Texas Instruments ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB

Overview

ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB from Texas Instruments is a 10-bit plus sign serial-output successive approximation ADC with integrated 8-channel analog multiplexer, sample/hold, and 2.5V ±2% band-gap reference. It operates on single 5 V supply, achieves 74 kHz sampling rate and 5 μs max conversion time, and supports MICROWIRE-compatible serial I/O for microcontroller interfacing in portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB datasheet, ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB pinout, ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB application, or ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8-channel differential/single-ended MUX configuration, ratiometric or absolute referencing, software/hardware power-down capability (18 μW), and guaranteed no missing codes over −40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB implements a capacitive array DAC with resistive ladder structure enabling both multiplexing and sample/hold functions within one architecture. Its successive approximation register (SAR) controls charge redistribution across a 32C capacitor network, with comparator zeroing during acquisition (t_A = 2 μs max) followed by voltage-switching-based binary search.

Serial interface timing is synchronized to CLK (5 kHz–3 MHz), where rising edges load MUX address bits (MA0–MA4) from DI, and falling edges shift out 11-bit data (DB0–SIGN) on DO. CS enables TRI-STATE output control and internal logic reset; PD pin asserts hardware power-down independent of CS state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB is housed in a 24-pin SOIC package (package code DW0024B, thermal resistance 75°C/W), with separate AGND and DGND pins, dual reference inputs (VREF+, VREF−), and dedicated analog input channels CH0–CH7 plus COM.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS7822U and ADS8320EB, ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB uniquely integrates 8-channel MUX, sample/hold, and 2.5 V reference in a single 24-pin SOIC, delivering optimal balance of integration, power efficiency, and signed-differential capability for cost-sensitive embedded data acquisition.

Availability

ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, industrial sensor nodes, and automated test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB 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 and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in precision data converters and industrial-grade IC design.

ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB belongs to TI's legacy precision SAR ADC family designed for low-power, multi-channel data acquisition in resource-constrained embedded systems where integration, reliability, and ease of interface are prioritized.

FAQ

What is the function of the COM pin on ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB?

The COM pin on ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB serves as a pseudo-ground reference for single-ended analog measurements. When configured in single-ended mode, it provides a stable return path for CH0–CH7 inputs, improving common-mode noise rejection and enabling accurate unipolar signal digitization without external op-amp circuitry. Its use is mandatory in single-ended operation per the device's internal MUX architecture.

Does ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB support true differential input mode?

Yes, ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB supports true differential input mode using paired channels (e.g., CH0+/CH1−), enabled via MA0–MA4 address bits per Table 2. In this mode, valid 10-bit plus sign outputs are generated even when the negative input exceeds the positive input-leveraging the sign bit to preserve polarity information across the full input range.

How does the power-down feature work on ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB?

ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB enters hardware power-down when a logic high is applied to the PD pin, disabling the internal band-gap reference and reducing total supply current to 18 μW. Recovery requires a low-to-high transition on PD followed by t_PC = 10 μs before initiating a new conversion. The internal reference remains off until first conversion completes.

Can ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB operate with an external reference voltage?

Yes, ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB accepts external reference voltages from 0.5 V to 5.0 V applied across VREF+ and VREF−. This enables ratiometric measurements (e.g., with strain-gauge bridges) or higher-precision scaling than the internal 2.5 V ±2% reference. External reference must comply with specified input impedance (7 kΩ min) and capacitance (70 pF) limits to maintain accuracy.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB?

ADC10738CIWMX/NOPB supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz, which determines serial I/O speed, MUX address loading rate, and conversion timing. At 3 MHz, the 12-clock conversion cycle yields a minimum conversion time of 4 μs, enabling up to 74 kHz sampling rate. Clock duty cycle must remain between 40% and 60% for reliable operation.