Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

Some context:

>The AD1139 is the first DAC offering 18-bit resolution (1 part in 262,1441) and true 18-bit accuracy in a component size hybrid package. A proprietary bit switching technique provides high accuracy, speed and stability without compromising small size or low cost.[0]

Just curious, I looked up the price:

Digikey, 1 unit: $2,449.80 USD [1]

Analog Devices, 100-499 units: $1706.58 USD

Analog Devices, 1000+ units: $1706.58 USD

[0]: https://www.analog.com/en/products/ad1139.html

[1]: https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/analog-devices-in...



There seems to be no price cap on AD components! Solid stuff at a range of prices. It's sometimes tough to tell what makes the super-expensive ones different. Might be a little extra precision (etc) that's justified in niche cases.


I'd say volume. These are highly specialized devices which require a lot of careful development. The volume might be a few thousand a year if even. So seeing super high speed/precision ADC's costing 1000+USD isn't so surprising.


Isn't is just market segmentation? The only people who need this thing are building test equipment that costs big money regardless.


I'd love to have one in my radio


How could one use an 18-bit D/A in a radio? (an 18-bit A/D is a different story).


that's interesting, ADI doesn't even list it anymore on their website but it's marked as still active. i guess it's still used in some test&measurement equipment.


this feels like something to throw into a satellite for processing/digitizing the output from a custom image sensor?

or maybe some incredibly edge software-defined radio application...




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: