A single 16-bit digital-to-analog converter with an SPI interface, in MSOP-8, for generating a precise analog voltage from a microcontroller. Sixteen bits give 65536 steps, so it resolves fine setpoints and smooth waveforms far beyond an 8- or 12-bit DAC. The output is buffered and swings rail to rail against an external reference on VREF, with a feedback pin (VFB) for gain configuration. It draws little power and updates over a simple three-wire SPI (SYNC, SCLK, DIN). Use it for calibration voltages, programmable references, and low-frequency signal generation. Runs 2.7-5.5 V.

Pinout

Pin	Name	Type	Function
1	VDD	power_in	Power supply input, 2.7 V to 5.5 V. Bypass to GND with a 100 nF ceramic capacitor close to the pin.
2	VREF	input	Reference voltage input. Sets the DAC output range from 0 V to VREF. Recommended range 0 V to VDD; reference input impedance 125 kOhm typical.
3	VFB	input	Feedback connection for the output amplifier. For voltage-output operation, tie externally to VOUT.
4	VOUT	output	Analog output voltage from the DAC. Rail-to-rail output amplifier; short-circuit current 50 mA (VDD=5 V), 20 mA (VDD=3 V).
5	SYNC	input	Active-LOW level-triggered frame synchronization input for the serial interface (SPI chip select). Enables the input shift register on the falling edge; DAC updates on the 24th SCLK. Schmitt-Trigger logic input.
6	SCLK	input	Serial clock input. Data can be transferred at rates up to 30 MHz (VDD>=3.6 V) or 20 MHz (VDD<3.6 V). Schmitt-Trigger logic input.
7	DIN	input	Serial data input (MOSI). Data is clocked into the 24-bit input shift register on each falling edge of SCLK. Schmitt-Trigger logic input.
8	GND	power_in	Ground reference point for all circuitry on the part.

Key specifications

Parameter	Value
Type	Single DAC
Resolution	16-bit (65536 steps)
Interface	SPI (up to 30 MHz)
Output	buffered, rail-to-rail
Reference	external (VREF + VFB)
Settling time	~10 µs
Supply voltage	2.7-5.5 V
Package	MSOP-8 (VSSOP-8)

Ordering variants

Same part, different packaging or reel option.

DAC8551IADGKT (MSOP-8)
DAC8551IADGKR (MSOP-8, reel)

CAD (KiCad official)

Symbol: Analog_DAC:DAC8551IxDGK
Footprint: Package_SO:MSOP-8_3x3mm_P0.65mm
3D model: MSOP-8 (KiCad packages3D)

Provenance

Data extracted from the manufacturer datasheet, not a distributor listing:

Datasheet: Texas Instruments datasheet (31 pp, sha256 56fcdb7afc6c2428, retrieved 2026-08-17, tier: manufacturer)
Extractor: ds2sf (Claude). Every pin and dimension is cited to a datasheet page; it refuses to fabricate.
CAD: KiCad official libraries (CC-BY-SA 4.0).

Datasheet PDF