The 12-bit DAC3162 and 10-bit DAC3152 claim 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.

The device claims to offer the lowest power consumption by at least 30 percent extends the battery life of portable devices. At 500 MSPS, the DAC3162 uses only 135 mW per channel with 20 mA output current and 67 mW per channel with 2-mA output current.

The device’s simplified interface eliminates the need for the serial peripheral interface (SPI).

Availability and Pricing

Samples of the DAC3162 and DAC3152 are available today in a 48-pin, 7-mm x 7-mm QFN package. Production quantities are expected in November 2011. 1,000-unit pricing will start at $12.60 for the DAC3162 and $9.15 for the DAC3152.

TI also offers evaluation modules (EVMs) for the DAC3162 and DAC3152, complete with a transceiver chain that includes the CDCP1803 clock buffer and TRF370333 quadrature modulator. These new EVMs are fully compatible with TI's TSW3100 pattern generator module for rapid evaluation. The DAC3162EVM and DAC3152EVM are available now, priced at $199.

An IBIS model is also available.
 
More information about the DAC3162 and DAC3152 DACs at www.ti.com/dac3162-preu