Microchip announces the expansion of its non-volatile Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC) product range with the MCP47x6 family of low-power, single-channel DACs. These DACs feature buffered 8-, 10- and 12-bit voltage output options and integrated EEPROM in miniature 2 mm x 2 mm DFN, or 6-pin SOT-23 packages.

The integrated EEPROM enables DAC settings to be recalled at power up. The choice of 8-, 10- or 12-bit resolution provides flexibility to achieve the right balance of functionality and cost, whilst the buffered output voltage allows a selectable gain of 1 or 2, and provides a rail-to-rail output. Power consumption of 210 mA extends battery life, and the small packages enable a reduced footprint on the PCB.

To support rapid development of MCP47x6 DACs, the PICtail Plus Daughter Board (ADM00317), priced at $24.99, incorporates the 8-bit MCP4706, 10-bit MCP4716, and 12-bit MCP4726. The board allows a connection to either the Explorer 16 Starter Kit (DV164033) for 16-and 32-bit PIC microcontrollers (MCUs), or the PICkit Serial Analyzer (DV164122), for reading and writing to the DAC registers using the PICkit Serial Analyzer PC software.