Texas Instruments ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB

Overview

ADCS7478AIMFX/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 SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface - used in portable instrumentation and automotive sensor signal conditioning.

For engineers reviewing the ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB datasheet, ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB pinout, ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB application, or ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB equivalent, key selection criteria include its 6-pin SOT-23 footprint, supply-as-reference operation (2.7–5.25 V), shutdown mode (<2.5 µW at 5 V), 30 ps aperture jitter, and guaranteed 8-bit no-missing-codes performance across –40°C to 125°C.

Technical Context

The ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB implements a charge-redistribution SAR architecture with integrated track-and-hold, where sampling occurs on the falling edge of CS and conversion completes within 16 SCLK cycles. Its straight binary output includes four leading zeros followed by eight data bits and four trailing zeros.

It operates with VDD as both power supply and reference, enabling full-scale input range of 0 to VDD without external reference components. Timing is fully synchronous to SCLK (up to 20 MHz), with defined quiet time (50 ns), aperture delay (3 ns), and track acquisition time (400 ns).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB is housed in a 6-pin SOT-23 package (1.60 mm × 2.90 mm body size), optimized for high-density PCB layouts and low parasitic capacitance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AD7478ARTZ-REEL7 and MCP3002-I/P, ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB uniquely combines 1 MSPS throughput, supply-as-reference operation, and AEC-Q100–compatible temperature range in a 6-pin SOT-23 - making it optimal for space- and power-constrained automotive and industrial edge nodes where reference integration and thermal robustness are critical.

Availability

ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive navigation systems, portable medical instruments, industrial motor feedback circuits, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply over extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for ADCS7478AIMFX/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.

The ADCS747x family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing reliable 8-/10-/12-bit digitization in automotive and extended-temperature industrial settings - emphasizing low power, small footprint, and reference-free operation.

FAQ

What is the maximum SCLK frequency supported by ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB?

The ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB supports SCLK frequencies up to 20 MHz across the full operating temperature range (–40°C to 125°C), ensuring reliable 1 MSPS throughput even in high-ambient-temperature environments like engine compartments. At 20 MHz, the device completes conversion and data readout within 800 ns per sample, with timing parameters fully characterized per Section 6.8 of the SNAS192G datasheet.

Does ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB require an external voltage reference?

No, ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB does not require an external voltage reference. It uses the VDD supply as the reference, providing a full-scale input range of 0 to VDD. This architecture eliminates the need for external reference components and associated layout constraints, simplifying design and reducing BOM cost - a key differentiator versus alternatives like AD7478ARTZ-REEL7.

What is the meaning of the 16-bit serial frame format on SDATA for ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB?

The ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB outputs a 16-bit frame on SDATA: four leading zeros, followed by eight data bits (MSB first), then four trailing zeros. This fixed-length format ensures consistent timing for host controller sampling and avoids bit alignment ambiguity. The trailing zeros distinguish ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB from ADCS7476 (no trailing zeros) and ADCS7477 (two trailing zeros), enabling firmware differentiation.

How does the shutdown mode function on ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB?

Shutdown mode on ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB is activated by holding CS high while disabling SCLK. In this state, quiescent current drops to 0.5 µA (at 5 V) or 0.5 µA (at 3 V), reducing power consumption to <2.5 µW. Recovery time from shutdown is 1 µs, allowing rapid reactivation for burst-mode sampling - ideal for battery-powered devices that perform intermittent sensor readings.

Is ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB pin-compatible with other devices in the ADCS747x family?

Yes, ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB shares identical pinout, package (6-pin SOT-23), and serial interface timing with ADCS7476 and ADCS7477. All three devices use the same VDD, GND, VIN, SCLK, SDATA, and CS connections and are drop-in replacements for Analog Devices' AD747x series. However, resolution (8-bit), output framing (four trailing zeros), and AC performance (e.g., SINAD = 49.7 dB) are specific to ADCS7478AIMFX/NOPB.