Microchip introduced the first low-power digital-to-analog converter with integrated non-volatile memory to simplify the design of handheld devices

Microchip Technology today announced the launch of the MCP47/48FxBx8 series of 8-channel 12-bit digital-to-analog converters. As the first product of its kind to include non-volatile memory and an integrated reference voltage source (Vref), the new solution does not depend on the system processor and can be pre-configured to achieve safe and efficient power-on.

Bryan J. Liddiard, vice president of Microchip's Mixed Signal and Linear Products Division, said, "The trend in handheld devices and other portable systems is to provide more features in smaller and simpler designs. Our first digital-to-analog converter products help To achieve this goal, they can reduce the processor overhead during power-up, and provide the channel density, low power consumption and integration characteristics required by today's compact systems, making it easier for such systems to use smaller, lighter batteries for long periods of time jobs."

Unlike digital-to-analog converters without integrated non-volatile memory, MCP47/48FxBx8 digital-to-analog converters can store user-customized configuration data even when the power is off. At power-up, all eight channels are configured in a predefined state without incurring overhead to the system processor. This series of products integrates the reference voltage source into the digital-to-analog converter, which can reduce the overall size and complexity of the system, while providing the necessary control to meet the critical timing requirements for safely driving all power outputs. In addition, this series of products also provide SPI and I2C serial interfaces to provide designers with maximum device communication flexibility.

The working voltage range of the digital-to-analog converter is 1.8V to 5.5V. The combination of a lower minimum working voltage and higher power efficiency improves thermal performance and reliability. The new digital-to-analog converter products also provide power-on/power-down reset protection and the industry's fastest 5 microsecond settling time, and can work in a larger temperature range (-40°C to +125°C) required by industrial and automotive applications .