Texas Instruments ADS8320EB/250G4

Overview

ADS8320EB/250G4 from Texas Instruments is a 16-bit, successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter optimized for high-speed, low-power data acquisition. It delivers 100-kHz throughput with ±0.006% integral linearity error, 92-dB SNR, and 1.8 mW power dissipation at 2.7 V - enabling precision sensing in battery-constrained industrial and remote monitoring systems.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8320EB/250G4 datasheet, ADS8320EB/250G4 pinout, ADS8320EB/250G4 application, or ADS8320EB/250G4 equivalent, key selection considerations include its differential input architecture, SPI/SSI-compatible serial interface, 8-pin VSSOP package, microPower shutdown mode (3 µA), and compatibility with external references from 0.5 V to V_CC.

Technical Context

The ADS8320EB/250G4 implements a capacitive redistribution SAR architecture with integrated sample-and-hold, fabricated in 0.6-µm CMOS. It acquires and converts analog signals without pipeline delay, outputting 16-bit straight-binary data most-significant-bit first on DOUT synchronized to DCLOCK's falling edge.

Its differential analog input (+In/–In) captures voltage differences directly onto an internal capacitor array during hold mode; –In supports remote ground sensing but is not resampled mid-conversion. Reference input (VREF) sets full-scale range from 0.5 V to V_CC, with LSB size scaling inversely (e.g., 76 µV at 5 V, 7.6 µV at 0.5 V), directly impacting noise sensitivity and offset/gain error visibility.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS8320EB/250G4 is housed in an 8-pin VSSOP package (3.00 mm × 3.00 mm body), optimized for space-constrained PCB layouts and thermal performance (R_θJA = 163.1°C/W).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 16-bit SAR ADC applications.

Compared with ADS7816ID and ADS8322IPW, the ADS8320EB/250G4 uniquely balances differential input capability, ultra-low 1.8-mW power at 2.7 V, and compact 8-pin VSSOP packaging - making it optimal for space- and energy-constrained remote sensing where common-mode noise rejection is critical.

Availability

ADS8320EB/250G4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-operated data loggers, isolated industrial sensors, remote vibration monitoring nodes, and multi-channel simultaneous sampling systems requiring stable component supply across long production lifecycles.

Supply support for ADS8320EB/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

Texas Instruments is a global semiconductor company specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with leadership in precision data converters and low-power signal chain solutions.

The ADS8320 product line was designed for high-accuracy, low-power data acquisition in portable, remote, and isolated measurement systems - emphasizing microPower efficiency, differential input robustness, and SPI-compatible simplicity.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the ADS8320EB/250G4?

The ADS8320EB/250G4 supports a maximum sampling rate of 100 kHz across its full operating temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and supply voltage range (2.7 V to 5.25 V). This rate is achieved with a DCLOCK frequency of 2.4 MHz and requires 21 clock cycles per conversion (4.5 for sampling + 16 for conversion + 1 null bit). At lower clock frequencies, the throughput scales linearly down to 24 kHz.

Does the ADS8320EB/250G4 require an external reference voltage?

Yes, the ADS8320EB/250G4 requires an external reference voltage applied to the VREF pin. It accepts any stable voltage from 0.5 V to V_CC, which directly defines the full-scale input range (+In – –In). The device does not include an internal reference; reference current draw varies with sample rate (e.g., 20–50 µA at 2.7 V, 100 kHz), necessitating a low-noise, well-bypassed reference source.

How does the differential input of the ADS8320EB/250G4 function in practice?

The ADS8320EB/250G4's differential input uses +In and –In pins to capture the voltage difference at the instant conversion begins. Unlike some SAR ADCs, –In is not resampled later - the entire differential value is held on the internal capacitor array. –In is intended for remote ground sensing (e.g., at a sensor node), not large common-mode rejection; its valid range is limited to –0.1 V to +1 V (or +0.5 V at 2.7 V), so true rail-to-rail common-mode handling is not supported.

Can the ADS8320EB/250G4 interface directly with a 5-V microcontroller when powered from 2.7 V?

Yes, the ADS8320EB/250G4's digital inputs (CS/SHDN, DCLOCK) tolerate voltages up to 5.5 V regardless of V_CC, allowing direct connection to 5-V logic. However, its DOUT output swings 0 V to V_CC (i.e., 0–2.7 V), so interfacing with 5-V CMOS inputs may require a level-shifter or pull-up resistor to ensure adequate noise margin and avoid excessive input current in the receiving device.

What is the significance of the 'EB' suffix in ADS8320EB/250G4?

The 'EB' suffix in ADS8320EB/250G4 denotes the enhanced performance grade: it guarantees ±0.006% integral linearity error (vs. ±0.008% for ADS8320E), ±0.5 mV offset error (vs. ±1 mV), and 92-dB SNR (vs. 90-dB for ADS8320E) over the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range. This grade is validated per TI's production test flow and is specified in the SBAS108E datasheet revision December 2016.