Texas Instruments ADC104S021CIMM

Overview

ADC104S021 from Texas Instruments is a 10-bit, 4-channel successive-approximation ADC with serial SPI-compatible interface, operating at 50–200 ksps sample rates and consuming only 1.94 mW at 3V. It features ±0.13 LSB typical INL/DNL, 61.8 dB SNR, and internal track-and-hold for simultaneous multi-channel sampling in portable instrumentation and automotive sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the ADC104S021 datasheet, ADC104S021 pinout, ADC104S021 application, or ADC104S021 equivalent, this device delivers verified performance across its full 50–200 ksps range, supports straight-binary output on standard microcontroller SPI buses, enables low-power remote data acquisition via programmable channel selection, and maintains AEC-Q100 Grade 3 qualification for automotive use cases.

Technical Context

The ADC104S021 employs a charge-redistribution DAC architecture with internal multiplexer and track-and-hold circuitry, enabling sequential conversion of up to four analog inputs (IN1–IN4) under single-chip control. Its conversion timing is fully synchronous to SCLK, requiring exactly 16 SCLK cycles per frame - 3 for track, 13 for hold/convert/readout - with MSB-first serial output on DOUT.

It operates from a single 2.7V–5.25V supply, uses VA as both reference and power rail, and achieves 9.9-bit ENOB at 39.9 kHz input. Power-down mode reduces current to 32 nA at 3.6V, and crosstalk remains ≤−87 dB at 5.25V, confirming high channel-to-channel isolation without external decoupling beyond standard 1 µF + 0.1 µF bypassing.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADC104S021 is housed in a 10-lead VSSOP (DGK) package, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm body, with exposed pad for thermal enhancement and GND connection. Pin pitch is 0.5 mm; recommended reflow profile complies with TI's lead-free specifications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 4-channel SAR ADC applications.

Compared with ADC104S021, ADC104S051 trades lower power for higher speed while maintaining identical feature set, whereas ADC124S021 increases resolution at the cost of higher dynamic power and reduced SNR margin - making ADC104S021 the most balanced choice for general-purpose 10-bit, multi-channel, low-power embedded sensing.

Availability

ADC104S021 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, remote sensor networks, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADC104S021 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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor leader specializing in analog, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in precision data converters and automotive-grade IC design.

The ADC104S021 belongs to TI's precision SAR ADC product line, engineered for low-power, multi-channel signal acquisition in space-constrained industrial and automotive systems where integration, reliability, and consistent parametric performance are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum sample rate supported by the ADC104S021?

The ADC104S021 supports a maximum sample rate of 200 ksps, fully specified across its entire operational range from 50 ksps to 200 ksps. This guaranteed performance eliminates interpolation uncertainty and ensures timing predictability in real-time control applications. The device achieves this using a fixed 16-SCLK-frame structure, with conversion time of 13 SCLK cycles and acquisition time of 3 SCLK cycles. At 3.2 MHz SCLK, the ADC104S021 delivers precisely 200 ksps throughput.

Does the ADC104S021 require an external voltage reference?

No, the ADC104S021 does not require an external voltage reference. It uses its analog supply voltage (VA) as the reference, supporting a 2.7V to 5.25V range. This simplifies system design by eliminating external reference components and associated layout complexity. However, because VA serves as both supply and reference, any noise or ripple on VA directly impacts conversion accuracy - hence TI specifies strict 1 µF + 0.1 µF local bypassing requirements within 1 cm of the VA pin to maintain SNR and INL performance.

How is channel selection implemented on the ADC104S021?

Channel selection on the ADC104S021 is controlled via a 3-bit address field (ADD2–ADD0) loaded into the device's 8-bit control register through the DIN pin during each serial frame. The mapping is fixed: 000 = IN1 (default), 001 = IN2, 010 = IN3, 011 = IN4. These bits are clocked in on the first 8 rising edges of SCLK after CS falls, and determine which input will be sampled in the *next* conversion cycle - enabling seamless round-robin or on-demand sequencing without host processor intervention between conversions.

What is the power consumption of the ADC104S021 in shutdown mode?

In shutdown mode (CS high), the ADC104S021 draws just 32 nA at 3.6V and 90 nA at 5.25V, corresponding to 0.12 µW and 0.47 µW power dissipation respectively. This ultra-low quiescent current enables energy harvesting and battery-powered applications where the ADC spends most time idle. The device exits shutdown automatically on the falling edge of CS, with no power-up delay or dummy conversions required - the first valid result corresponds to IN1 and is available within one full 16-SCLK frame.

Is the ADC104S021 compatible with standard SPI interfaces?

Yes, the ADC104S021 is fully compatible with standard SPI interfaces, including QSPI and MICROWIRE protocols. It uses a 4-wire serial interface (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT) with MSB-first, straight-binary output synchronized to falling SCLK edges. No configuration registers or mode settings are required - operation is determined solely by timing and control bit loading. The device supports SCLK frequencies from 0.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz and tolerates standard CMOS logic levels, allowing direct connection to STM32, PIC, and TI C2000 microcontrollers without level shifters or glue logic.