ADIAD421BRZ
Overview
The AD421BRZ is a 16-bit, serial input, loop-powered digital-to-analog converter (DAC) specifically designed for 4-20 mA smart transmitter applications. It integrates a high-precision DAC, a voltage reference, and a voltage regulator on a single chip to provide a complete solution for industrial process control signaling. This component allows for the implementation of smart transmitters that can operate directly from the power supplied by the 4-20 mA current loop.
Why Choose This Part
The AD421BRZ simplifies loop-powered designs by providing an integrated adjustable voltage regulator (3V, 3.3V, or 5V) to power the rest of the transmitter circuitry. Its 16-bit resolution ensures high accuracy and linearity, while the low power consumption allows the entire transmitter to operate under the 4 mA minimum loop current floor.
Applications
Key Specifications
Getting Started
When designing with the AD421BRZ, ensure the use of a low-leakage external pass transistor to handle the loop voltage and current. The serial MICROWIRE interface is compatible with standard SPI peripherals on most microcontrollers, and careful PCB layout is required around the reference pins to maintain 16-bit performance in noisy industrial environments.



