The MAX500 is a quad, 8-bit, voltage-output digital-to-analog converter (DAC) with a cascadable serial interface. The IC includes four output buffer amplifiers and input logic for an easy-to-use, two- or three-wire serial interface. In a system with several MAX500s, only one serial data line is required to load all the DACs by cascading them. The MAX500 contains double-buffered logic and a 10-bit shift register that allows all four DACs to be updated simultaneously using one control signal. There are three reference inputs so the range of two of the DACs can be independently set while the other two DACs track each other. The MAX500 achieves 8-bit performance over the full operating temperature range without external trimming.
The MAX500 is a quad, 8‑bit, voltage‑output digital‑to‑analog converter (DAC) that includes four output buffer amplifiers and input logic for an easy‑to‑use two‑ or three‑wire serial interface. It can be cascaded so that a single serial data line loads multiple devices. The device operates from single or dual supplies and provides 8‑bit performance over the full temperature range without external trimming.
The datasheet details electrical characteristics, pin configurations, timing diagrams for both 2‑wire and 3‑wire modes, recommended PCB layout techniques, and options for unipolar, bipolar, or AC‑referenced operation. Typical performance specifications such as resolution, supply voltage ranges, and output slew rate are provided.
| Resolution | 8‑bit |
|---|---|
| Number of DAC channels | 4 |
| Supply voltage (dual) VDD | +11.4 V to +16.5 V |
| Reference input range | +2 V to VDD‑4 V |
| Operating temperature range (single‑supply) | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Maximum power dissipation (plastic DIP) | 842 mW |
The MAX500 can operate with either a 2‑wire or a 3‑wire cascable serial interface, selected by the state of the LOAD signal.
The device contains four independent voltage‑output DAC channels.
The MAX500 provides 8‑bit resolution.
For single‑supply operation the recommended VDD is 15 V ± 5 % (approximately +12 V to +18 V).