Goal Semiconductor launched the HVDAC 200 – a high voltage, 4-channel, 9-bit, serially configurable voltage/current D/A converter. The converter is capable of driving outputs in excess of 200V.

The HVDAC targets a range of applications in the industrial, telecom, automotive, medical/scientific and consumer market segments that require high voltage control. These include drivers or level translation for optical switching and control, projection systems, printers, transducers, RF bias generation and other applications in which a programmable high voltage or current source is needed.

The HVDAC is based on a 9-bit current DAC and can operate in either current or voltage mode. The output range of the DAC outputs is controlled by a low voltage reference input and each channel includes a 5-bit output offset adjustment. The maximum output range of the HVDAC can be adjusted from 20V to 200V.

The HVDAC can be run in one of two maximum output current ranges: 500µA and 5mA. An internal 600K Ohm resistor at the output of each channel can be used to set the output voltage range. The user can bypass this internal resistor and set the range via an external resistor as well. Each channel also includes over-current protection and the HVDAC incorporates a temperature sensor that can monitor device temperature and be used as a shutdown trigger in the case of overheating.

The HVDAC is controlled serially via an SPI interface that includes a signal retransmission feature so that users can daisy chain multiple devices. The device also includes a hardware reset that clears the internal registers.

Goal Semiconductor also has available a plug and play development and evaluation system for the HVDAC200-4. The HVDAC DevKit (UVK-HVDAC200-4) provides a complete and comprehensive platform for evaluation and prototype development using the HVDAC 200. The HVDAC DevKit ships with a Windows®-based demo program that allows users to explore the full functional range of the HVDAC by connecting to a PC. The kit also includes an 8051-based development system (ships with compiler/debugger) that can be used to develop custom programs for high voltage control. The UVK-HVDAC200-4 is available for US$250.