Texas Instruments ADS7816EC/2K5

Overview

ADS7816EC/2K5 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 voltage (100mV–5V). It delivers 1.9mW power at full rate, 3µA shutdown current, and ±0.75 LSB differential linearity - ideal for low-power remote data acquisition systems requiring high resolution in compact MSOP-8 packaging.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7816EC/2K5 datasheet, ADS7816EC/2K5 pinout, ADS7816EC/2K5 application, or ADS7816EC/2K5 equivalent, key selection considerations include its micro-power operation at variable sample rates (12.5kHz–200kHz), true differential input architecture with remote ground sensing capability, reference-voltage-dependent LSB sizing (24µV–1.22mV), and CMOS-compatible 3-wire serial timing with CS/SHDN-controlled power management.

Technical Context

The ADS7816EC/2K5 implements a capacitive redistribution successive approximation register (SAR) architecture on 0.6µm CMOS, integrating sample-and-hold functionality. Conversion is initiated by falling edge of CS/SHDN, with analog input sampled across +In and –In terminals during 1.5 clock cycles before 12-cycle conversion completes.

Digital output is serial, straight-binary, MSB-first on DOUT synchronized to DCLOCK falling edges; the device supports short-cycling (early termination after n bits) and operates with external clock frequencies from 10kHz to 3.2MHz. Reference current scales with sample rate and code value, ranging from 2.4µA at 12.5kHz to 100µA at 200kHz for mid-scale codes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS7816EC/2K5 is housed in an 8-lead MSOP package (3.0mm × 3.0mm × 1.0mm height), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts in portable and distributed sensing applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS7816U/2K5, the ADS7816EC/2K5 offers tighter DNL in smaller MSOP packaging for portable designs; versus ADS7822U, it retains full VREF flexibility at lower quiescent power, making it superior for multi-range sensor interfaces where external reference control is essential.

Availability

ADS7816EC/2K5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated systems, remote data acquisition nodes, and isolated industrial sensor interfaces requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADS7816EC/2K5 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 high-precision analog signal conditioning ICs for test, measurement, and industrial control applications.

The ADS7816EC/2K5 belongs to Burr-Brown's micro-power SAR ADC product line, designed specifically for portable and distributed data acquisition where resolution, low power, and small size are co-primary constraints.

FAQ

What is the minimum reference voltage supported by the ADS7816EC/2K5?

The ADS7816EC/2K5 supports a minimum reference voltage of 100mV, which sets the full-scale input span and yields a 24µV LSB size. Operation below this voltage is not specified and may result in degraded linearity, increased offset/gain error, and reduced effective number of bits - as confirmed in the "Effective Number of Bits vs Reference Voltage" curve on page 5 of the datasheet.

Does the ADS7816EC/2K5 require an external clock source?

Yes, the ADS7816EC/2K5 requires an external DCLOCK signal between 10kHz and 3.2MHz to control conversion timing and serial data output. The clock duty cycle is flexible as long as high and low periods each exceed 150ns. No internal oscillator is present - all timing is externally driven, enabling precise synchronization with host controllers in deterministic systems.

How does the CS/SHDN pin function during normal operation and power-down?

The CS/SHDN pin serves dual roles: a falling edge initiates conversion and serial data output, while a HIGH level forces full power-down mode drawing ≤3µA. During active conversion, CS/SHDN must remain LOW; if held LOW after conversion completion without further clocks, the digital section remains active - only pulling CS/SHDN HIGH fully disables both analog and digital circuitry per the "Power Dissipation" section of the datasheet.

Can the ADS7816EC/2K5 perform partial conversions for faster decision-making?

Yes, the ADS7816EC/2K5 supports short-cycling: pulling CS/SHDN HIGH at any point during serial output terminates conversion and places DOUT in high-impedance state. This allows early-exit logic - for example, reading only the first 4 bits to detect out-of-range conditions - reducing average power consumption and latency in event-driven acquisition systems.

What is the absolute maximum rating for analog input voltage on the ADS7816EC/2K5?

The absolute maximum analog input voltage on +In is –0.3V to VCC + 0.3V, and on –In is –0.3V to +0.3V relative to GND. Exceeding these limits risks permanent damage or parametric shift. For linear operation, +In must stay within GND – 0.2V to VCC + 0.2V and –In within ±200mV of GND - as specified in the "Analog Input" section and Absolute Maximum Ratings table.