Texas Instruments ADS1216Y/2K

Overview

ADS1216Y/2K from Texas Instruments is a 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter with 8-channel multiplexed inputs, programmable gain amplifier (1–128), on-chip 1.25V/2.5V reference, and SPI-compatible serial interface. It delivers 22-bit effective resolution at PGA=1, 0.0015% INL, single-cycle settling mode, and <1mW power consumption - designed for high-precision sensor signal acquisition in industrial process control and portable instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the ADS1216Y/2K datasheet, ADS1216Y/2K pinout, ADS1216Y/2K application, or ADS1216Y/2K equivalent, key selection considerations include differential reference input range (0.1V–2.5V), burnout current sources for open/short detection, offset DAC for ±VREF/(2×PGA) correction, 8-bit digital I/O, and support for ratiometric measurements using external differential references.

Technical Context

The ADS1216Y/2K employs a second-order delta-sigma modulator with selectable sinc2/sinc3/fast-settling digital filters and supports programmable data output rates up to 1kHz. Its internal PGA provides gain-dependent effective resolution: 22 bits at PGA=1 and 19 bits at PGA=128, with buffer enable/disable configurable per channel.

It integrates two independent 8-bit current-output DACs (IDAC1/IDAC2), an on-chip temperature sensor, burnout current sources (±2µA), and offset DAC with 8-bit monotonicity. The device operates across –40°C to +85°C with AVDD=2.7V–5.25V and DVDD=2.7V–5.25V, supporting both crystal (XIN/XOUT) and external clock inputs.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS1216Y/2K is housed in a 48-pin TQFP package (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are validated per TI SBAS171D datasheet Rev. September 2006.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-resolution delta-sigma ADC applications.

Compared with ADS1216Y/2K, ADS1217IPW offers identical functionality with integrated clock generation, while AD7798BRUZ provides lower-cost basic conversion without diagnostic or biasing features - making ADS1216Y/2K optimal for systems requiring embedded sensor health monitoring and flexible reference architecture.

Availability

ADS1216Y/2K is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, liquid/gas chromatography, and blood analysis systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and traceable sourcing.

Supply support for ADS1216Y/2K 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.

The ADS1216Y/2K belongs to TI's high-precision delta-sigma ADC product line, engineered specifically for sensor signal conditioning in harsh industrial environments where resolution, noise immunity, and diagnostic capability are mission-critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum data output rate supported by the ADS1216Y/2K?

The ADS1216Y/2K supports programmable data output rates up to 1kHz. This maximum rate is achievable with the fast-settling filter and PGA=1 configuration. At higher gains (e.g., PGA=128), the effective maximum rate decreases due to increased settling time requirements. The device uses decimation ratios derived from the modulator clock (fMOD = fOSC/128 or fOSC/256) to achieve these rates while maintaining 24-bit no-missing-code performance. ADS1216Y/2K datasheet Section 7.6 confirms this limit under "Programmable Data Output Rates".

Does the ADS1216Y/2K include an internal voltage reference, and what are its options?

Yes, the ADS1216Y/2K integrates a selectable on-chip voltage reference of either 1.25V or 2.5V, controlled by the REF HI bit in the Setup Register. The 2.5V option requires AVDD ≥ 4.75V; the 1.25V option operates down to AVDD = 2.7V. Both references feature 15ppm/°C drift and 10µVPP noise (0.1Hz–100Hz). ADS1216Y/2K also accepts external differential references from 0.1V to 2.5V on VREF+/VREF–, enabling ratiometric measurements. This dual-reference capability is documented in Section 6.3 of the ADS1216Y/2K datasheet.

How does the burnout current feature work on the ADS1216Y/2K, and what is its purpose?

The ADS1216Y/2K provides ±2µA burnout current sources on each selected differential input pair when the Burnout bit in the ACR Configuration Register is set. The positive channel sources current; the negative channel sinks it. This enables open-circuit detection (full-scale reading) or short-circuit detection (0V differential reading) - critical for verifying sensor integrity in smart transmitters and medical diagnostics. The feature requires no external components and is validated in TI Application Report SBAA073. ADS1216Y/2K implements this directly in hardware per functional block diagram Figure 25.

Can the ADS1216Y/2K perform simultaneous sampling across multiple channels?

No, the ADS1216Y/2K does not support true simultaneous sampling. It uses a single delta-sigma modulator with an 8-channel analog multiplexer, meaning channels are sampled sequentially. However, its auto-filter mode (fast-settling → sinc2 → sinc3) minimizes settling delay after channel changes, and the single-cycle settling mode allows rapid acquisition of new inputs. For applications requiring phase-coherent multi-channel capture, external sample-and-hold circuits or a different ADC architecture (e.g., SAR with parallel channels) would be needed. ADS1216Y/2K datasheet Section 8.3.3 explicitly states "single modulator with multiplexed inputs".

What digital interface protocol does the ADS1216Y/2K use, and is it compatible with standard microcontrollers?

The ADS1216Y/2K uses an SPI-compatible 4-wire serial interface (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT) with configurable polarity (POL pin) and phase, supporting standard SPI modes 0 and 3. It also provides eight general-purpose digital I/O pins (D0–D7) for auxiliary control or status signaling. All timing parameters - including setup/hold times, CS-to-SCLK delays, and tri-state behavior - comply with common MCU SPI peripherals. ADS1216Y/2K timing diagrams (Figures 10–12) and electrical characteristics (Section 7.7) confirm interoperability with ARM Cortex-M, PIC, and MSP430 families without level-shifting when DVDD matches the host IO voltage.