Part A
AD5444YRMZ
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 1980 PCS
- Package
- MSOP-10
- Series
- Acquisição de dados - Convertedores digitais para analógicos (DAC)
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The AD5444YRMZ and AD5446YRM are functionally compatible 12-bit and 14-bit current-output DACs respectively, sharing the same MSOP-10 footprint, serial interface, and reference input architecture. The AD5446YRM offers higher resolution, making it a viable upgrade path where the AD5444YRMZ is used, provided the system can accommodate the increased resolution and the slightly wider gain error specification. Designers should validate the reference voltage headroom and output amplifier configuration to ensure the higher-resolution device meets the target application's linearity and settling requirements.
Resolution
High match
Package Type
High match
Interface Type
High match
Gain Error
Validation required
Parts at a glance
Part B
AD5446YRM
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 8004 PCS
- Package
- MSOP-10
- Series
- Acquisição de dados - Convertedores digitais para analógicos (DAC)
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | AD5444YRMZ | AD5446YRM | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 bit | 14 bit | Resolution determines the smallest output step and achievable precision; a 14-bit DAC provides four times finer granularity than a 12-bit DAC. |
| Number of D/A Converters | 1 | 1 | Both are single-channel DACs, so channel count is not a differentiator for substitutability. |
| INL (Integral Nonlinearity) | ±1 LSB max | ±1 LSB max | INL defines deviation from an ideal transfer function; matching INL simplifies error budget analysis when swapping parts. |
| DNL (Differential Nonlinearity) | ±1 LSB max | ±1 LSB max | DNL guarantees monotonicity and step uniformity; identical DNL means comparable linearity behavior in closed-loop control. |
| Output Type | Current - Unbuffered | Current - Unbuffered | Both require an external I/V converter, so the analog signal chain architecture remains the same. |
| Supply Voltage (Analog & Digital) | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | 2.5 V to 5.5 V | Compatible supply ranges allow the same power rail design to be reused without modification. |
| Interface | SPI, DSP | SPI, DSP | Identical serial interface protocols mean the same microcontroller firmware and timing can drive either device. |
| Settling Time | 100 ns | 100 ns | Matching settling time preserves dynamic performance in waveform generation and fast control loops. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C | -40°C to +125°C | Equivalent temperature ratings ensure both parts meet the same environmental and reliability requirements. |
| Package / Case | 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP | 10-TFSOP, 10-MSOP | Identical package and pinout allow a drop-in PCB replacement without layout changes. |
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Send your BOM and application constraints for technical and sourcing review.
Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD5444YRMZ | AD5446YRM |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Number of Bits | 12 | 14 |
| Number of D/A Converters | 1 | 1 |
| Settling Time | 110ns | 110ns |
| Output Type | Current - Unbuffered | Current - Unbuffered |
| Differential Output | Yes | Yes |
| Data Interface | SPI, DSP | SPI, DSP |
| Reference Type | External | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 2.5V ~ 5.5V | 2.5V ~ 5.5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 2.5V ~ 5.5V | 2.5V ~ 5.5V |
| INL / DNL(LSB) | ±0.5 (Max), ±1 (Max) | ±2 (Max), -1/+2 (Max) |
| Architecture | R-2R | R-2R |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 125°C | -40°C ~ 125°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the AD5444YRMZ and the AD5446YRM?
The AD5444YRMZ is a 12-bit current-output digital-to-analog converter (DAC), while the AD5446YRM is a 14-bit current-output DAC. Both are single-channel, multiplying DACs with a serial interface, but they differ in resolution and therefore in the number of input clock cycles required per conversion and in their effective least significant bit (LSB) size.
Are the AD5444YRMZ and AD5446YRM pin-compatible?
Yes. Both devices are offered in the same 10-lead MSOP (RM) package and share the same pinout, allowing them to be used in the same PCB footprint. However, the AD5446YRM provides 14-bit resolution versus 12-bit resolution for the AD5444YRMZ, so firmware and timing must be adjusted accordingly.
What is the resolution and number of bits for each device?
The AD5444YRMZ has 12-bit resolution (4096 codes), and the AD5446YRM has 14-bit resolution (16384 codes). Both are multiplying DACs with current output.
Do both parts use the same serial interface and update rate?
Both use a 3-wire serial interface compatible with SPI, QSPI, MICROWIRE, and DSP interface standards. The AD5444YRMZ requires 12 clock cycles per data-word, while the AD5446YRM requires 14 clock cycles per data-word. The maximum update rate depends on the serial clock frequency and the number of bits, so the AD5444YRMZ can achieve a higher update rate for the same SCLK frequency.
What are the reference and output voltage ranges for these DACs?
Both are current-output multiplying DACs. The output current is a function of the applied reference voltage (VREF) and the digital input code. The reference input accepts a wide range of voltages, typically up to ±10 V or more, depending on the supply and configuration. The output current can be converted to a voltage using an external op-amp. Neither device has an internal reference.
Can the AD5444YRMZ and AD5446YRM operate from the same supply voltages?
Yes. Both devices operate from a single 2.5 V to 5.5 V supply for the digital and analog sections, and they also support dual-supply operation for the analog section (e.g., ±5 V) to allow bipolar output swings when used with an external op-amp. The specified operating supply range is the same for both parts.
What are the package and temperature range specifications?
Both the AD5444YRMZ and AD5446YRM are available in a 10-lead MSOP package. The “Y” grade indicates an operating temperature range of −40°C to +125°C. The “Z” suffix on the AD5444YRMZ indicates a lead-free, RoHS-compliant package version; the AD5446YRM may also be available in a RoHS-compliant version, but the specific ordering code should be verified with the manufacturer’s datasheet.
Which part should be selected for higher precision applications?
The AD5446YRM should be selected when higher resolution is required, as it provides 14-bit resolution compared to 12-bit resolution for the AD5444YRMZ. The AD5446YRM offers four times the number of output codes, resulting in finer adjustment steps and lower quantization error, assuming the rest of the system supports the higher resolution.