DAC0808

DAC0808 8-Bit D/A Converter

Literature Number: SNAS539A

DAC0808
8-Bit D/A Converter
General Description

Features

The DAC0808 is an 8-bit monolithic digital-to-analog converter (DAC) featuring a full scale output current settling time
of 150 ns while dissipating only 33 mW with 5V supplies.
No reference current (IREF) trimming is required for most
applications since the full scale output current is typically 1
LSB of 255 IREF/256. Relative accuracies of better than
0.19% assure 8-bit monotonicity and linearity while zero
level output current of less than 4 A provides 8-bit zero
accuracy for IREF2 mA. The power supply currents of the
DAC0808 is independent of bit codes, and exhibits essentially constant device characteristics over the entire supply
voltage range.
The DAC0808 will interface directly with popular TTL, DTL or
CMOS logic levels, and is a direct replacement for the
MC1508/MC1408. For higher speed applications, see
DAC0800 data sheet.

n
n
n
n

Relative accuracy: 0.19% error maximum

Full scale current match: 1 LSB typ
Fast settling time: 150 ns typ
Noninverting digital inputs are TTL and CMOS
compatible
n High speed multiplying input slew rate: 8 mA/s
n Power supply voltage range: 4.5V to 18V
n Low power consumption: 33 mW @ 5V

Block and Connection Diagrams

DS005687-1

Dual-In-Line Package

DS005687-2

Top View
Order Number DAC0808
See NS Package M16A or N16A

2001 National Semiconductor Corporation

DS005687

www.national.com

DAC0808 8-Bit D/A Converter

May 1999

DAC0808

Block and Connection Diagrams

(Continued)

Small-Outline Package

DS005687-13

Ordering Information
ACCURACY

OPERATING
TEMPERATURE RANGE

8-bit

0CTA+75C

N PACKAGE (N16A)
(Note 1)
DAC0808LCN

Note 1: Devices may be ordered by using either order number.

www.national.com

MC1408P8

SO PACKAGE
(M16A)
DAC0808LCM

Storage Temperature Range

Lead Temp. (Soldering, 10 seconds)
Dual-In-Line Package (Plastic)
Dual-In-Line Package (Ceramic)
Surface Mount Package
Vapor Phase (60 seconds)
Infrared (15 seconds)

If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,

please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
Power Supply Voltage
VCC
VEE
Digital Input Voltage, V5V12
Applied Output Voltage, VO
Reference Current, I14
Reference Amplifier Inputs, V14, V15
Power Dissipation (Note 4)
ESD Susceptibility (Note 5)

10 VDC
11 VDC

+18 VDC
18 VDC
to +18 VDC
to +18 VDC
5 mA
VCC, VEE
1000 mW
TBD

65C to +150C
260C
300C
215C
220C

Operating Ratings
Temperature Range
DAC0808

TMIN TA TMAX
0 TA +75C

Electrical Characteristics
(VCC = 5V, VEE = 15 VDC, VREF/R14 = 2 mA, and all digital inputs at high logic level unless otherwise noted.)
Symbol
Er

Parameter
Relative Accuracy (Error Relative

Conditions

Min

Typ

Max

Units

(Figure 4)

to Full Scale IO)

0.19

DAC0808LC (LM1408-8)
Settling Time to Within LSB

TA =25C (Note 7),

(Includes tPLH)

(Figure 5)
TA = 25C, (Figure 5)

12

tPLH, tPHL

Propagation Delay Time

TCIO

Output Full Scale Current Drift

MSB

Digital Input Logic Levels

VIH

High Level, Logic 1

VIL

Low Level, Logic 0

MSB

I15

IO

Digital Input Current

150
30

ns
100

ns

20

ppm/C

(Figure 3)
2

VDC
0.8

VDC

(Figure 3)

High Level

VIH = 5V

0.040

mA

Low Level

VIL = 0.8V

0.003

0.8

mA

Reference Input Bias Current

(Figure 3)

Output Current Range

(Figure 3)

Output Current

VEE = 5V

2.0

2.1

mA

VEE = 15V, TA = 25C

2.0

4.2

mA

1.9

1.99

2.1

mA

VREF = 2.000V,
R14 = 1000,
(Figure 3)

SRIREF

Output Current, All Bits Low

(Figure 3)

Output Voltage Compliance (Note 3)

Er 0.19%, TA = 25C

VEE =5V, IREF =1 mA

0.55, +0.4

VDC

VEE Below 10V

5.0, +0.4

VDC

Reference Current Slew Rate

(Figure 6)

Output Current Power Supply

5V VEE 16.5V

mA/s

0.05

2.7

A/V

2.3

22

mA

4.3

13

mA

Sensitivity
Power Supply Current (All Bits

(Figure 3)

Low)
ICC
IEE
Power Supply Voltage Range

TA = 25C, (Figure 3)

VCC

4.5

5.0

5.5

VDC

VEE

4.5

15

16.5

VDC

Power Dissipation

www.national.com

DAC0808

Absolute Maximum Ratings (Note 2)

DAC0808

Electrical Characteristics

(Continued)

(VCC = 5V, VEE = 15 VDC, VREF/R14 = 2 mA, and all digital inputs at high logic level unless otherwise noted.)
Symbol

Parameter
All Bits Low
All Bits High

Typ

Max

Units

VCC = 5V, VEE = 5V

Conditions

Min

33

170

mW

VCC = 5V, VEE = 15V

106

305

mW

VCC = 15V, VEE = 5V

90

mW

VCC = 15V, VEE = 15V

160

mW

Note 2: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. DC and AC electrical specifications do not apply when operating
the device beyond its specified operating conditions.
Note 3: Range control is not required.
Note 4: The maximum power dissipation must be derated at elevated temperatures and is dictated by TJMAX, JA, and the ambient temperature, TA. The maximum
allowable power dissipation at any temperature is PD = (TJMAX TA)/JA or the number given in the Absolute Maixmum Ratings, whichever is lower. For this device,
TJMAX = 125C, and the typical junction-to-ambient thermal resistance of the dual-in-line J package when the board mounted is 100C/W. For the dual-in-line N
package, this number increases to 175C/W and for the small outline M package this number is 100C/W.
Note 5: Human body model, 100 pF discharged through a 1.5 k resistor.
Note 6: All current switches are tested to guarantee at least 50% of rated current.
Note 7: All bits switched.
Note 8: Pin-out numbers for the DAL080X represent the dual-in-line package. The small outline package pinout differs from the dual-in-line package.

Typical Application

DS005687-23

DS005687-3

FIGURE 1. +10V Output Digital to Analog Converter (Note 8)

Typical Performance Characteristics

Logic Input Current vs
Input Voltage

VCC = 5V, VEE = 15V, TA = 25C, unless otherwise noted

Logic Threshold Voltage vs
Temperature

Bit Transfer Characteristics

DS005687-14

DS005687-15
DS005687-16

www.national.com

DAC0808

Typical Performance Characteristics

VCC = 5V, VEE = 15V, TA = 25C, unless otherwise

noted (Continued)
Output Current vs Output
Voltage (Output Voltage
Compliance)

Output Voltage Compliance

vs Temperature

Typical Power Supply

Current vs Temperature

DS005687-18
DS005687-19

DS005687-17

Typical Power Supply

Current vs VEE

Typical Power Supply

Current vs VCC

DS005687-20

Reference Input
Frequency Response

DS005687-21

DS005687-22

Unless otherwise specified: R14 = R15 = 1 k, C = 15 pF, pin 16 to VEE; RL = 50, pin 4 to ground.
Curve A: Large Signal Bandwidth Method of Figure 7, VREF = 2 Vp-p offset 1V above ground.
Curve B: Small Signal Bandwidth Method of Figure 7, RL = 250, VREF = 50 mVp-p offset 200 mV above ground.
Curve C: Large and Small Signal Bandwidth Method of Figure 9 (no op amp, RL = 50), RS = 50, VREF = 2V, VS = 100 mVp-p
centered at 0V.

www.national.com

www.national.com

FIGURE 2. Equivalent Circuit of the DAC0808 Series (Note 8)

DS005687-4

DAC0808

DAC0808

Test Circuits

DS005687-6

VI and I1 apply to inputs A1A8.

The resistor tied to pin 15 is to temperature compensate the bias current and may not be necessary for all applications.

and AN = 1 if AN is at high level

AN = 0 if AN is at low level

FIGURE 3. Notation Definitions Test Circuit (Note 8)

DS005687-7

FIGURE 4. Relative Accuracy Test Circuit (Note 8)

www.national.com

DAC0808

Test Circuits

(Continued)

DS005687-8

FIGURE 5. Transient Response and Settling Time (Note 8)

DS005687-9

FIGURE 6. Reference Current Slew Rate Measurement (Note 8)

DS005687-10

FIGURE 7. Positive VREF (Note 8)

www.national.com

DAC0808

Test Circuits

(Continued)

DS005687-11

FIGURE 8. Negative VREF (Note 8)

DS005687-12

FIGURE 9. Programmable Gain Amplifier or

Digital Attenuator Circuit (Note 8)

Application Hints

For bipolar reference signals, as in the multiplying mode,

R15 can be tied to a negative voltage corresponding to the
minimum input level. It is possible to eliminate R15 with only
a small sacrifice in accuracy and temperature drift.
The compensation capacitor value must be increased with
increases in R14 to maintain proper phase margin; for R14
values of 1, 2.5 and 5 k, minimum capacitor values are 15,
37 and 75 pF. The capacitor may be tied to either VEE or
ground, but using VEE increases negative supply rejection.
A negative reference voltage may be used if R14 is
grounded and the reference voltage is applied to R15 as
shown in Figure 8. A high input impedance is the main

REFERENCE AMPLIFIER DRIVE AND COMPENSATION

The reference amplifier provides a voltage at pin 14 for
converting the reference voltage to a current, and a
turn-around circuit or current mirror for feeding the ladder.
The reference amplifier input currrent, I14, must always flow
into pin 14, regardless of the set-up method or reference
voltage polarity.
Connections for a positive voltage are shown in Figure 7.
The reference voltage source supplies the full current I14.
9

www.national.com

DAC0808

Application Hints

der. The reference current may drift with temperature, causing a change in the absolute accuracy of output current.
However, the DAC0808 has a very low full-scale current drift
with temperature.
The DAC0808 series is guaranteed accurate to within 12
LSB at a full-scale output current of 1.992 mA. This corresponds to a reference amplifier output current drive to the
ladder network of 2 mA, with the loss of 1 LSB (8 A) which
is the ladder remainder shunted to ground. The input current
to pin 14 has a guaranteed value of between 1.9 and 2.1 mA,
allowing some mismatch in the NPN current source pair. The
accuracy test circuit is shown in Figure 4. The 12-bit converter is calibrated for a full-scale output current of 1.992
mA. This is an optional step since the DAC0808 accuracy is
essentially the same between 1.5 and 2.5 mA. Then the
DAC0808 circuits full-scale current is trimmed to the same
value with R14 so that a zero value appears at the error
amplifier output. The counter is activated and the error band
may be displayed on an oscilloscope, detected by comparators, or stored in a peak detector.

(Continued)

advantage of this method. Compensation involves a capacitor to VEE on pin 16, using the values of the previous
paragraph. The negative reference voltage must be at least
4V above the VEE supply. Bipolar input signals may be
handled by connecting R14 to a positive reference voltage
equal to the peak positive input level at pin 15.
When a DC reference voltage is used, capacitive bypass to
ground is recommended. The 5V logic supply is not recommended as a reference voltage. If a well regulated 5V supply
which drives logic is to be used as the reference, R14 should
be decoupled by connecting it to 5V through another resistor
and bypassing the junction of the 2 resistors with 0.1 F to
ground. For reference voltages greater than 5V, a clamp
diode is recommended between pin 14 and ground.
If pin 14 is driven by a high impedance such as a transistor
current source, none of the above compensation methods
apply and the amplifier must be heavily compensated, decreasing the overall bandwidth.

Two 8-bit D-to-A converters may not be used to construct a

16-bit accuracy D-to-A converter. 16-bit accuracy implies a
total error of 12 of one part in 65,536 or 0.00076%, which
is much more accurate than the 0.019% specification provided by the DAC0808.

OUTPUT VOLTAGE RANGE

The voltage on pin 4 is restricted to a range of 0.55 to 0.4V
when VEE = 5V due to the current switching methods
employed in the DAC0808.
The negative output voltage compliance of the DAC0808 is
extended to 5V where the negative supply voltage is more
negative than 10V. Using a full-scale current of 1.992 mA
and load resistor of 2.5 k between pin 4 and ground will
yield a voltage output of 256 levels between 0 and 4.980V.
Floating pin 1 does not affect the converter speed or power
dissipation. However, the value of the load resistor determines the switching time due to increased voltage swing.
Values of RL up to 500 do not significantly affect performance, but a 2.5 k load increases worst-case settling time
to 1.2 s (when all bits are switched ON). Refer to the
subsequent text section on Settling Time for more details on
output loading.

MULTIPLYING ACCURACY
The DAC0808 may be used in the multiplying mode with
8-bit accuracy when the reference current is varied over a
range of 256:1. If the reference current in the multiplying
mode ranges from 16 A to 4 mA, the additional error
contributions are less than 1.6 A. This is well within 8-bit
accuracy when referred to full-scale.
A monotonic converter is one which supplies an increase in
current for each increment in the binary word. Typically, the
DAC0808 is monotonic for all values of reference current
above 0.5 mA. The recommended range for operation with a
DC reference current is 0.5 to 4 mA.

OUTPUT CURRENT RANGE

The output current maximum rating of 4.2 mA may be used
only for negative supply voltages more negative than 8V,
due to the increased voltage drop across the resistors in the
reference current amplifier.

SETTLING TIME
The worst-case switching condition occurs when all bits are
switched ON, which corresponds to a low-to-high transition
for all bits. This time is typically 150 ns for settling to within
12 LSB, for 8-bit accuracy, and 100 ns to 12 LSB for 7 and
6-bit accuracy. The turn OFF is typically under 100 ns. These
times apply when RL 500 and CO 25 pF.
Extra care must be taken in board layout since this is usually
the dominant factor in satisfactory test results when measuring settling time. Short leads, 100 F supply bypassing for
low frequencies, and minimum scope lead length are all
mandatory.

ACCURACY
Absolute accuracy is the measure of each output current
level with respect to its intended value, and is dependent
upon relative accuracy and full-scale current drift. Relative
accuracy is the measure of each output current level as a
fraction of the full-scale current. The relative accuracy of the
DAC0808 is essentially constant with temperature due to the
excellent temperature tracking of the monolithic resistor lad-

www.national.com

10

DAC0808

Physical Dimensions

inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted

Small Outline Package

Order Number DAC0808LCM
NS Package Number M16A

Dual-In-Line Package
Order Number DAC0808
NS Package Number N16A

11

www.national.com

DAC0808 8-Bit D/A Converter

Notes

LIFE SUPPORT POLICY

NATIONALS PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT
DEVICES OR SYSTEMS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL
COUNSEL OF NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION. As used herein:
1. Life support devices or systems are devices or
systems which, (a) are intended for surgical implant
into the body, or (b) support or sustain life, and
whose failure to perform when properly used in
accordance with instructions for use provided in the
labeling, can be reasonably expected to result in a
significant injury to the user.
National Semiconductor
Corporation
Americas
Email: support@nsc.com

www.national.com

National Semiconductor
Europe
Fax: +49 (0) 180-530 85 86
Email: europe.support@nsc.com
Deutsch Tel: +49 (0) 69 9508 6208
English Tel: +44 (0) 870 24 0 2171
Franais Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 91 8790

2. A critical component is any component of a life

support device or system whose failure to perform
can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of
the life support device or system, or to affect its
safety or effectiveness.

National Semiconductor
Asia Pacific Customer
Response Group
Tel: 65-2544466
Fax: 65-2504466
Email: ap.support@nsc.com

National Semiconductor
Japan Ltd.
Tel: 81-3-5639-7560
Fax: 81-3-5639-7507

National does not assume any responsibility for use of any circuitry described, no circuit patent licenses are implied and National reserves the right at any time without notice to change said circuitry and specifications.

IMPORTANT NOTICE
Texas Instruments Incorporated and its subsidiaries (TI) reserve the right to make corrections, modifications, enhancements, improvements,
and other changes to its products and services at any time and to discontinue any product or service without notice. Customers should
obtain the latest relevant information before placing orders and should verify that such information is current and complete. All products are
sold subject to TI s terms and conditions of sale supplied at the time of order acknowledgment.
TI warrants performance of its hardware products to the specifications applicable at the time of sale in accordance with TI s standard
warranty. Testing and other quality control techniques are used to the extent TI deems necessary to support this warranty. Except where
mandated by government requirements, testing of all parameters of each product is not necessarily performed.
TI assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer product design. Customers are responsible for their products and
applications using TI components. To minimize the risks associated with customer products and applications, customers should provide
adequate design and operating safeguards.
TI does not warrant or represent that any license, either express or implied, is granted under any TI patent right, copyright, mask work right,
or other TI intellectual property right relating to any combination, machine, or process in which TI products or services are used. Information
published by TI regarding third-party products or services does not constitute a license from TI to use such products or services or a
warranty or endorsement thereof. Use of such information may require a license from a third party under the patents or other intellectual
property of the third party, or a license from TI under the patents or other intellectual property of TI.
Reproduction of TI information in TI data books or data sheets is permissible only if reproduction is without alteration and is accompanied
by all associated warranties, conditions, limitations, and notices. Reproduction of this information with alteration is an unfair and deceptive
business practice. TI is not responsible or liable for such altered documentation. Information of third parties may be subject to additional
restrictions.
Resale of TI products or services with statements different from or beyond the parameters stated by TI for that product or service voids all
express and any implied warranties for the associated TI product or service and is an unfair and deceptive business practice. TI is not
responsible or liable for any such statements.
TI products are not authorized for use in safety-critical applications (such as life support) where a failure of the TI product would reasonably
be expected to cause severe personal injury or death, unless officers of the parties have executed an agreement specifically governing
such use. Buyers represent that they have all necessary expertise in the safety and regulatory ramifications of their applications, and
acknowledge and agree that they are solely responsible for all legal, regulatory and safety-related requirements concerning their products
and any use of TI products in such safety-critical applications, notwithstanding any applications-related information or support that may be
provided by TI. Further, Buyers must fully indemnify TI and its representatives against any damages arising out of the use of TI products in
such safety-critical applications.
TI products are neither designed nor intended for use in military/aerospace applications or environments unless the TI products are
specifically designated by TI as military-grade or enhanced plastic. Only products designated by TI as military-grade meet military
specifications. Buyers acknowledge and agree that any such use of TI products which TI has not designated as military-grade is solely at
the Buyer s risk, and that they are solely responsible for compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in connection with such use.
TI products are neither designed nor intended for use in automotive applications or environments unless the specific TI products are
designated by TI as compliant with ISO/TS 16949 requirements. Buyers acknowledge and agree that, if they use any non-designated
products in automotive applications, TI will not be responsible for any failure to meet such requirements.
Following are URLs where you can obtain information on other Texas Instruments products and application solutions:
Products

Applications

Audio

www.ti.com/audio

Communications and Telecom www.ti.com/communications

Amplifiers

amplifier.ti.com

Computers and Peripherals

www.ti.com/computers

Data Converters

dataconverter.ti.com

Consumer Electronics

www.ti.com/consumer-apps

DLP

www.dlp.com

Energy and Lighting

www.ti.com/energy

DSP

dsp.ti.com

Industrial

www.ti.com/industrial

Clocks and Timers

www.ti.com/clocks

Medical

www.ti.com/medical

Interface

interface.ti.com

Security

www.ti.com/security

Logic

logic.ti.com

Space, Avionics and Defense

www.ti.com/space-avionics-defense

Power Mgmt

power.ti.com

Transportation and Automotive www.ti.com/automotive

Microcontrollers

microcontroller.ti.com

Video and Imaging

RFID

www.ti-rfid.com

OMAP Mobile Processors

www.ti.com/omap

Wireless Connectivity

www.ti.com/wirelessconnectivity

Products

TI E2E Community Home Page

www.ti.com/video

e2e.ti.com

Mailing Address: Texas Instruments, Post Office Box 655303, Dallas, Texas 75265
Copyright 2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated