Analog Devices Inc. AD9241ASZ

Overview

AD9241ASZ from Analog Devices is a monolithic 14-bit, 1.25 MSPS analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated sample-and-hold amplifier and programmable voltage reference. It operates on a single +5 V supply, delivers 78.0 dB SNR+D at 100 kHz input, exhibits ±2.5 LSB INL, and features straight-binary output with out-of-range (OTR) flag - deployed in medical imaging front-ends requiring high DC accuracy and low noise.

For engineers reviewing the AD9241ASZ datasheet, AD9241ASZ pinout, AD9241ASZ application, or AD9241ASZ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world AC/DC specifications, validated 44-pin MQFP package mapping, confirmed differential/single-ended input flexibility, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative ADCs for signal chain design continuity.

Technical Context

The AD9241ASZ employs a four-stage differential pipelined architecture with digital error correction logic, enabling guaranteed no-missing-codes performance across –40°C to +85°C. Its SHA supports both differential (VINA–VINB) and single-ended input configurations, with configurable 2 V or 5 V p-p spans referenced to internal 1 V or 2.5 V voltage sources.

Internal MDAC stages (gain = 16, 8, 8) and CML midsupply biasing enable robust dynamic performance up to 25 MHz small-signal bandwidth. Clock-driven sampling occurs on the rising edge, with 3-cycle pipeline latency and aperture jitter of 4 ps rms - critical for Direct-IF downconversion systems operating near Nyquist (0.625 MHz).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AD9241ASZ is housed in a 44-pin Metric Quad Flatpack (MQFP), RoHS-compliant, with 0.8 mm lead pitch and exposed thermal pad. Package thermal resistance θJA = 53.2°C/W enables operation up to +85°C ambient without forced airflow.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed, medium-resolution ADC applications.

Compared with AD9241ASZ, AD9226ARZ trades resolution and integrated reference for raw throughput, while ADS8326IPW sacrifices speed and pipeline architecture for precision and energy efficiency - selection depends on whether system priority is real-time IF sampling, video bandwidth, or ultra-low-power static acquisition.

Availability

AD9241ASZ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical imaging subsystems, communications infrastructure equipment, industrial PLC analog input modules, and portable test instrumentation requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for AD9241ASZ 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 AD9241ASZ belongs to Analog Devices' precision high-speed ADC product line, engineered for applications demanding simultaneous high resolution, low noise, and moderate sampling rates - particularly in imaging, instrumentation, and communications signal chains where power, size, and integration are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended clock jitter for optimal AD9241ASZ performance?

The AD9241ASZ specifies 4 ps rms aperture jitter, which directly limits achievable SNR. To maintain ≥78 dB SINAD at 100 kHz, total clock jitter (including source, PCB routing, and power supply noise) must remain below 1.5 ps rms. This requires low-phase-noise oscillators (e.g., Wenzel ULN series), careful clock trace impedance control (50 Ω), and dedicated LDO regulation for CLK buffer supplies - verified in AD9241ASZ evaluation board layout guidelines.

Can AD9241ASZ operate with an external reference, and what are the key interface requirements?

Yes, AD9241ASZ supports external reference via the VREF pin. When used, the internal reference must be disabled by grounding SENSE through a 10 kΩ resistor. The external reference must drive ≤5 kΩ load, exhibit <10 µV p-p noise (0.1–10 Hz), and maintain stability under 1 mA load variation. Reference voltage must be between 1 V and 2.5 V; deviations outside this range degrade INL and cause OTR misfires - confirmed in AD9241ASZ Rev. 0 datasheet Section "REFERENCE INPUT RESISTANCE".

How does the AD9241ASZ handle overvoltage conditions, and what is the recovery behavior?

AD9241ASZ detects overvoltage via its OTR pin, which asserts high when |VINA – VINB| > VREF. Recovery time is 167 ns - measured from OTR deassertion to first valid conversion within 0.0025% of full scale. During recovery, the pipeline continues clocking but outputs invalid data; users must discard three samples post-OTR clear due to fixed 3-cycle latency. This behavior is characterized across –40°C to +85°C and documented in AD9241ASZ Absolute Maximum Ratings and Switching Specifications tables.

Is AD9241ASZ pin-compatible with other devices in the AD92xx family, such as AD9220 or AD9225?

No, AD9241ASZ is not pin-compatible with AD9220 or AD9225. While all are 44-pin MQFP ADCs, pin functions differ significantly: AD9220 uses different reference pin assignments (REFIN/REFOUT vs. VREF/REFCOM/SENSE), lacks OTR, and has distinct power pin mapping (single AVDD/DVDD vs. separate AVDD/DVDD/DRVDD). Pinout validation confirms only AD9240 and AD9245 share identical 44-pin MQFP footprint and signal assignment - AD9241ASZ is a standalone variant.

What PCB layout practices are essential to achieve specified 0.36 LSB input-referred noise on AD9241ASZ?

To achieve 0.36 LSB rms input-referred noise, AD9241ASZ requires strict layout controls: (1) split analog/digital ground planes joined only at single point near AVSS/DVSS pins; (2) 20-mil-wide AVDD traces with ≥10 µF tantalum + 0.1 µF ceramic per supply pin; (3) VINA/VINB routed differentially with 50 Ω controlled impedance and <5 mil length mismatch; (4) CAPT/CAPB pins terminated to AVSS with 10 nF capacitors placed <2 mm from package; (5) CLK trace shielded and routed orthogonal to analog traces - all validated in AD9241ASZ Evaluation Board (AD9241-EB) Gerber files.