35.6.8.1 DAC as an Internal Reference
The DAC output can be internally enabled as input to the analog comparator. This is enabled by writing a one to the Internal Output Enable bit in the Control B register (CTRLB.IOEN). It is possible to have the internal and external output enabled simultaneously.
The DAC output can also be enabled as input to the Analog-to-Digital Converter. In this case, the output buffer must be enabled.