The MAX5742 quad, 12-bit, low-power, buffered voltage-output, digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is packaged in a space-saving 10-pin µMAX® package (5mm x 3mm). The wide supply voltage range of +2.7V to +5.5V and 229µA supply current accommodates low-power and low-voltage applications. DAC outputs employ on-chip precision output amplifiers that swing rail-to-rail. The MAX5742's reference input accepts a voltage range from 0 to VDD. In power-down the reference input is high impedance, further reducing the system's total power consumption.The 20MHz, 3-wire SPI™, QSPI™, MICROWIRE™ and DSP-compatible serial interface saves board space and reduces the complexity of opto- and transformer-isolated applications. The MAX5742 on-chip power-on reset (POR) circuit resets the DAC outputs to zero and loads the output with a 100kΩ resistor to ground. This provides additional safety for applications that drive valves or other transducers that need to be off on power-up. The MAX5742's software-controlled power-down reduces supply current to less than 0.3µA and provides software-selectable output loads (1kΩ, 100kΩ, or high impedance) while in power-down. The MAX5742 is specified over the -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature range.ApplicationsAutomatic TuningBattery-Powered InstrumentsGain and Offset AdjustmentPower Amplifier ControlProcess-Control I/O BoardsVCO Control