AD5693R 16-Bit DAC Breakout Board with I2C

Jargon buster

Plain-language definitions for the technical terms used above.

AD5693R

A specific digital-to-analogue converter chip that turns numbers from a microcontroller into a precise analogue voltage. The part number matters because it determines the resolution, voltage range, interface, and accuracy features of the breakout board.

breakout

A breakout is a small circuit board that makes a tiny or hard-to-solder component easier to connect to with standard pins. It matters because this OLED module can be wired into a microcontroller project without needing to solder directly to the display’s fine contacts.

DAC

A digital-to-analogue converter turns numbers from the microcontroller into a real analogue voltage. It matters if you want to generate simple waveforms, audio-style signals, or variable control voltages rather than just on/off outputs.

FSR

Full-scale range is the span between the lowest and highest output a converter can produce. Error specifications given as a percentage of FSR depend on the selected output range, such as 2.5 V or 5 V.

Gain error

Gain error is a scaling error where the DAC output rises slightly too much or too little across its range. It matters for applications where the exact relationship between the digital value and output voltage is important.

I2C

I2C is a two-wire communication bus used by many sensors and small modules. It matters because several I2C devices can share the same two wires, but each device needs a compatible address and your controller must support I2C.

INL

Integral non-linearity is a measure of how closely a DAC’s output follows an ideal straight-line response across its range. Lower INL means the output voltage is more predictable when you need accurate analogue control.

Internal reference

A built-in stable voltage source that the DAC uses as its measuring point for creating output voltages. Having an internal reference means you do not need to add a separate precision reference part for many projects.

LSB

Least significant bit is the smallest step a digital converter can represent. In a DAC, it tells you the tiniest voltage change the output can make at a given resolution and output range.

microcontroller

A microcontroller is a small computer on a chip that runs your program and controls connected inputs and outputs. For this product, it is the part that reads buttons and sensors, drives the display and speaker, and communicates over Bluetooth.

Offset error

Offset error is a small output error that appears even when the DAC is set near zero. It matters when your project needs accurate low voltages or fine analogue adjustments.

PCB

A printed circuit board is a rigid board with copper tracks that connect electronic parts without loose wires. For this kit, the PCBs also form the airplane shape, so they are both the circuit base and part of the finished model.

ppm

ppm means parts per million, a common way to express very small gas concentrations in air. For CO₂ sensors, the ppm range tells you what levels the sensor can measure, such as normal indoor air through to poorly ventilated spaces.

Qwiic

Qwiic is a plug-in connector system for I2C devices that uses small 4-pin cables, so you can connect compatible sensors without soldering. It matters because your controller or adapter also needs Qwiic, or you will need a cable or breakout to wire it up.

STEMMA

A plug-and-cable connection system used on some maker electronics boards to make wiring simpler. If a product uses STEMMA, you need the matching cable or connector type to plug it in without soldering.

STEMMA QT

A small plug-in connector system for I2C boards that lets you connect compatible sensors and controllers without soldering. It matters because it can make wiring faster and less error-prone, especially when adding several small modules to a project.

Terminal block

A connector used to join wires together in a neat, removable, or serviceable way. For this product, it helps split one power input into several outputs without soldering.

TUE

Total unadjusted error combines several accuracy errors into one overall figure. It helps you estimate how far the real output voltage might be from the value you asked the DAC to produce.