Texas Instruments ADS7868IDBVTG4

Overview

ADS7868IDBVTG4 from Texas Instruments is an 8-bit, 280-KSPS micro-power SAR analog-to-digital converter with SPI-compatible serial interface, single-supply operation (1.2 V to 3.6 V), unipolar 0-V-to-VDD input range, and auto power-down mode consuming 8 nA typical. It targets ultra-low-power portable data acquisition in battery-powered medical instruments and isolated sensing systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADS7868IDBVTG4 datasheet, ADS7868IDBVTG4 pinout, ADS7868IDBVTG4 application, or ADS7868IDBVTG4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-bit resolution at 280 KSPS (VDD ≥1.6 V), 0.5 LSB INL, 6-pin SOT-23 package, and internal reference derived from VDD-enabling simplified supply architecture in space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The ADS7868IDBVTG4 implements a charge redistribution SAR architecture with integrated sample-and-hold, eliminating external hold capacitors. Conversion is initiated on the falling edge of CS, and data is clocked out MSB-first on SDO synchronized to SCLK edges.

It uses internal reference derived from VDD, fixing full-scale input span to 0 V to VDD. The device automatically enters power-down after conversion completion, reducing IDD to 8 nA typical-critical for duty-cycled sampling in energy-sensitive applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS7868IDBVTG4 is housed in a 6-pin SOT-23 package (DBV) with exposed pad for thermal performance. Pin assignments are validated per TI SLAS465 datasheet Figure 1 (top view).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit SAR ADC applications.

Compared with ADS7868IDBVTG4, ADS7868IDBVR offers identical performance in volume packaging, while ADS7888IDBVT trades 1.2-V capability for 3.5× speed and higher supply robustness-making ADS7868IDBVTG4 optimal for battery longevity and minimal BOM count in portable instrumentation.

Availability

ADS7868IDBVTG4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered medical sensors, isolated industrial data acquisition, and portable communication test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for ADS7868IDBVTG4 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 delivering analog, embedded processing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and personal electronics markets.

The ADS786x family was designed for ultra-low-power, miniature SAR ADC applications in portable and battery-operated systems-emphasizing supply flexibility, integration, and minimal external component count.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the ADS7868IDBVTG4 at 1.2 V supply?

The ADS7868IDBVTG4 achieves a maximum throughput rate of 140 KSPS when operated at VDD = 1.2 V, as specified in the SLAS465 datasheet under "SPECIFICATIONS, ADS7868" with fSCLK = 1.7 MHz. This is enabled by its optimized 9-cycle conversion time and low-voltage CMOS process, making it suitable for energy-constrained applications where 1.2-V operation is mandatory.

Does the ADS7868IDBVTG4 require an external reference voltage?

No, the ADS7868IDBVTG4 does not require an external reference voltage. Its reference is internally derived from the VDD supply, resulting in a unipolar input range of 0 V to VDD. This eliminates the need for external reference ICs, decoupling capacitors, and associated layout area-reducing total solution size and cost while maintaining accuracy over the full 1.2–3.6 V supply range.

How does the auto power-down feature work in the ADS7868IDBVTG4?

The ADS7868IDBVTG4 automatically enters power-down mode immediately after completing a conversion and shifting out all 8 bits of data. In this state, supply current drops to 8 nA typical (300 nA max), independent of SCLK activity. Power-down is exited automatically on the next falling edge of CS, enabling rapid wake-up with deterministic latency-ideal for burst-mode sampling in wearable health monitors.

What is the pin-compatible alternative to ADS7868IDBVTG4 for higher resolution?

The ADS7867IDBVTG4 is pin-compatible and functionally identical except for 10-bit resolution and 240-KSPS max throughput at VDD ≥1.6 V. It shares the same SOT-23-6 package, pinout, supply range, and SPI interface-allowing drop-in replacement when improved linearity (±0.5 LSB INL) and dynamic range (61 dB SNR) are required without layout changes.

Can the ADS7868IDBVTG4 interface directly with a 3.3-V microcontroller SPI port?

Yes, the ADS7868IDBVTG4 supports VIH up to 3.6 V and VOL ≤0.2 V at ISINK = 200 µA, making it fully compatible with standard 3.3-V CMOS logic levels. When VDD = 3.3 V, VOH reaches ≥3.1 V, ensuring robust high-level margin. No level-shifting circuitry is required-simplifying interconnect and reducing signal integrity risk in mixed-voltage systems.