MAX538ACSA 12-Bit Digital to Analog Converter Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The MAX538ACSA is a 12-bit digital to analog converter (DAC) manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated, designed for data acquisition applications requiring voltage output conversion. This component features an 8-SOIC surface mount package and operates with 5V analog and digital supply voltages. The part is currently classified as obsolete, which necessitates identification of functionally equivalent alternatives for ongoing design support and procurement.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Specification
Resolution	12 Bits
Number of D/A Converters	1
Output Type	Voltage - Buffered
Data Interface	SPI
Reference Type	External
Voltage - Supply, Analog	5V
Voltage - Supply, Digital	5V
Settling Time	25µs (Typ)
INL/DNL	±0.5 LSB (Max) / ±1 LSB (Max)
Architecture	R-2R
Operating Temperature Range	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the MAX538ACSA is determined by strict equivalence across the following critical parameters:

12-bit resolution
Single D/A converter configuration
Buffered voltage output topology
SPI serial data interface
External reference input requirement
5V dual supply operation (analog and digital)
25µs typical settling time
±0.5 LSB maximum INL and ±1 LSB maximum DNL linearity specifications
R-2R resistor ladder architecture
8-SOIC surface mount package with identical physical dimensions

The identified substitute parts maintain full electrical and mechanical compatibility with the original MAX538ACSA specification. Substitution is valid only when all parameters listed above are matched.

Parameter Comparison

Parameter	MAX538ACSA	MAX538ACSA+	MAX539ACSA+
Manufacturer	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated	Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
Resolution (Bits)	12	12	12
Number of D/A Converters	1	1	1
Output Type	Voltage - Buffered	Voltage - Buffered	Voltage - Buffered
Data Interface	SPI	SPI	SPI
Reference Type	External	External	External
Voltage - Supply, Analog	5V	5V	5V
Voltage - Supply, Digital	5V	5V	5V
Settling Time (Typ)	25µs	25µs	25µs
INL/DNL (LSB)	±0.5 / ±1 (Max)	±0.5 / ±1 (Max)	±0.5 / ±1 (Max)
Architecture	R-2R	R-2R	R-2R
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount	Surface Mount	Surface Mount
Product Status	Obsolete	Active	Active
RoHS Status	RoHS non-compliant	ROHS3 Compliant	ROHS3 Compliant
Packaging	Bulk	Tube	Tube

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The MAX538ACSA is classified as obsolete and no longer in active production. Both MAX538ACSA+ and MAX539ACSA+ are active production parts that maintain identical electrical specifications and package compatibility with the original device.

MAX538ACSA+ is the direct successor to MAX538ACSA, offering the same base product number with updated RoHS3 compliance and tube packaging. This part is the primary choice for direct replacement in new procurement or redesign activities.

MAX539ACSA+ is a parametric equivalent offering identical electrical performance and package form factor. The MAX539 base product number indicates a variant within the same product family. This part is suitable for applications where the MAX538ACSA+ is unavailable, provided circuit design accommodates the MAX539 variant designation.

Both substitute parts are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental and regulatory requirements. The transition from obsolete to active production status ensures long-term supply chain stability and component availability.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can MAX538ACSA+ be used as a direct replacement for MAX538ACSA?

A: Yes. The MAX538ACSA+ maintains identical electrical specifications, settling time, linearity performance, and 8-SOIC package dimensions. The primary difference is product status (active vs. obsolete) and RoHS3 compliance. No circuit modifications are required.

Q: What is the difference between MAX538ACSA+ and MAX539ACSA+?

A: Both parts are parametrically equivalent with identical 12-bit resolution, 5V supply operation, SPI interface, and 8-SOIC packaging. The difference lies in the base product number designation (MAX538 vs. MAX539). Both are suitable substitutes where electrical specifications match the original requirement.

Q: Are there any package or pinout differences between these parts?

A: No. All three parts use the 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) surface mount package with identical physical dimensions and pin configuration. PCB layout and footprint remain unchanged.

Q: Why is the original MAX538ACSA obsolete?

A: The MAX538ACSA has been superseded by active production variants (MAX538ACSA+ and MAX539ACSA+) that offer improved compliance status and supply chain continuity. The electrical functionality remains unchanged in the successor parts.

Q: What is the inventory status for substitute parts?

A: MAX538ACSA+ has 1114 pieces in stock. MAX539ACSA+ has 4258 pieces in stock. Both are available as new original components in tube packaging.

Q: Are there any compliance or certification differences?

A: The original MAX538ACSA is RoHS non-compliant. Both substitute parts (MAX538ACSA+ and MAX539ACSA+) are ROHS3 compliant and REACH unaffected, meeting current environmental regulations.

Request Quote (Ships tomorrow)

Part Number

Quantity

Company

Contact Name

E-mail

Message