Optically isolated high-voltage digital-to-analog converter

We have designed, prototyped and characterized a High-Voltage Digital-to-Analog Converter (HV–DAC) with a dynamic range of 600 V. When configured as a series voltage drop element in a High-Voltage (HV) distribution system, the HV–DAC can be used in high-energy physics experiments where individual high-voltage control of many channels is needed. The design and performance of the HV–DAC and a prototype two-channel programmable HV distribution system are presented here.