Texas Instruments introduced dual, 500-MSPS digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The 12-bit DAC3162 and 10-bit DAC3152 are asserted to be the smallest, least-expensive and lowest-power devices in their class and were designed for wideband transmit systems, such as wireless base stations, software defined radio, point-to-point microwave, e-band radio and portable test equipment. At 500 MSPS, the DAC3162 uses 135 mW per channel with 20 mA output current and 67 mW per channel with 2-mA output current. The small 7-mm x 7-mm QFN package cuts board space requirements by 50 percent compared to the next smallest dual, 500-MSPS DAC solution, according to the company. Pin-for-pin compatibility makes it easy to achieve 12- or 10-bit resolution and cost flexibility without board or software changes, and the simplified interface eliminates the need for the serial peripheral interface (SPI). Prices start at less than $10 in 1,000 unit quantities.

Texas Instruments
800-477-8924, www.ti.com