Texas Instruments ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB

Overview

ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) with internal track-and-hold, 1 MSPS throughput, ±0.05 LSB typical INL, 0 to VDD input range, and single-supply operation from 2.7 V to 5.25 V. It serves as a compact, low-power data acquisition front-end in space-constrained embedded systems requiring fast, deterministic conversion timing.

For engineers reviewing the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB datasheet, ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB pinout, ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB application, or ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include its 6-pin SOT-23 footprint, SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface, supply-as-reference architecture, shutdown mode (<2.5 µW at 5 V), and automotive-grade (–40°C to 125°C) temperature rating.

Technical Context

The ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB implements a charge-redistribution SAR architecture with integrated track-and-hold, enabling precise sampling at up to 1 MSPS. Its conversion is initiated by the falling edge of CS and synchronized to SCLK, requiring exactly 16 clock cycles per sample - four leading zeros, eight data bits (MSB first), and four trailing zeros.

It uses the VDD supply as the reference, eliminating external reference components and simplifying system design. The device supports full-scale input range from 0 V to VDD, exhibits 30 ps aperture jitter, and transitions between track and hold modes on defined SCLK edges (hold begins at CS fall; track resumes on 13th rising SCLK edge).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB is housed in a 6-pin SOT-23 package (1.60 mm × 2.90 mm body size), optimized for minimal PCB area and thermal performance (R_θJA = 184.5°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit SAR ADC applications.

Compared with ADS7822U and MCP3002-I/P, ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB uniquely combines 1 MSPS speed, automotive temperature range, ultra-low shutdown power, and 6-pin SOT-23 packaging - making it optimal for compact, high-reliability embedded data acquisition where timing determinism and thermal robustness are critical.

Availability

ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive sensor interfaces, portable medical monitors, industrial PLC analog input modules, and smart energy meter sensor front-ends requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADCS7478AIMFE/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, embedded processing, and connectivity technologies, with decades of expertise in precision data converters and automotive-grade ICs.

ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB belongs to TI's ADCS747x family of monolithic SAR ADCs designed specifically for space-constrained, low-power, high-reliability applications in automotive, industrial, and portable instrumentation markets.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB?

The ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB supports a maximum throughput rate of 1 MSPS (mega-samples per second), verified across its full operating temperature range (–40°C to 125°C) and supply voltage range (2.7 V to 5.25 V). This rate is achieved using a 20 MHz SCLK and requires exactly 16 clock cycles per conversion, including overhead for leading/trailing zeros and interface framing. The ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB maintains this rate without missing codes or timing violations under recommended conditions.

Does the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB require an external voltage reference?

No, the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB does not require an external voltage reference. It uses the VDD supply pin as its reference, establishing a full-scale input range from 0 V to VDD. This supply-as-reference architecture simplifies board design, reduces component count, and avoids drift introduced by separate reference ICs - though careful VDD bypassing (0.1 µF + 1 µF near the pin) is mandatory to maintain specified INL and noise performance in the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB.

How does the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB enter and exit shutdown mode?

The ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB enters shutdown mode when the CS pin is held high and the SCLK is inactive (low or high, but not toggling); power consumption drops to <2.5 µW at 5 V. It exits shutdown and resumes normal operation within 1 µs after the first falling edge of CS, initiating a new conversion cycle. No additional command or register write is needed - shutdown is purely hardware-controlled via CS and clock state, ensuring deterministic wake-up timing critical for the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB in event-triggered systems.

What is the data format and timing sequence for reading a conversion result from the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB?

The ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB outputs a 16-bit serial frame on the SDATA pin: four leading zeros, followed by eight data bits (MSB first), followed by four trailing zeros. Data is clocked out on falling edges of SCLK, beginning immediately after CS falls. The least significant data bit appears on the 12th falling SCLK edge; the final trailing zero appears on the 16th falling edge. The SDATA pin returns to tri-state either on the 16th falling SCLK edge or upon CS rising - whichever occurs first.

Is the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB qualified for automotive applications?

Yes, the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB is explicitly designed and tested for automotive applications, with guaranteed operation over the extended industrial and automotive temperature range of –40°C to 125°C. Its specifications - including INL, DNL, power consumption, and timing parameters - are validated across this full range. While not formally AEC-Q200 certified in the datasheet, its characterization, packaging (SOT-23), and thermal metrics (R_θJB = 29.7°C/W) align with automotive subsystem requirements, and it is widely deployed in automotive navigation, sensor fusion, and body control modules using the ADCS7478AIMFE/NOPB.