Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AK9232NK
- Part No.:
- AK9232NK
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AK9232NK.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 18BIT SAR 24QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
AK9232NK from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is a 16-bit, dual-channel successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) with serial interface, 0.93 MSPS maximum sampling rate in serial output mode, and integrated reference buffer. It supports flexible digital wiring reduction via pin-sharing configurations for CONVSTN/CSN, SDATI/SDATO, SDO0/SDO1, and optional CALC pin omission - used in precision industrial sensor signal conditioning.
For engineers reviewing the AK9232NK datasheet, AK9232NK pinout, AK9232NK application, or AK9232NK equivalent, this page delivers verified pin functions, real-world layout constraints (4-layer PCB, 1005-size passives), serial timing behavior under shared-pin modes, decoupling capacitor placement rules, and validated alternative options for dual-channel SAR ADC replacement in space-constrained analog front-ends.
Technical Context
The AK9232NK implements a true 16-bit SAR architecture with internal reference buffer driving VREFP/VREFN, supporting simultaneous sampling on two independent analog inputs (AIN0, AIN1) with programmable gain and offset calibration registers. Its serial interface operates in 3-wire (CSN/SCLK/SDATI-O) or 4-wire (CSN/SCLK/SDATI/SDATO) mode, with configurable SDO0/SDO1 multiplexing to reduce interconnect count.
Digital wiring reduction is achieved through four documented hardware-level optimizations: (1) CONVSTN/CSN shorting for unified control strobe, (2) SDATI/SDATO shorting for bidirectional data line, (3) CONT-bit-enabled serial output mode limiting SDOx usage to one active pin per conversion cycle, and (4) CALC pin omission when timing constraints (tDD) are met - all confirmed in Rev 1.0 Application Note.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 16-bit SAR - delivers 96.3 dB SNR and <±1 LSB INL for high-fidelity sensor digitization |
| Max Sampling Rate | 0.93 MSPS in serial output mode - enables real-time monitoring of fast transients within 1.07 µs conversion period |
| Analog Inputs | Dual independent channels (AIN0, AIN1) - supports differential or single-ended acquisition without external MUX |
| Reference | Internal buffered VREFP/VREFN - eliminates need for external reference IC and reduces board area by ~25 mm² |
| Digital Interface | Configurable 3-/4-wire SPI-compatible serial - allows pin-count reduction from 7 to 4 digital lines via documented shorting schemes |
| Supply Domains | HVDD, DRVDD, VDD0, VDD1, VREFP/VREFN - isolated power rails minimize crosstalk between analog and digital sections |
| Decoupling Requirements | Paired 100 nF ceramic caps per supply domain (C7–C16) - ensures stable operation under dynamic load switching |
Pinout & Package
AK9232NK is housed in a 24-pin QFN package (4 mm × 4 mm, 0.5 mm pitch) with exposed thermal pad. Pin assignments are defined in the AK9232/33/34 Application Note Rev 1.0, Figures 1–7.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CONVSTN / CSN | Shared conversion start & chip select | Shorted per Figure 8 - enables unified falling-edge trigger for sampling and serial access; requires SCLK = H before CSN = L |
| SDATI / SDATO | Bidirectional serial data I/O | Shorted per Figure 9 - supports full-duplex register read/write over single trace; host must use GPIO with tri-state capability |
| SDO0 / SDO1 | Serial data outputs | In CONT=1 mode (Figure 10), only one pin active per conversion cycle - reduces routing layers and EMI coupling paths |
| CALC | Conversion complete indicator | Omittable when tDD timing satisfied (Figure 11) or CONVSTN/CSN shorted - saves one GPIO and simplifies firmware polling logic |
| HVDD / DRVDD / VDD0 / VDD1 | Independent supply domains | Physically separated on PCB Layer 3 (Fig 4) - prevents digital noise from modulating analog reference or input stages |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Dual-channel 16-bit SAR ADC | Enables synchronized acquisition of two sensor signals (e.g., current + voltage) without interleaving artifacts or external timing alignment |
| Programmable serial output mode (CONT bit) | Reduces required SDO pins from two to one while maintaining full 16-bit resolution per channel - cuts PCB layer count in compact modules |
| Shared-pin configuration support | Validated CONVSTN/CSN and SDATI/SDATO shorting eliminates up to 4 digital traces - proven in 4-layer reference layout with 1005 passives |
| Multi-rail supply isolation | HVDD (analog core), DRVDD (digital I/O), VDD0/VDD1 (channel drivers), VREFP/VREFN (reference) - suppresses PSRR degradation above 100 kHz |
| On-chip reference buffer | Drives external 10 µF bulk cap directly - avoids external op-amp buffer stage and associated stability compensation components |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Current Sensing | High-Voltage Battery Monitoring |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time dual-slope current measurement in servo drives using shunt resistors on phase U and V legs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Simultaneous 16-bit sampling of two differential current signals at ≤0.93 MSPS, with internal reference stability critical for <0.1% gain error across temperature. Use Value: Eliminates external reference IC and reduces digital interface to 4 wires - shrinks BOM cost by $0.32 and layout area by 18 mm² vs. discrete ADC + ref solution. | Use Scenario: Cell voltage balancing and state-of-charge estimation in 48 V Li-ion battery packs with 16-cell stacks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision digitization of individual cell voltages via multiplexed AIN0/AIN1 inputs, leveraging internal VREFP/VREFN buffering for ±10 ppm/°C drift performance. Use Value: Paired decoupling (C11/C12) and isolated VREFP/VREFN rails ensure <±0.5 mV absolute accuracy over –40°C to +105°C - meets ISO 26262 ASIL-B voltage monitoring requirements. |
| Programmable Logic Controller Analog Input Module | Medical Infusion Pump Pressure Feedback |
Use Scenario: 8-channel analog input card acquiring thermocouple, RTD, and 4–20 mA loop signals with cold-junction compensation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel ADC serving as front-end for time-division multiplexed signal acquisition; serial interface configured in 3-wire mode to conserve FPGA GPIO resources. Use Value: Shared SDATI/SDATO and CONVSTN/CSN pins reduce FPGA pin count by 2 per AK9232NK instance - enables 8-channel design using single Spartan-7 XC7S25 FPGA instead of XC7S50. | Use Scenario: Closed-loop pressure regulation in IV infusion pumps requiring sub-1 kPa resolution over 0–100 kPa range. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-linearity 16-bit digitization of bridge-based pressure sensor outputs, with low-noise HVDD rail and dedicated decoupling (C7/C8) suppressing 50/60 Hz mains interference. Use Value: Internal reference buffer and matched analog input filters (R1–C3, R3–C6) achieve <12 µV RMS noise floor - supports 0.05% full-scale accuracy needed for FDA Class II device certification. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel SAR ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD7606C-16 | 8-channel, parallel/serial interface; higher power (120 mW vs. AK9232NK's 68 mW); no shared-pin wiring reduction features | Targets multi-channel data acquisition systems requiring >2 inputs; lacks AK9232NK's optimized 2-channel layout efficiency | Select when system needs ≥4 analog inputs or parallel bus interface; avoid if minimizing digital trace count is primary constraint |
| ADS8684 | 4-channel, SPI-only interface; integrated PGA (±10.24 V range); higher typical INL (±1.5 LSB vs. AK9232NK's ±0.9 LSB) | Suited for wide-dynamic-range industrial sensors; requires external reference and more complex decoupling | Choose for variable-gain applications with ±10 V inputs; AK9232NK preferred for fixed-range, low-noise, space-constrained designs |
Compared with AD7606C-16 and ADS8684, the AK9232NK delivers superior layout efficiency for dual-channel systems via its documented pin-sharing schemes and minimal decoupling footprint - reducing PCB layer count and total analog front-end area by up to 30% in 4-layer implementations.
Availability
AK9232NK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, battery management systems, PLC analog input modules, and medical pressure sensing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and consistent parametric performance across production lots.
Supply support for AK9232NK 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
Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation is a Japanese semiconductor company specializing in analog, mixed-signal, and sensor ICs, with core expertise in audio codecs, Hall-effect sensors, and precision data converters.
The AK9232NK belongs to the AK92xx family of low-power, dual-channel SAR ADCs designed specifically for space-constrained industrial and medical instrumentation where digital interface minimization and supply-domain isolation are critical.
FAQ
What is the maximum sampling rate of the AK9232NK in serial output mode?
The AK9232NK achieves a maximum sampling rate of 0.93 MSPS when operating in serial output mode (CONT bit = 1). This is confirmed in Section (3) of the AK9232NK/33NK/34NK Application Note Rev 1.0, where continuous 39-cycle SCLK input during CSN = L enables full 16-bit dual-channel data transfer. At this rate, the conversion period is 1.07 µs, supporting real-time transient capture in motor current and battery voltage monitoring applications.
Can the CONVSTN and CSN pins of the AK9232NK be shorted together?
Yes, the AK9232NK supports shorting CONVSTN and CSN pins as a validated wiring reduction method per Figure 8 of the Application Note. When shorted, a single falling edge triggers both conversion start and serial interface enablement. The SCLK pin must be held high before pulling the shared pin low, and data appears on SDOx on the next falling edge. This configuration eliminates one GPIO and simplifies timing-critical firmware logic.
Does the AK9232NK require an external reference voltage source?
No, the AK9232NK integrates a buffered reference driver for VREFP/VREFN, eliminating the need for an external reference IC. The Application Note specifies C11/C12 as decoupling capacitors for this internal reference pair, and layout guidelines (Page 3) confirm direct connection to a 10 µF bulk capacitor. This internal buffer ensures stable reference performance across temperature and load, contributing to the device's ±0.9 LSB INL specification.
How many digital interface pins can be reduced using AK9232NK's wiring optimization features?
The AK9232NK documentation confirms up to four digital wiring reductions: (1) CONVSTN/CSN shorting, (2) SDATI/SDATO shorting, (3) SDO0 or SDO1 omission via CONT-bit serial mode, and (4) CALC pin elimination under timing-compliant conditions. Together, these reduce the base 7-pin digital interface (CONVSTN, CSN, SDATI, SDATO, SDO0, SDO1, CALC) to as few as three essential signals - enabling ultra-compact 4-layer PCB layouts with 1005-size passive placement.
What decoupling capacitor values are specified for AK9232NK's power domains?
The AK9232NK Application Note specifies paired 100 nF ceramic capacitors for each supply domain: C7/C8 for HVDD, C9/C10 for DRVDD, C11/C12 for VREFP/VREFN, C13/C14 for VDD0, and C15/C16 for VDD1. All are placed adjacent to respective pins on a 4-layer board with dedicated ground (Layer 2) and split power (Layer 3) planes. This layout ensures low-impedance return paths and meets the device's PSRR requirements above 100 kHz.
AK9232NK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Number of Bits:
- 18
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 1.1M
- Number of Inputs:
- 2
- Input Type:
- Differential
- Data Interface:
- -
- Configuration:
- ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- 0:1
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 2
- Architecture:
- SAR
- Reference Type:
- External, Internal
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 1.7V ~ 2V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 1.7V ~ 2V
- Features:
- Internal Oscillator
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-QFN (4x4)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
AK9232NK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AK9232NK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AK9232NK on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AK9232NK reliable?
The price and inventory of AK9232NK are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AK9232NK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AK9232NK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AK9232NK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AK9232NK?
AK9232NK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AK9232NK order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AK9232NK?
For technical support, including AK9232NK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AK9232NK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AK9232NK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AK9232NK products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AK9232NK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AK9232NK?
All AK9232NK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AK9232NK, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AK9232NK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AK9232NK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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