Texas Instruments ADS7816UG4

Overview

ADS7816UG4 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 1.9mW power at full rate, 3µA shutdown current, and ±0.5 LSB integral linearity - ideal for low-power remote data acquisition systems requiring high resolution in compact battery-operated designs.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7816UG4 datasheet, ADS7816UG4 pinout, ADS7816UG4 application, or ADS7816UG4 equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific pin mapping (SOIC-8), real-world timing behavior, confirmed alternative options, and design-critical tradeoffs between reference voltage scaling and ENOB degradation.

Technical Context

The ADS7816UG4 implements a capacitive redistribution successive approximation register (SAR) architecture on 0.6µm CMOS, integrating sample-and-hold functionality without external components. Its conversion cycle requires exactly 12 clock cycles, with 1.5-cycle acquisition time and no pipeline delay - output data appears on DOUT starting on the second falling edge of DCLOCK after CS assertion.

It operates exclusively with external reference and clock; reference current varies from 2.4µA at 12.5kHz to 38µA at 200kHz (code-dependent), while digital I/O complies with CMOS logic levels (VIH ≥ 3V, VOL ≤ 0.4V at 250µA). Power-down is asserted when CS = VCC, reducing supply current to ≤3µA across –40°C to +85°C.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS7816UG4 is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) with standard 1.27mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC footprint, and moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 1 - suitable for reflow soldering without baking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS7816UG4, ADS7816U trades guaranteed ±0.5 LSB linearity for lower cost in same package, while ADS7822U abandons differential input and external reference flexibility - making ADS7816UG4 uniquely suited for precision isolated or battery-constrained differential sensing.

Availability

ADS7816UG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered data loggers, isolated industrial sensor nodes, thermocouple monitoring systems, and portable medical devices requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADS7816UG4 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, amplifiers, and interface products for industrial and instrumentation markets.

The ADS7816UG4 belongs to Burr-Brown's micro-power SAR ADC family designed specifically for high-resolution, low-energy data acquisition in space- and power-constrained embedded systems - emphasizing differential input integrity and flexible reference scaling.

FAQ

What is the minimum reference voltage supported by the ADS7816UG4?

The ADS7816UG4 supports an external reference voltage from 100mV to 5V. At 100mV, LSB size is 24µV, enabling high-resolution measurement of low-level sensor outputs like thermocouples. However, ENOB drops to ~10.2 bits due to increased relative noise contribution - system design must include careful layout and low-noise reference buffering to maintain accuracy. The ADS7816UG4 datasheet specifies performance down to 100mV with validated test curves.

Does the ADS7816UG4 require an external sample-and-hold circuit?

No, the ADS7816UG4 does not require an external sample-and-hold circuit. Its capacitive redistribution SAR architecture inherently integrates sampling and holding functions. The device acquires the analog input during the first 1.5 clock cycles after CS assertion, then holds and converts without external components - reducing BOM cost, board area, and timing complexity compared to pipeline or sigma-delta ADCs requiring external S/H stages.

How does the ADS7816UG4 achieve 3µA shutdown current?

The ADS7816UG4 achieves ≤3µA shutdown current when CS is driven HIGH, which disables both analog and digital sections. In this state, the internal comparator, reference buffer, and clock receiver are powered down, leaving only leakage paths active. This specification is guaranteed over –40°C to +85°C and enables multi-year battery life in intermittent-sampling applications - confirmed in the ADS7816UG4 datasheet's "Power Down" section and Figure 5 performance curve.

Can the ADS7816UG4 interface directly with a 3.3V microcontroller?

Yes, the ADS7816UG4's digital I/O is CMOS-compatible and operates with VCC = 5V, but its logic thresholds allow safe interfacing with 3.3V controllers: VIH(min) = 3V and VOL(max) = 0.4V at 250µA load meet 3.3V system requirements. No level-shifting is needed for DOUT and DCLOCK signals; CS/SHDN must be driven to 5V logic HIGH to enter shutdown - use a pull-up to +5V or open-drain driver if MCU GPIO cannot tolerate 5V.

What is the purpose of the –In pin on the ADS7816UG4?

The –In pin on the ADS7816UG4 serves as the inverting input for true differential measurement, but its voltage range is strictly limited to ±200mV relative to GND. It is intended for remote ground sensing - connecting –In to the signal source's local ground minimizes common-mode errors in long-cable or isolated installations. It is not designed for wide-swing differential signaling; exceeding ±200mV risks linearity degradation per the ADS7816UG4 absolute input voltage specifications.