Texas Instruments ADS7816E/250G4

Overview

ADS7816E/250G4 from Burr-Brown (now Texas Instruments) is a 12-bit, 200kHz sampling SAR analog-to-digital converter with differential input, synchronous serial interface, and programmable reference range (100mV–5V). It delivers 1.22mV LSB resolution at 5V reference, 3µA max power-down current, and operates from –40°C to +85°C. Ideal for low-power remote data acquisition where micro-power operation and small MSOP-8 packaging are critical.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7816E/250G4 datasheet, ADS7816E/250G4 pinout, ADS7816E/250G4 application, or ADS7816E/250G4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 200kHz throughput rate, differential input architecture, CMOS-compatible serial timing, 8-pin MSOP package footprint, and reference voltage scalability - all validated for battery-powered and isolated signal-chain designs.

Technical Context

The ADS7816E/250G4 implements a capacitive redistribution successive approximation register (SAR) architecture fabricated in 0.6µm CMOS, enabling full 12-bit conversion in 12 clock cycles with no pipeline delay. Its analog front-end samples the differential voltage between +In and –In during a 1.5-cycle acquisition window, then holds and converts without resampling –In mid-cycle.

Digital communication uses a 3-wire synchronous serial interface: CS/SHDN initiates conversion and controls shutdown, DCLOCK synchronizes bit transfer on falling edges, and DOUT outputs 12-bit straight-binary data MSB-first after one null bit. Reference current scales with sample rate and code value, ranging from 2.4µA at 12.5kHz to 100µA at 200kHz (code 710h).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS7816E/250G4 is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.65mm lead pitch and exposed thermal pad (package drawing 337). The package supports reflow soldering and provides improved thermal performance over SOIC and PDIP variants.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit SAR ADC applications.

Compared with ADS7816U and ADS7822U, the ADS7816E/250G4 uniquely combines MSOP-8 miniaturization, externally scalable reference, and true differential input - making it the only option supporting both ultra-compact layout and flexible low-level sensor interfacing without signal conditioning.

Availability

ADS7816E/250G4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, remote sensor nodes, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADS7816E/250G4 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

Burr-Brown Corporation, acquired by Texas Instruments in 2000, specialized in precision analog ICs including data converters, op-amps, and voltage references.

The ADS7816E/250G4 belongs to Burr-Brown's micro-power SAR ADC product line, designed specifically for high-resolution, low-quiescent-current data acquisition in energy-constrained and space-sensitive applications.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by ADS7816E/250G4?

The ADS7816E/250G4 accepts DCLOCK frequencies from 10kHz up to 3.2MHz. At 3.2MHz, it achieves its rated 200kHz sampling rate (16 clocks per conversion). Minimum high/low times must each be ≥150ns. Exceeding 3.2MHz violates timing specifications and risks incomplete conversions or increased INL error in ADS7816E/250G4 operation.

Does ADS7816E/250G4 require an external reference voltage?

Yes, ADS7816E/250G4 requires an external reference connected to the VREF pin. It operates with reference voltages from 0.1V to 5V, and the reference directly defines the full-scale input range. No internal reference is present - omitting the external reference will result in undefined conversion output and potential damage if VREF floats above absolute maximum ratings.

Can ADS7816E/250G4 interface directly with a microcontroller GPIO?

Yes, ADS7816E/250G4 uses CMOS-compatible logic levels: VIH ≥3V, VIL ≤0.8V at +5V supply. Its 3-wire serial interface (CS/SHDN, DCLOCK, DOUT) connects directly to most 5V-tolerant MCUs (e.g., legacy 8051, PIC18F, MSP430 with appropriate VCC) without level shifters. Ensure MCU GPIOs meet timing requirements for tSUCS (30ns setup) and tdDO (85–150ns propagation).

What is the purpose of the –In pin on ADS7816E/250G4?

The –In pin on ADS7816E/250G4 serves as the inverting input for true differential measurement, but it is not actively driven - it must be tied to a stable reference point (e.g., remote sensor ground) within ±200mV of local GND. Its primary role is common-mode noise rejection for signals referenced to distant grounds, not as a fully differential input like modern delta-sigma ADCs.

How does power-down mode function in ADS7816E/250G4?

ADS7816E/250G4 enters full power-down mode when CS/SHDN is driven HIGH, reducing supply current to ≤3µA. It also automatically powers down after conversion completion while CS remains LOW. However, only CS=HIGH disables the digital section - leaving CS LOW while clocking continuously maintains higher current draw (~30µA at 12.5kHz), so proper CS control is essential for minimum power in ADS7816E/250G4 designs.