Analog Devices Inc. AD876ARS-8

Overview

AD876ARS-8 from Analog Devices is a CMOS 10-bit, 20 MSPS analog-to-digital converter with on-chip sample-and-hold, differential nonlinearity of ±0.5 LSB, guaranteed no missing codes, and 160 mW power dissipation at +5 V single supply. It supports force-sense reference inputs and three-state digital outputs for video digitization in CCD-based color scanners and electronic still cameras.

For engineers reviewing the AD876ARS-8 datasheet, AD876ARS-8 pinout, AD876ARS-8 application, or AD876ARS-8 equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, package mapping to 28-lead SSOP, confirmed timing parameters (t_C = 50 ns, latency = 3.5 clock cycles), and real-world interface constraints including DRVDD voltage flexibility (+3.0 V to +5.25 V) and REFTF/REFBF reference force-sense topology.

Technical Context

The AD876ARS-8 implements a multistage pipelined architecture with output error correction logic to achieve 10-bit accuracy at 20 MSPS while guaranteeing no missing codes across 0°C to +85°C. Its on-chip sample-and-hold amplifier features track/hold switching synchronized to CLK edges, with aperture jitter of 22 ps and full-power bandwidth of 150 MHz.

Reference interface uses force-sense topology: REFTF/REFBF accept external reference voltages (3.5–4.5 V top, 1.6–2.5 V bottom), while REFTS/REFBS provide high-impedance sense points to null wiring resistance errors. Digital I/Os operate from DRVDD (3.0–5.25 V) and tolerate both +5 V and +3.3 V logic levels.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The AD876ARS-8 is packaged in a 28-lead SSOP (RS-28) with 0.65 mm lead pitch and exposed pad for thermal management. Pin functions are validated per Analog Devices AD876 Rev. B datasheet Figure 1 and PIN FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS table.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit, 20 MSPS ADC applications.

Compared with AD876ARS-8, AD9203ARUZ offers lower power and higher speed but eliminates +5 V compatibility and force-sense calibration, while MAX1186ETL+ trades parallel bus simplicity for serial configurability and reduced supply voltage range-neither provides pin-compatible replacement without board redesign.

Availability

AD876ARS-8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for color scanner signal digitization, digital copier image capture, and electronic still camera CCD interface requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (–40°C to +85°C).

Supply support for AD876ARS-8 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 is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing semiconductors, founded in 1965 and headquartered in Wilmington, MA.

The AD876 product line was designed specifically for high-speed, medium-resolution digitization in imaging and video systems-emphasizing low power, single-supply operation, and robust reference architecture for portable and embedded applications.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range specified for the AD876ARS-8?

The AD876ARS-8 is rated for operation from –40°C to +85°C, as confirmed in the Ordering Guide section of the AD876 Rev. B datasheet. This extended temperature range supports deployment in industrial imaging equipment and automotive-adjacent vision systems where ambient conditions exceed commercial-grade limits. The AD876ARS-8 maintains guaranteed no missing codes and ±0.5 LSB DNL across this full range, unlike the commercial-grade AD876JR variants.

Does the AD876ARS-8 support true differential analog input?

No, the AD876ARS-8 accepts only single-ended analog input on the AIN pin. Its internal architecture uses a single-ended sample-and-hold amplifier, and the datasheet specifies input range as 2 V p-p referenced to AVSS-not as a differential pair. While external circuitry (e.g., difference amplifiers like AD830) can condition differential sensor outputs for use with AD876ARS-8, the device itself does not implement differential input stages or common-mode rejection beyond standard CMRR specs for single-ended operation.

Can the AD876ARS-8 be operated with a 3.3 V digital I/O supply?

Yes, the AD876ARS-8 supports DRVDD from +3.0 V to +5.25 V, enabling direct interfacing with 3.3 V logic families. When DRVDD = 3.3 V, the CLK input threshold becomes ~1.65 V, and digital outputs meet VOH ≥ 2.4 V (IOH = 50 µA) and VOL ≤ 0.7 V (IOL = 0.6 mA), satisfying 3.3 V LVTTL requirements. This flexibility eliminates level-shifting components in mixed-voltage systems using the AD876ARS-8.

What is the purpose of the CML pin on the AD876ARS-8?

The CML pin on the AD876ARS-8 is an analog output providing bypass access to an internal bias point for stability compensation. As shown in Figure 1 of the AD876 Rev. B datasheet, it connects to an internal current mirror load node and must be decoupled to AVSS with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor. Leaving CML unconnected or improperly bypassed risks increased noise and degraded AC performance-including reduced SINAD and elevated THD-particularly at high input frequencies near 10 MHz.

How does the force-sense reference configuration improve accuracy in the AD876ARS-8?

The force-sense reference configuration in the AD876ARS-8 improves accuracy by eliminating voltage drops across internal 5 Ω routing resistances between REFTF/REFBF and the internal 250 Ω reference ladder. By connecting external reference sources to REFTF/REFBF while monitoring REFTS/REFBS (high-impedance sense nodes), the AD876ARS-8 effectively measures reference voltage directly at the DAC tap points-reducing gain error contribution from PCB trace resistance and ensuring stable 2 V p-p input span even with long or narrow routing.