Texas Instruments ADS8324E/250G4

Overview

ADS8324E/250G4 from Texas Instruments is a 14-bit, 50kHz sampling SAR analog-to-digital converter operating from a 1.8V supply, featuring differential bipolar input, SPI/SSI-compatible serial interface, and ultra-low power consumption (2.5mW at 1.8V, 3μA max in power-down). It is designed for precision data acquisition in battery-powered instrumentation and isolated sensor interfaces.

For engineers reviewing the ADS8324E/250G4 datasheet, ADS8324E/250G4 pinout, ADS8324E/250G4 application, or ADS8324E/250G4 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 14-bit resolution with ±3 LSB integral linearity, 77dB SINAD at 10kHz, MSOP-8 package compatibility, and support for external reference voltages from 500mV to VCC/2.

Technical Context

The ADS8324E/250G4 implements a classic capacitive redistribution SAR architecture fabricated in 0.6μm CMOS, integrating sample-and-hold functionality. It acquires and converts analog signals using an external clock (24kHz–1.2MHz) and external reference, with conversion time fixed at 16 clock cycles and acquisition time of 4.5 clock cycles.

Its differential input accepts ±VREF full-scale span with common-mode range dependent on VREF; input leakage is ≤1nA and input capacitance is 25pF. The serial interface outputs 16-bit binary two's complement data MSB-first, with DOUT tri-stated when CS/SHDN is high.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

ADS8324E/250G4 is housed in an MSOP-8 (VSSOP DGK) package, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.0 mm, with exposed pad for thermal enhancement and RoHS-compliant lead finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-resolution, low-power SAR ADC applications.

Compared with ADS8324E/250G4, ADS8325E/250 offers higher resolution at increased power and cost, while ADS7817E/250 trades resolution for lower power and price-making ADS8324E/250G4 the optimal balance for 14-bit, 1.8V, battery-aware precision DAQ.

Availability

ADS8324E/250G4 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable instrumentation, isolated sensor interfaces, and remote multi-channel data acquisition requiring stable component supply and long-term industrial lifecycle support.

Supply support for ADS8324E/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 leader specializing in analog and embedded processing technologies, with decades of expertise in precision data converters and low-power design.

The ADS8324E/250G4 belongs to TI's precision SAR ADC product line, engineered specifically for ultra-low-power, high-resolution data acquisition in space- and energy-constrained systems such as portable test equipment and distributed sensor networks.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the ADS8324E/250G4?

The ADS8324E/250G4 supports a maximum throughput rate of 50 kHz at 1.8 V supply, achieved with a 1.2 MHz DCLOCK input. Its conversion time is fixed at 16 clock cycles, and acquisition time is 4.5 clock cycles - both values are guaranteed across the full –40°C to +85°C operating range. At lower clock frequencies, the device remains functional but throughput scales linearly.

Does the ADS8324E/250G4 require an external reference voltage?

Yes, the ADS8324E/250G4 requires an external reference voltage applied to the VREF pin. It operates with any stable reference between 500 mV and VCC/2 (i.e., up to 0.9 V at 1.8 V supply). The reference directly defines the full-scale differential input range (±VREF), and its noise and stability directly impact overall ADC accuracy and ENOB.

Is the ADS8324E/250G4 pin-compatible with other Texas Instruments ADCs?

Yes, the ADS8324E/250G4 is pin-compatible with the 12-bit ADS7817 in the same MSOP-8 package. This allows direct hardware replacement to upgrade resolution without PCB layout changes. However, it is not pin-compatible with the 16-bit ADS8325, which shares the same interface but differs in internal timing and reference handling.

What is the power consumption of the ADS8324E/250G4 in shutdown mode?

The ADS8324E/250G4 draws a maximum of 3 μA in shutdown mode when CS/SHDN is held HIGH. This specification is tested and guaranteed over the full –40°C to +85°C temperature range. In practice, typical shutdown current is ~50 nA, making it suitable for ultra-low-leakage sleep states in battery-powered systems.

Can the ADS8324E/250G4 interface directly with a 3.3V microcontroller SPI bus?

Yes, the ADS8324E/250G4's DOUT pin is CMOS-compatible and swings from 0 V to VCC. When powered from 1.8 V, its logic-high level (~1.8 V) falls below the VIH threshold of most 3.3 V microcontrollers (typically ≥2.0 V). Therefore, a level-shifter or 1.8 V–3.3 V translator is required on DOUT for reliable communication - CS/SHDN and DCLOCK inputs tolerate up to 6 V and may connect directly.