8-bit resolution with I²C bus — right-sized for trim and set-point DACs
The AD5301BRMZ is an 8-bit single-channel DAC from Analog Devices, using a string architecture that guarantees monotonicity. It communicates over a standard I²C interface, making it a natural fit for microcontroller-based systems where a few analog outputs are needed for bias voltages, sensor thresholds, or calibration trims — no need for a parallel bus or an external reference. Resolution is 8 bits, so with a 2.5 V reference (the supply rail itself — no separate Vref pin), the step size is about 9.8 mV. That is coarse enough for a fan-speed setpoint or a comparator trip level, but not for precision audio or 0.1% regulation loops. The I²C address is set by the factory default; the bus runs at standard and fast mode up to 400 kHz.
Voltage-buffered output and single-supply rail
Output is voltage-buffered and rail-to-rail, meaning the DAC output swings from near ground to near the supply voltage without an external op-amp. The settling time to 1/2 LSB for a full-scale step is 8 µs — fast enough for a 125 kHz update rate if you are streaming values, but more realistically used for DC setpoints updated at control-loop rates. The reference type is 'Supply' — the DAC uses VDD as its reference, so the output accuracy tracks the supply tolerance. If the 3.3 V rail drifts by 1 %, the output voltage drifts by the same percentage.
INL/DNL and monotonicity — no missing codes
Integral non-linearity is ±0.15 LSB typical, differential non-linearity is ±0.02 LSB typical. DNL below 0.5 LSB means the DAC is guaranteed monotonic — every digital code increment produces a positive output step, no glitches or non-monotonic jumps. For a trim DAC setting a regulator feedback voltage, monotonicity matters more than absolute accuracy.
Package and temperature grade
The supplier device package is 8-MSOP.
Product status is Active — no end-of-life notice, no last-time-buy window. The part is ROHS3 compliant. Analog Devices maintains full datasheet and application support.