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In process control systems, sensor transmitters collect data such as pressure, temperature, flow, and level, and send this information to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) or Distributed Control System. These transmitters rely on 4-20mA signals to send data to the controller. Despite the emergence of standards like IO-Link and Profibus, the 4-20mA signal provides long-distance recovery, reliability, noise immunity, and universal compatibility with each PLC system.


Chip Introduction
01. Chip Introduction
Today, we introduce a 16-bit programmable digital-to-analog converter—DAC161S997 👈 chip launched by TI (Texas Instruments), which not only complies with industrial standards for 4-20mA current loops to send analog output current, but also features a simple four-wire serial peripheral interface (SPI) for data transmission and DAC function configuration. With its excellent precision, low power consumption, high integration, and flexible interface design, it is an ideal choice in the field of industrial automation.
DAC161S997 die image (Image source: IPBrain platform) The die size of DAC161S997 is 1.65mm x 1.65mm (excluding scribe lines), with 2 poly layers and 4 metal layers, and the die marking is DAC161S997 2012.

Chip Characteristics
02. Chip Characteristics
DAC161S997 is a chip with ultra-high precision, low power consumption and low noise, with a typical power consumption of only 2.5mW under a 3.3V supply, and it has low output noise density, as well as a wide operating temperature range from -40° C to + 125° C. It also features a highly integrated design, integrating all precision components on the chip, requiring only a few external components to achieve an industrial 4 – 20 mA transmitter. The chip supports various serial interface protocols such as SPI, QSPI and MICROWIRE, compatible with most DSP and microcontrollers. It also has a programmable fault-safe mode, where the error current value can be set by the user via SPI. The working principle of DAC161S997 is as follows:
- Digital input processing: The 16 bit digital input code is first sent to the internal register and configured via the SPI interface.
- Σ–Δ modulation: The digital signal is converted into a high-speed pulse density modulation (PDM) signal, achieving digital-to-analog conversion.
- Low-pass filtering: The PDM signal passes through an internal third-order RC low-pass filter, converting it into a smooth analog current output.
- Current amplification: The filtered current signal is amplified to produce the final output current ILOOP, typically ranging from 4-20mA.
DAC161S997 functional block diagram (Image source: chip specification)
Top-level overview (Image source: IPBrain platform)
Top-level circuit diagram (Image source: IPBrain platform)For the DAC161S997 chip, the biggest highlight is the DAC module. This DAC converts the 16-bit input code in the DACCODE register into an equivalent current output. The ΣΔ DAC output is a current pulse, which is then filtered by a third-order RC low-pass filter and amplified, thus generating the loop current ( ILOOP) at the device’s OUT pin. This architecture ensures excellent linear performance while minimizing device power consumption.
DAC circuit diagram (Image source: IPBrain platform)
DAC (Poly layer) (Image source: IPBrain platform)
MOSFET (Image source: IPBrain platform)
Capacitor (Image source: IPBrain platform)

Chip Applications
03. Application Scenarios
The 16-bit SPI programmable digital-to-analog converter DAC161S997👈 demonstrates exceptional application value in various fields. Here are its typical application scenarios:
- Industrial automation: process control, PLC output modules, industrial robot servo control.
- Testing and measurement: data acquisition systems, signal generators, precision power control.
- Communication equipment: RF signal conditioning, optical communication bias control.
- Medical devices: precision infusion pumps, medical imaging systems.
The price of DAC161S997 is around 26~29 yuan, and the IPBrain platform has conducted a full chip circuit analysis of this chip. If you want to know the details, interested partners can contact us.
DAC161S997 chip price (Image source: network) )
Friends who want to get more information about this chip can contact [email protected] or call 010-62901860-639/609/611 for details.
More exclusive information is available on the IPBrain integrated circuit big data platform. If you are interested in more popular chip information on the market, you can click “Read the original text” to visit the IPBrain website or click the mini-program link below for inquiries.
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