The DAC8043 is a 12-bit current output multiplying digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that is packaged in a space saving surface mount 8-pin SOIC and an 8-pin Mini-DIP. Its 3-wire serial interface saves additional circuit board space which results in low power dissipation. When used with microprocessors having a serial port, the DAC8043 minimizes the digital noise feedthrough from its input to output. The serial port can be used as a dedicated analog bus and kept inactive while the DAC8043 is in use. Serial interfacing reduces the complexity of opto or transformer isolation applications.

The DAC8043 contains a 12-bit serial-in, parallel-out shift register, a 12-bit DAC register, a 12-bit CMOS DAC, and control logic. Serial input (SRI) data is clocked into the input register on the rising edge of the clock (CLK) pulse. When the new data word had been clocked in, it is loaded into the DAC register by taking the LD input low. Data in the DAC register is converted to an output current by the D/A converter.

The DAC8043 operates from a single +5V power supply which makes the DAC8043 an ideal low power, small size, high performance solution for several applications.