the industrial (-40°C to +85°C) and commercial (0°C to +70°C) temperature ranges. The LTC2631 and LTC2640 12-bit, 10-bit, and 8-bit options are now available in 8-pin TSOT23 packages.

Pricing: Begins at $1.03 each, in 1,000-piece quantities.
Availability: Now.
Datasheets: LTC2640 and LTC2631.

Linear Technology, www.linear.com