Digital-to-analog converter uses range widely. The most common applications are audio and video, of which there are various companies offering specific sizes, designs and functions. Choosing the best company based on the specific application is often necessary.

Purchasing digital-to-analog converters for cable, satellite or other applications is common. Suppliers and manufacturers produce a product per application, but standard models of these converters are also available. When purchasing the converters, consider the following:

1. Determine if the digital-to-analog converter works with analog programmable power supplies.

2. Invest in customizable converters when possible and when needs dictate a specific requirement.

3. Learn about converters working in the reverse direction (analog to digital).

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find out what the digital-to-analog converter resolution is prior to purchase

Resolutions range widely from one company and application to the next. An inappropriate resolution limits the quality and function of the converter. Selecting an appropriate resolution is possible for most applications

I recommend: Choose companies able to provide you with specific resolution requirements. Murata Power Solutions provides for digital-to-analog converts ranging from 8 bits to 16 bits resolution. Test Equipment Connection offers 12-bit binary resolution for converters of one channel devices. They provide new and test equipment. Look into Advanced Systems Concepts, which offers wideband, high-resolution converters.

Work with digital-to-analog converters fitting time requirements

Due to the importance of timing and the settling time of the converters, most companies must invest in converters meeting their time requirements. This includes timing devices for specific converter response.

I recommend: Pick a company such as Cross Components for converters to meet specific timing requirements. The company offers hard-to-find troubleshooting help, lead time problem solving and converters for various applications. Flex-Core specializes in time integrated pulse converters. These DC-to-AC time integrated pulse converters provide optimum results to meet voltage and pulse requirements.

Seek out manufacturers and distributors of digital-to-analog-converters per application

The application of the converters to specific tasks and industries is one of the major basic, underlying uses for them. Most are specific per industry, with variations available for other uses. Choose companies manufacturing and distributing in your particular industry. The variety available is excellent in most cases.

I recommend: Take a look at converters offered by Motion Sensors. The company offers converters for electrical and mechanical product engineering. They also offer converters for the flow metering industry, rail industry, military industry and aerospace industry. Steven Engineering offers digital-to-analog converters for bar coding, pneumatic assemblies and electrical applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for the same brand when replacing digital-to-analog converters. Off-brand products are available, as are customizable converters for those industry needs when older models are no longer available. Common brands include Power-One, Clarostat, and Phoenix Contact, though others are widely available.