The MAX5816 4-channel, low-power, 12-bit, voltage-output digital-to-analog converter (DAC) includes output buffers and an internal reference that is selectable to be 2.048V, 2.500V, or 4.096V. The MAX5816 accepts a wide supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V with extremely low power (3mW) consumption to accommodate most low-voltage applications. A precision external reference input allows rail-to-rail operation and presents a 100kΩ (typ) load to an external reference.The MAX5816 has an I²C-compatible, 2-wire interface that operates at clock rates up to 400kHz. The DAC output is buffered and has a low supply current of less than 250µA per channel and a low offset error of ±0.5mV (typ). On power-up, the MAX5816 resets the DAC outputs to zero, providing additional safety for applications that drive valves or other transducers which need to be off on power-up. The internal reference is initially powered down to allow use of an external reference. The MAX5816 allows simultaneous output updates using software LOAD commands. Multiple devices can simultaneously be updated using software load command in combination with the broadcast ID.The MAX5816 is available in a 10-pin TDFN package and is specified over the -40°C to +125°C temperature range.ApplicationsAutomatic Tuning and Optical ControlData AcquisitionGain and Offset AdjustmentPortable InstrumentationPower Amplifier Control and BiasingProcess Control and Servo LoopsProgrammable Voltage and Current Sources