How is this DAC output design called

[Zom-B]

• How is this DAC output configuration called?
• how can I search for DACs with this specific output configuration this on E14/RS/M/etc shops?

The part I found this output configuration in (apparently this part is being deprecated):
https://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/analog/data-converters/digital-to-analog-converters/MAX5152.html


(background: I want to make a PSU similar to Dave's µSupply, but save on some external op-amps.)

[timb]

That image doesn't really give enough information for us to tell you specifically what type of DAC it is, however it appears to be a dual output, buffered voltage DAC. At 16-bits it's most likely using an R2R ladder for each DAC.

Take a look at Linear Tech, Analog Devices and Texas Instruments. They all make 16-bit DACs and have parametric search pages that will let you filter by Current and Buffered/Unbuffered Voltage DACs.

That said, 16-bit is way overkill for a basic bench power supply, unless you need uA/uV level control of the output. (In which case you'd be better off with a current output DAC and a separate precision Op-amp!) 12-bits should do fine for you, 14-bits at the max.

[Zom-B]

What I'm referring to is the internal Op-amp before the output pins.

When I search for regular current and buffered voltage outputs, I get parts with an output stage that does not include an op-amp, or one that has a fixed / variable amplification, but without exposed feedback pins.

I checked four mfrs for 12-bit 2ch buffered voltage DACs, and finally found exactly one: MAX5156... which is also phased out.

BTW, something like MAX5154 with resistors between the output and FB lines is unacceptable, because I'd need external op-amps to shift the signal, defeating the purpose of internal op-amps.

[ajb]

That's a neat feature, but there's nothing you could do with that part that you can't do with a couple of external op-amps.  In fact there's a lot more you can do with fully independent op amps, and you have lots of choices in MSOP8 and such packages that won't take up too much board space.

[timb]

All buffered output DACs essentially include an internal op-amp after the DAC; that's why they're called buffered! Most don't break out the inverting pin and instead have it connected internally at the output.

Non-buffered voltage DACs essentially give you the weak output direct from the resistor ladder. A current DAC is similar, but it generally also provides access to additional parts of the R2R ladder (the Rf/Rg pins) which are used with an external op-amp hooked up as a current to voltage amplifier (most of the time current output DACs are really used to generate a voltage, it's just done outside the part for a variety of reasons, including precision).

Edit: If you want the best performance, get a current DAC and hook a high quality, low drift op-amp as stated above. That will essentially give you what you want.

[bson]

They're called sense pins.  Sometimes they have resistors, at other times not.  See e.g. http://www.ti.com/product/dac7632