Texas Instruments ADS7816PC

Overview

ADS7816PC from Burr-Brown (now Texas Instruments) is a 12-bit, 200kHz SAR analog-to-digital converter with differential input, synchronous serial interface, and programmable reference voltage (100mV–5V). It delivers 1.22mV LSB resolution at 5V reference, 3µA max power-down current, and operates from –40°C to +85°C in an 8-pin plastic DIP package. It is used in battery-powered remote data acquisition systems requiring micro-power precision.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7816PC datasheet, ADS7816PC pinout, ADS7816PC application, or ADS7816PC equivalent, key selection considerations include its 200kHz throughput rate, differential input architecture, CMOS-compatible serial timing, low 380µA quiescent supply current, and ±1 LSB integral linearity error grade - all critical for isolated sensor front-ends and portable instrumentation.

Technical Context

The ADS7816PC 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 input sampling occurs over 1.5 clock cycles, and conversion result appears serially MSB-first on DOUT synchronized to DCLOCK falling edges.

It uses an external reference (100mV–5V) that directly defines full-scale span and LSB size (VREF/4096), while internal capacitor array switching drives reference current dependent on sample rate and output code. Power management is controlled via CS/SHDN: high for 3µA shutdown, low to initiate conversion and enable serial output.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS7816PC is housed in an 8-pin plastic mini-DIP (PDIP) package per drawing 006, with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing is 0.1 inch, and thermal resistance (θ_JA) is 80°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS7816UC and ADS7822U, the ADS7816PC uniquely combines through-hole reliability, sub-µA shutdown, and full external reference flexibility - making it preferred for maintenance-critical field instruments and low-volume test fixtures where layout adaptability matters.

Availability

ADS7816PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated data loggers, isolated industrial sensor interfaces, and remote thermocouple monitoring systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for ADS7816PC 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 ICs including data converters, amplifiers, and references for industrial and instrumentation markets.

The ADS7816PC belongs to Burr-Brown's micro-power SAR ADC family designed specifically for portable, remote, and isolated data acquisition - emphasizing low standby current, differential input robustness, and flexible reference scaling over raw speed or integration.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the ADS7816PC?

The ADS7816PC supports a maximum sampling rate of 200kHz, achieved with a 3.2MHz DCLOCK input (16× oversampling). At this rate, conversion time is fixed at 12 clock cycles, and acquisition completes in 1.5 clock cycles. Lower rates (e.g., 12.5kHz) reduce supply current to 30µA but maintain full 12-bit accuracy and linearity.

Does the ADS7816PC require an external reference voltage?

Yes, the ADS7816PC requires an external reference voltage applied to the VREF pin. It accepts 100mV to 5V, setting full-scale input span and LSB size (VREF/4096). No internal reference is provided; omitting VREF disables proper conversion. Reference current ranges from 2.4µA (12.5kHz) to 100µA (200kHz), depending on code and sample rate.

How does the differential input of the ADS7816PC function in practice?

The ADS7816PC's differential input uses +In and –In pins to capture voltage difference during sample phase. The –In pin is not resampled and must remain within ±200mV of GND - making it ideal for remote ground sensing, not full differential signal rejection. True differential signals require external instrumentation amplifier conditioning before connection.

What package type is used for the ADS7816PC?

The ADS7816PC is packaged in an 8-pin plastic mini-DIP (PDIP) with 0.3-inch width and through-hole leads, per package drawing 006. This differs from the SOIC-8 (ADS7816UC) and MSOP-8 (ADS7816EC) variants. The PDIP offers mechanical robustness, ease of socketing, and compatibility with legacy industrial PCBs.

Can the ADS7816PC be powered down between conversions to save energy?

Yes, the ADS7816PC enters ultra-low-power shutdown mode (3µA max) when CS/SHDN is driven HIGH. This fully powers down analog circuitry and tri-states DOUT. For intermittent acquisition, asserting CS HIGH between samples reduces average current dramatically - e.g., from 380µA (continuous) to <1µA at 1Hz sampling.