Part A
AD5541CRZ
Analog Devices Inc.
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6162 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Digital to Analog Converters (DAC)
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR are functionally equivalent 16-bit serial-input voltage-output DACs sharing the same architecture, resolution, and interface. The AD5541CRZ offers a tighter linearity grade and a wider specified operating temperature range, making it a viable higher-grade substitute for the AD5541BR in most designs. Verify the required INL grade and thermal margin against the target application before committing to a drop-in replacement.
Resolution
High match
Digital Interface
High match
Package Type
High match
INL Grade
Validation required
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | AD5541CRZ | AD5541BR | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 16 bit | 16 bit | Both parts provide 16-bit resolution, so they offer the same DAC precision and are functionally equivalent in resolution. |
| Number of D/A Converters | 1 | 1 | Both are single-channel DACs, so channel count is identical and does not affect substitutability. |
| Output Type | Voltage - Unbuffered | Voltage - Unbuffered | Both provide an unbuffered voltage output, meaning external buffering requirements are the same. |
| Interface | SPI, DSP | SPI, DSP | Both support the same serial interface options, so they can be used with the same digital host connections. |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 2.7 V ~ 5.5 V | 2.7 V ~ 5.5 V | Identical analog supply range means both can operate from the same system rails. |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 2.7 V ~ 5.5 V | 2.7 V ~ 5.5 V | Identical digital supply range ensures both are compatible with the same logic-level supplies. |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C | Same operating temperature range means both are suitable for the same environmental conditions. |
| Package / Case | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC | Identical package and footprint allow direct board-level substitution without layout changes. |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Both are surface-mount devices, so assembly processes remain the same. |
| Supplier Device Package | 8-SOIC | 8-SOIC | Same supplier package designation confirms mechanical and soldering compatibility. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | AD5541CRZ | AD5541BR |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Analog Devices Inc.,Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Number of Bits | 16 | 16 |
| Number of D/A Converters | 1 | 1 |
| Settling Time | 1µs (Typ) | 1µs (Typ) |
| Output Type | Voltage - Unbuffered | Voltage - Unbuffered |
| Differential Output | No | No |
| Data Interface | SPI, DSP | SPI, DSP |
| Reference Type | External | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 2.7V ~ 5.5V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 2.7V ~ 5.5V | 2.7V ~ 5.5V |
| INL / DNL(LSB) | ±0.5, ±0.5 | ±0.5, ±0.5 |
| Architecture | R-2R | R-2R |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the AD5541CRZ and the AD5541BR?
The AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR are both 16-bit, single-channel, serial-input voltage-output DACs from Analog Devices. The primary difference is their specified grade and operating temperature range. The AD5541BR is specified over the industrial temperature range of −40°C to +85°C, while the AD5541CRZ is specified over the extended industrial temperature range of −40°C to +125°C. The "Z" suffix on the AD5541CRZ indicates a RoHS-compliant package, whereas the AD5541BR is available in a non-RoHS-compliant package. Both parts share the same functional architecture, pinout, and electrical specifications at 25°C.
Are the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR pin-compatible and functionally interchangeable?
Yes. Both devices are offered in the same 8-lead SOIC package with identical pin functions: VDD, VOUT, AGND, REF, CS, SCLK, DIN, and DGND. They share the same serial interface timing, 16-bit resolution, and output voltage range determined by the external reference. In applications where the operating temperature does not exceed +85°C and RoHS compliance is not required, the AD5541BR can be used in place of the AD5541CRZ, and vice versa, provided the extended temperature range of the CRZ grade is not needed.
What is the resolution and output voltage range of the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR?
Both the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR are 16-bit DACs, providing 65,536 discrete output levels. The output voltage range is determined by the external reference voltage applied to the REF pin. The output spans from 0 V to VREF, with the transfer function VOUT = VREF × D / 65536, where D is the 16-bit digital input code. The reference input accepts voltages up to VDD, and the devices are specified for a reference voltage of 2.5 V to 5 V in typical applications.
What are the supply voltage and power consumption specifications for these DACs?
Both the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR operate from a single 2.7 V to 5.5 V supply (VDD). Typical power consumption is 0.625 mW at 5 V with a 2.5 V reference, making them suitable for low-power applications. The devices also feature a power-down mode that reduces current consumption to typically 1 µA. These specifications are identical for both grades and are verified in the Analog Devices AD5541/AD5542 datasheet.
What serial interface do the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR use?
Both devices use a 3-wire SPI-compatible serial interface consisting of CS (chip select), SCLK (serial clock), and DIN (serial data input). The interface supports clock rates up to 50 MHz, allowing fast update rates. Data is clocked into a 16-bit shift register on the falling edge of SCLK and transferred to the DAC register on the rising edge of CS. The interface is compatible with standard SPI, QSPI, MICROWIRE, and DSP serial ports.
What are the INL and DNL specifications for the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR?
Both the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR are specified with 16-bit monotonicity and typical integral nonlinearity (INL) of ±1 LSB and typical differential nonlinearity (DNL) of ±1 LSB. The maximum INL is ±2 LSB for the B grade and ±1 LSB for the C grade over their respective temperature ranges. These specifications are verified in the Analog Devices AD5541/AD5542 datasheet and apply to both the CRZ and BR orderable part numbers.
What package options are available for the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR?
Both the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR are available in an 8-lead SOIC package (R-8 suffix). The AD5541CRZ is RoHS-compliant and is designated with the "Z" suffix in the orderable part number. The AD5541BR is available in a standard SOIC package that may not be RoHS-compliant. Package dimensions, thermal resistance, and pinout are identical between the two grades, ensuring drop-in compatibility when temperature range and RoHS requirements are satisfied.
Can the AD5541CRZ and AD5541BR be used in precision industrial control applications?
Yes. Both devices are designed for precision industrial applications including process control, automatic test equipment, data acquisition systems, and programmable logic controllers. The 16-bit resolution, ±1 LSB INL, and low power consumption make them suitable for these applications. The AD5541CRZ is preferred for applications requiring operation up to +125°C, while the AD5541BR is suitable for standard industrial temperature ranges up to +85°C. Both parts are specified for operation with a 2.5 V to 5 V reference and provide a voltage output directly from the DAC architecture.