Analog Devices Inc. AD574AKN/+

Overview

AD574AKN/+ from Analog Devices is a monolithic 12-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with on-chip reference, clock, and three-state data outputs. It delivers ±1/2 LSB linearity error over 0°C to +70°C, supports unipolar (0 V to +10 V or 0 V to +20 V) and bipolar (±5 V or ±10 V) input ranges, and achieves ≤35 µs full-scale conversion time - used in precision industrial data acquisition, test instrumentation, and process control systems requiring stable, self-contained ADC functionality.

For engineers reviewing the AD574AKN/+ datasheet, AD574AKN/+ pinout, AD574AKN/+ application, or AD574AKN/+ equivalent, key selection considerations include guaranteed 12-bit no-missing-codes performance, internal 10.00 V ±0.2% Zener reference, ±12 V/±15 V dual-supply operation, and flexible 8-/12-bit parallel data interface via AO and 12/8 control pins.

Technical Context

The AD574AKN/+ implements a fully integrated successive-approximation architecture with an internal 12-bit current-output DAC, comparator, SAR logic, and temperature-compensated buried Zener reference. Its analog front-end includes dual input scaling resistors (5 kΩ for 10 V span, 10 kΩ for 20 V span) and a dedicated bipolar offset resistor, enabling direct connection to unipolar or bipolar signal sources without external gain/offset components.

Digital control uses CE/CS/R/C/AO/12/8 signals to manage conversion initiation (8-bit or 12-bit), status reporting (STS output), and left-justified parallel data readout in either single 12-bit word or two 8-bit bytes. The device requires hard-wiring of 12/8 to VLOGIC or DIGITAL COMMON and prohibits AO transitions during active reads to prevent bus contention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD574AKN/+ is housed in a 28-pin plastic DIP (N-28) package with 0.600-inch width, lead finish matte tin, and JEDEC MS-001 compliant outline. Pin spacing is 0.100 inch, with standard through-hole mounting.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit ADC applications.

Compared with AD574AKN/+, both alternatives offer faster conversion and single-supply operation but lack the integrated ±10 V reference and bipolar input flexibility - making AD574AKN/+ preferable for legacy test equipment and high-precision analog signal chains requiring guaranteed monotonicity and minimal external components.

Availability

AD574AKN/+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process monitoring, automated test equipment, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and traceable sourcing for safety-critical deployments.

Supply support for AD574AKN/+ includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Analog Devices, Inc. is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The AD574A product line was designed for precision data acquisition systems demanding self-contained, high-accuracy ADC functionality with minimal external components - targeting industrial, instrumentation, and aerospace applications where reliability and guaranteed specifications are paramount.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for AD574AKN/+?

The AD574AKN/+ is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C. This commercial-grade temperature specification is defined in the Ordering Guide and confirmed across all electrical parameters in the "AD574AK" column of the specifications table. The K grade guarantees ±1/2 LSB linearity error and 12-bit no-missing-codes performance across this full range, making AD574AKN/+ suitable for indoor industrial and laboratory environments without extended thermal conditioning.

Does AD574AKN/+ require external components to operate?

No, AD574AKN/+ is a complete 12-bit ADC requiring no external components for basic operation. Its on-chip elements include a temperature-compensated 10.00 V Zener reference, internal clock generator, 12-bit current-output DAC, comparator, and successive-approximation register. Only power supplies (+5 V, +12 V/+15 V, –12 V/–15 V), analog input connections, and control signals (CE, CS, R/C, AO, 12/8) are needed - though external trimming resistors may be added for fine calibration.

How does the 12/8 pin affect data output formatting on AD574AKN/+?

The 12/8 pin on AD574AKN/+ configures the parallel data interface: when tied to VLOGIC, it enables single 12-bit word output on DB11–DB0; when tied to DIGITAL COMMON, it enables two 8-bit byte reads (MSBs first, then LSBs with trailing zeros). This pin is not TTL-compatible and must be hard-wired - it determines whether the host system reads one 12-bit value or two sequential 8-bit transfers, directly impacting firmware data-handling logic for AD574AKN/+.

Can AD574AKN/+ interface directly with a 3.3 V microcontroller?

No, AD574AKN/+ digital I/O operates at +5 V logic levels: DB11–DB0 outputs swing from 0 V to +2.4 V (high) and 0 V to +0.4 V (low) under specified load conditions, and inputs (CE, CS, etc.) require logic "1" ≥ +2.0 V. Direct connection to a 3.3 V microcontroller risks undervoltage logic recognition and potential damage due to level mismatch. A level-shifting buffer or voltage translator is required for safe, reliable communication with AD574AKN/+.

What is the purpose of the STS pin on AD574AKN/+?

The STS (Status) pin on AD574AKN/+ provides real-time conversion state feedback: it goes high at the start of any conversion cycle (8-bit or 12-bit) and returns low only after the full conversion completes and data is valid in the output registers. This open-collector output enables hardware handshaking with microprocessors or FPGAs, eliminating polling delays and ensuring data reads occur only when conversion results are stable - a critical timing safeguard for deterministic system operation using AD574AKN/+.