Texas Instruments ADS1216Y/2KG4

Overview

ADS1216Y/2KG4 from Texas Instruments is a 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter with eight differential input channels, programmable gain amplifier (1–128), on-chip 1.25V/2.5V reference, and SPI-compatible interface. It delivers 22-bit effective resolution at PGA=1, supports single-cycle settling mode, and operates from 2.7V to 5.25V supplies - enabling high-precision sensor signal acquisition in industrial process control and smart transmitters.

For engineers reviewing the ADS1216Y/2KG4 datasheet, ADS1216Y/2KG4 pinout, ADS1216Y/2KG4 application, or ADS1216Y/2KG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 0.0015% INL, burnout current sources for open/short detection, integrated offset DAC for system-level calibration, and dual 8-bit IDACs for active sensor biasing - all in a 48-pin TQFP package rated for –40°C to +85°C operation.

Technical Context

The ADS1216Y/2KG4 employs a second-order delta-sigma modulator with selectable sinc2/sinc3/fast-settling digital filters, achieving up to 24-bit no-missing-code performance. Its input multiplexer supports fully differential channel pairing across AIN0–AIN7 with configurable burnout current sources (±2µA) per input pair.

It integrates an on-chip voltage reference (1.25V or 2.5V), two independent 8-bit current-output DACs (IDAC1/IDAC2) with programmable full-scale ranges (0.5–2mA), and an 8-bit offset DAC with ±VREF/(2×PGA) range - all controlled via SPI-accessible registers and supporting system-level calibration routines including SELFOCAL and SYSGCAL.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS1216Y/2KG4 is housed in a 48-pin TQFP (7mm × 7mm, 0.5mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are electrically validated per TI SBAS171D datasheet Rev. D.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS1216Y/2KG4, ADS1220IPWR omits integrated current sources and reference, reducing feature set but simplifying BOM; AD7124-8BRUZ improves noise and speed but removes IDAC functionality - making ADS1216Y/2KG4 uniquely suited for self-contained, diagnostic-capable sensor nodes.

Availability

ADS1216Y/2KG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process control, liquid/gas chromatography, and smart transmitter designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for ADS1216Y/2KG4 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/2KG4 belongs to TI's precision delta-sigma ADC product line, engineered specifically for high-accuracy sensor signal conditioning in harsh industrial environments - emphasizing low drift, built-in diagnostics, and system-level calibration support.

FAQ

What is the maximum data output rate supported by the ADS1216Y/2KG4?

The ADS1216Y/2KG4 supports programmable data output rates up to 1kHz. This maximum rate is achievable with the fast-settling filter configuration and depends on modulator clock frequency (fMOD) and decimation ratio. At lower output rates (e.g., 10Hz), the device achieves higher effective resolution (22 bits) and improved noise rejection via sinc3 filtering - allowing system designers to optimize for either speed or precision based on application requirements. The ADS1216Y/2KG4 maintains full 24-bit no-missing-code performance across its entire data rate range.

Does the ADS1216Y/2KG4 include an on-chip voltage reference, and what are its options?

Yes, the ADS1216Y/2KG4 integrates a selectable on-chip voltage reference offering 1.25V or 2.5V outputs. The selection is controlled via the REF HI bit in the Setup Register: REF HI = 0 selects 1.25V (for AVDD ≥ 2.7V), and REF HI = 1 selects 2.5V (for AVDD ≥ 4.75V). The reference output appears on the VREFOUT pin and must be bypassed with a 0.1µF capacitor to AGND. Alternatively, the device accepts an external differential reference input (0.1V–2.5V) on VREF+ and VREF– pins, enabling ratiometric measurements and flexibility in system reference architecture. The ADS1216Y/2KG4 uses this reference for both ADC conversion and its internal IDACs when the internal reference is enabled.

How does the burnout current source function in the ADS1216Y/2KG4, and what is its purpose?

The ADS1216Y/2KG4 includes programmable burnout current sources (±2µA) on each analog input pair to detect open or shorted sensor connections. When the Burnout bit in the ACR Configuration Register is set, a +2µA source is applied to the selected positive input (e.g., AIN2+) and a –2µA sink to the negative input (e.g., AIN5–). An open circuit produces full-scale differential output; a short yields near-zero differential reading. This hardware-level diagnostic eliminates need for external test circuitry and enables automated sensor health checks during startup or periodic maintenance - a critical feature in unattended industrial deployments. The ADS1216Y/2KG4 implements this function without software intervention or additional components.

Can the ADS1216Y/2KG4 perform system-level calibration, and how is it initiated?

Yes, the ADS1216Y/2KG4 supports both self-calibration and system-level calibration via dedicated SPI commands. System offset calibration (SYSCAL) requires applying a zero differential input signal and computes an offset correction value stored internally. System gain calibration (SYSGCAL) requires a known full-scale input and adjusts gain error. Both routines execute in hardware and complete in 7 tDATA periods each (14 for combined offset+gain). Calibration results persist until next power cycle or explicit re-calibration. The ADS1216Y/2KG4 also provides SELFOCAL for internal offset-only calibration and SELFGCAL for internal gain-only calibration - enabling flexible, application-specific calibration strategies without host MCU computational overhead.

What communication interface does the ADS1216Y/2KG4 use, and is it compatible with standard microcontrollers?

The ADS1216Y/2KG4 uses an SPI-compatible serial interface with separate DIN, DOUT, SCLK, and CS pins, supporting standard SPI modes (POL=0/1 configurable). It operates at master clock rates up to 5MHz and includes DRDY signaling for interrupt-driven data acquisition. All register access, command execution (e.g., RDATA, WREG), and data readout follow standard SPI timing with defined setup/hold requirements (e.g., t4 ≥ 50ns, t7 ≤ 50ns). Eight general-purpose digital I/O pins (D0–D7) are also provided for auxiliary control. The ADS1216Y/2KG4 is fully interoperable with industry-standard MCUs (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, MSP430) without protocol translation or custom drivers - verified across TI's own C2000 and Sitara platforms.