A newer version of this product is available

open-in-new Compare alternates
Same functionality with different pin-out to the compared device
DAC53701 ACTIVE 10-bit 1-channel voltage-output smart DAC with Hi-Z, EEPROM, waveform generator, comparator, GPIO New product with GPIO trigger functionality

Product details

Resolution (Bits) 12 Number of DAC channels 1 Interface type I2C Output type Buffered Voltage Settling time (µs) 8.5 Features Cost Optimized, Low Power Reference type Ext Architecture String Rating Catalog Output range (max) (mA/V) 5.5 Output range (min) (mA/V) 0 Sample/update rate (Msps) 0.18 Power consumption (typ) (mW) 0.38 Operating temperature range (°C) -40 to 125
Resolution (Bits) 12 Number of DAC channels 1 Interface type I2C Output type Buffered Voltage Settling time (µs) 8.5 Features Cost Optimized, Low Power Reference type Ext Architecture String Rating Catalog Output range (max) (mA/V) 5.5 Output range (min) (mA/V) 0 Sample/update rate (Msps) 0.18 Power consumption (typ) (mW) 0.38 Operating temperature range (°C) -40 to 125
VSSOP (DGK) 8 14.7 mm² 3 x 4.9
  • Ensured Monotonicity to 12-Bits
  • Low Power Operation: 156-µA Maximum at 3.3 V
  • Extended Power Supply Range (2.7 V to 5.5 V)
  • I2C-Compatible 2-Wire Interface Which Supports Standard (100-kHz), Fast (400-kHz), and High-Speed (3.4-MHz) Modes
  • Rail-to-Rail Voltage Output
  • Very Small Package
  • Resolution: 12 bits
  • INL: ±8 LSB (Maximum)
  • DNL: 0.6 / –0.5 LSB (Maximum)
  • Settling Time: 8.5 µs (Maximum)
  • Zero Code Error: 10 mV (Maximum)
  • Full-Scale Error: −0.7%FS (Maximum)
  • Supply Power
    • Normal: 380 µW (3 V) / 730 µW (5 V) (Typical)
    • Power Down: 0.5 µW (3 V) / 0.9 µW (5 V) (Typical)
  • Ensured Monotonicity to 12-Bits
  • Low Power Operation: 156-µA Maximum at 3.3 V
  • Extended Power Supply Range (2.7 V to 5.5 V)
  • I2C-Compatible 2-Wire Interface Which Supports Standard (100-kHz), Fast (400-kHz), and High-Speed (3.4-MHz) Modes
  • Rail-to-Rail Voltage Output
  • Very Small Package
  • Resolution: 12 bits
  • INL: ±8 LSB (Maximum)
  • DNL: 0.6 / –0.5 LSB (Maximum)
  • Settling Time: 8.5 µs (Maximum)
  • Zero Code Error: 10 mV (Maximum)
  • Full-Scale Error: −0.7%FS (Maximum)
  • Supply Power
    • Normal: 380 µW (3 V) / 730 µW (5 V) (Typical)
    • Power Down: 0.5 µW (3 V) / 0.9 µW (5 V) (Typical)

The DAC121C081 is a 12-bit, single-channel, voltage-output digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that operates from a 2.7-V to 5.5-V supply. The output amplifier allows rail-to-rail output swing and has an 8.5-µs settling time. The DAC121C081 uses the supply voltage as the reference to provide the widest dynamic output range, and typically consumes 132 µA while operating at 5 V. It is available in 6-pin SOT and WSON packages, and provides three address options (pin selectable).

As an alternative, the DAC121C085 provides nine I2C addressing options and uses an external reference. It has the same performance and settling time as the DAC121C081, and is available in an 8-lead VSSOP.

The DAC121C081 and DAC121C085 use a 2-wire, I2C-compatible serial interface that operates in all three speed modes, including high-speed mode (3.4 MHz). An external address selection pin allows up to three DAC121C081 or nine DAC121C085 devices per 2-wire bus. Pin compatible alternatives to the DAC121C081 are available that provide additional address options.

The DAC121C081 and DAC121C085 each have a 16-bit register that controls the mode of operation, the power-down condition, and the output voltage. A power-on reset circuit ensures that the DAC output powers up to 0 V. A power-down feature reduces power consumption to less than a microWatt. Their low power consumption and small packages make these DACs an excellent choice for use in battery-operated equipment. Each DAC operates over the extended industrial temperature range of −40°C to +125°C.

The DAC121C081 and DAC121C085 are each part of a family of pin compatible DACs that also provide 8 and 10 bit resolution. For 8-bit DACs see the DAC081C081 and DAC081C085. For 10-bit DACs see the DAC101C081 and DAC101C085.

The DAC121C081 is a 12-bit, single-channel, voltage-output digital-to-analog converter (DAC) that operates from a 2.7-V to 5.5-V supply. The output amplifier allows rail-to-rail output swing and has an 8.5-µs settling time. The DAC121C081 uses the supply voltage as the reference to provide the widest dynamic output range, and typically consumes 132 µA while operating at 5 V. It is available in 6-pin SOT and WSON packages, and provides three address options (pin selectable).

As an alternative, the DAC121C085 provides nine I2C addressing options and uses an external reference. It has the same performance and settling time as the DAC121C081, and is available in an 8-lead VSSOP.

The DAC121C081 and DAC121C085 use a 2-wire, I2C-compatible serial interface that operates in all three speed modes, including high-speed mode (3.4 MHz). An external address selection pin allows up to three DAC121C081 or nine DAC121C085 devices per 2-wire bus. Pin compatible alternatives to the DAC121C081 are available that provide additional address options.

The DAC121C081 and DAC121C085 each have a 16-bit register that controls the mode of operation, the power-down condition, and the output voltage. A power-on reset circuit ensures that the DAC output powers up to 0 V. A power-down feature reduces power consumption to less than a microWatt. Their low power consumption and small packages make these DACs an excellent choice for use in battery-operated equipment. Each DAC operates over the extended industrial temperature range of −40°C to +125°C.

The DAC121C081 and DAC121C085 are each part of a family of pin compatible DACs that also provide 8 and 10 bit resolution. For 8-bit DACs see the DAC081C081 and DAC081C085. For 10-bit DACs see the DAC101C081 and DAC101C085.

Download View video with transcript Video

Similar products you might be interested in

open-in-new Compare alternates
Similar functionality to the compared device
DAC63001 ACTIVE 12-bit, 1-channel low-power voltage/current output smart DAC with Hi-Z, EEPROM, waveform generator Lowest power in the market with VOUT and IOUT and smaller package

Technical documentation

star =Top documentation for this product selected by TI
No results found. Please clear your search and try again.
View all 5
Type Title Date
* Data sheet DAC121C081 and DAC121C085 12-Bit Micro Power Digital-to-Analog Converter With an I2C-Compatible Interface datasheet (Rev. F) PDF | HTML 03 Oct 2016
Application note A Basic Guide to I2C PDF | HTML 08 Nov 2022
EVM User's guide DAC121C085EVM Booster Pack User’s Guide 05 Nov 2014
Application note AN-2001 Daisy Chaining Precision DACs (Rev. A) 01 May 2013
User guide 8/10/12-Bit Micro Power D/A Converter with I2C Interface Eval Bd User Guide 25 Jan 2012

Design & development

For additional terms or required resources, click any title below to view the detail page where available.

Evaluation board

DAC121C085EVM — DAC121C085 Evaluation Module

The DAC121C085EVM is a demonstration kit for the DAC121C085, a 12-bit, 1-channel, 8.5us settling time, 2-wire interface digital-to-analog converter. The EVM allows users to evaluate the operation and performance of the DAC121C085 data converter. The EVM features a small size layout that directly (...)

User guide: PDF
Not available on TI.com
Calculation tool

ANALOG-ENGINEER-CALC — Analog engineer's calculator

The analog engineer’s calculator is designed to speed up many of the repetitive calculations that analog circuit design engineers use on a regular basis. This PC-based tool provides a graphical interface with a list of various common calculations ranging from setting operational-amplifier (...)
Simulation tool

PSPICE-FOR-TI — PSpice® for TI design and simulation tool

PSpice® for TI is a design and simulation environment that helps evaluate functionality of analog circuits. This full-featured, design and simulation suite uses an analog analysis engine from Cadence®. Available at no cost, PSpice for TI includes one of the largest model libraries in the (...)
Simulation tool

TINA-TI — SPICE-based analog simulation program

TINA-TI provides all the conventional DC, transient and frequency domain analysis of SPICE and much more. TINA has extensive post-processing capability that allows you to format results the way you want them. Virtual instruments allow you to select input waveforms and probe circuit nodes voltages (...)
User guide: PDF
Package Pins Download
VSSOP (DGK) 8 View options

Ordering & quality

Information included:
  • RoHS
  • REACH
  • Device marking
  • Lead finish/Ball material
  • MSL rating/Peak reflow
  • MTBF/FIT estimates
  • Material content
  • Qualification summary
  • Ongoing reliability monitoring
Information included:
  • Fab location
  • Assembly location

Recommended products may have parameters, evaluation modules or reference designs related to this TI product.

Support & training

TI E2E™ forums with technical support from TI engineers

Content is provided "as is" by TI and community contributors and does not constitute TI specifications. See terms of use.

If you have questions about quality, packaging or ordering TI products, see TI support. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Videos