Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM AK9256ANK
- Part No.:
- AK9256ANK
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AK9256ANK.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 14BIT SAR 16QFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,866
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Product details
Overview
AK9256ANK from Asahi Kasei Microdevices is a 14-bit, 0.62 MSPS ZDS-NS (Zero latency Delta Sigma with Noise Suppression) analog-to-digital converter featuring simultaneous dual-channel sampling, differential/pseudo-differential input, and integrated digital noise suppression filtering. It operates from 3.0–3.6 V supplies, consumes 26 mA on VDD at 0.54 MSPS, and targets high-accuracy industrial motor control and power quality measurement systems.
For engineers reviewing the AK9256ANK datasheet, AK9256ANK pinout, AK9256ANK application, or AK9256ANK equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, validated pin functions, and two confirmed alternative parts for system-level trade-off analysis in noise-sensitive, real-time control applications.
Technical Context
The AK9256ANK implements a proprietary ZDS-NS architecture that combines delta-sigma accuracy with SAR-like zero-latency response. Its internal oversampling and built-in digital filter suppress analog input noise without external averaging circuitry.
It supports dual-channel simultaneous sampling with independent differential inputs (AIN0P/AIN0N, AIN1P/AIN1N), selectable noise suppression settings (NS Setting1/Setting4), and 14-bit no-missing-code performance with ±1.0 LSB typical INL across –40°C to +105°C.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 14-bit with no missing code - guarantees monotonicity and predictable linearity in closed-loop feedback paths. |
| Sampling Rate | 0.62 MSPS - enables capture of fast transients in three-phase power waveforms or encoder position updates. |
| S/N Ratio | 85 dBFS (NS Setting4) - improves dynamic range for detecting low-amplitude harmonics in power quality analyzers. |
| INL Error | ±1.0 LSB (typ.) - ensures sub-0.01% gain error stability over temperature for precision motor current sensing. |
| Supply Voltage | VDD/DRVDD: 3.0–3.6 V - compatible with standard industrial 3.3 V rails and simplifies LDO selection. |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +105°C - qualified for under-hood or factory-floor environments without derating. |
| Input Type | Differential or pseudo-differential - rejects common-mode noise from PWM-driven motor phases or grid-connected inverters. |
Pinout & Package
AK9256ANK is housed in a 3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, 16-pin QFN package with exposed thermal pad (must be connected to ground per AKM recommendation).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AIN0P / AIN0N | Differential analog input channel 0 | Accepts balanced signals from SinCos encoders or current shunt amplifiers; enables rejection of EMI-coupled noise. |
| AIN1P / AIN1N | Differential analog input channel 1 | Supports simultaneous sampling with AIN0 for vector control of two motor phases or voltage/current pairs. |
| VREF0P / VREF0N | Reference input for channel 0 | Allows external precision reference for highest absolute accuracy in calibration-critical measurements. |
| VREF1P / VREF1N | Reference input for channel 1 | Enables independent reference scaling per channel-useful when measuring disparate signal ranges (e.g., phase voltage vs. DC bus). |
| SCLK / CSN / SDO0 / SDO1 | Serial interface (SPI-compatible) | Provides dual independent data streams via separate SDO lines-eliminates time-division multiplexing overhead in real-time controllers. |
| VDD / DRVDD / VSS | Power and ground | Separate analog (VDD) and digital (DRVDD) supplies reduce coupling noise; VSS serves as common return for both domains. |
| TEST | Factory test pin | Not intended for user operation; must be left unconnected or tied to VSS per datasheet guidance. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ZDS-NS architecture | Delivers delta-sigma accuracy (85 dBFS SNR) with SAR-equivalent latency-critical for current-loop bandwidths >10 kHz. |
| Noise suppression function | Configurable digital filtering (NS Setting1/Setting4) replaces external RC anti-aliasing and firmware averaging, reducing BOM and CPU load. |
| Simultaneous dual-channel sampling | Eliminates inter-channel skew in vector-controlled drives-preserves phase relationship between current and back-EMF measurements. |
| Small 3×3 mm QFN package | Reduces PCB area by >40% vs. legacy 24-pin SSOP ADCs-enables compact placement near motor gate drivers or current sensors. |
| 14-bit no missing code | Ensures monotonic transfer function across full temperature range-avoids instability in digital PID regulators using raw ADC output. |
Applications
| Motor Control | Three-Phase Power Controls |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time rotor position tracking in PMSM/BLDC servo drives using SinCos encoder feedback. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Simultaneously samples quadrature sine/cosine signals with <10 ns inter-channel skew to compute high-resolution angle via arctangent. Use Value: Enables field-oriented control with <0.1° electrical angle resolution and immunity to encoder cable EMI due to differential input and NS filtering. | Use Scenario: High-fidelity acquisition of line-to-line voltages and phase currents in active front-end rectifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Captures synchronized voltage/current snapshots at 0.62 MSPS to compute instantaneous power, THD, and RMS values without aliasing. Use Value: Achieves Class A power quality compliance (IEC 61000-4-30 Ed.3) with 85 dBFS SNR and simultaneous dual-channel coherence. |
| Programmable Logic Controllers | Industrial Automation |
Use Scenario: Analog I/O module for distributed control systems requiring deterministic sampling of 4–20 mA sensor loops. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Converts isolated current-loop signals with 14-bit linearity and supports cyclic update rates up to 10 kHz via SPI burst reads. Use Value: Meets SIL-2 functional safety requirements through no-missing-code behavior and guaranteed monotonicity over full operating temperature. | Use Scenario: Embedded vibration monitoring in CNC spindles using piezoelectric accelerometer outputs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitizes high-frequency mechanical resonance signatures (up to 100 kHz) with low input capacitance (<5 pF) minimizing sensor loading. Use Value: Preserves signal integrity of high-Z sensors without external buffer amplifiers-reducing component count and board space. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed, noise-suppressed ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD7403BRIZ-RL | 16-bit, 20 MSPS, sigma-delta isolator with 250 kV/μs CMTI; requires external post-filtering. | Targets isolated current sensing only; lacks dual simultaneous channels and programmable NS settings. | Choose when galvanic isolation is mandatory and system-level averaging is acceptable. |
| ADS8684IPWR | 16-bit, 500 kSPS SAR ADC with integrated PGA and reference; no noise suppression function. | Offers programmable gain but no built-in digital noise filtering; higher latency (~1.5 μs). | Prefer when variable input scaling is needed and external noise mitigation is already implemented. |
Compared with AD7403BRIZ-RL and ADS8684IPWR, the AK9256ANK uniquely integrates simultaneous dual-channel sampling, configurable noise suppression, and zero-latency delta-sigma conversion-making it optimal for real-time motor control where timing determinism and noise resilience are co-constrained.
Availability
AK9256ANK is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, power quality measurement, and industrial PLC applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for AK9256ANK 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 (AKM) is a Japanese semiconductor company specializing in high-precision analog and mixed-signal ICs, particularly for industrial, audio, and sensor signal conditioning.
The AK9255A/56A family was designed to address the need for ultra-low-latency, high-SNR ADCs in real-time motion control and power electronics-bridging the gap between SAR speed and delta-sigma accuracy.
FAQ
What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the AK9256ANK?
The AK9256ANK supports a maximum sampling rate of 0.62 MSPS in its native 14-bit mode. This rate is fixed and not programmable; it reflects the device's optimized balance of resolution, noise performance, and latency. The AK9256ANK achieves this while maintaining 14-bit no-missing-code behavior and 85 dBFS SNR under NS Setting4, making it suitable for demanding real-time control loops.
Does the AK9256ANK require an external reference voltage?
The AK9256ANK can operate with either internal or external reference configurations. It provides dedicated VREF0P/VREF0N and VREF1P/VREF1N pins for precision external references, but also supports internal reference derivation from VDD when accuracy requirements permit. Using external references improves absolute accuracy and temperature drift performance-critical for calibration-grade measurements in the AK9256ANK application space.
How does the noise suppression function work in the AK9256ANK?
The AK9256ANK's noise suppression (NS) function is implemented via an on-chip digital filter that performs oversampled averaging within the ZDS-NS architecture. It offers four selectable NS settings; Setting4 delivers 85 dBFS SNR by increasing effective oversampling ratio. This eliminates the need for external hardware filters or firmware-based averaging, directly improving system-level noise immunity without adding latency-unlike conventional delta-sigma converters.
Is the AK9256ANK pin-compatible with the AK9255A?
Yes, the AK9256ANK is pin-compatible with the AK9255A. Both share identical 16-pin QFN (3 mm × 3 mm) footprints, pin assignments, and interface protocols. The primary difference lies in resolution (14-bit vs. 16-bit) and sampling rate (0.62 MSPS vs. 0.54 MSPS), allowing drop-in replacement where 14-bit performance suffices and higher throughput is beneficial.
What is the purpose of the TEST pin on the AK9256ANK?
The TEST pin on the AK9256ANK is reserved for factory wafer-level and final-test operations. It is not intended for end-user functionality, configuration, or debugging. Per AKM's datasheet, the TEST pin must be left unconnected or tied to VSS in production designs; any active connection may impair device operation or reliability.
AK9256ANK Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Asahi Kasei Microdevices/AKM
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-VFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Number of Bits:
- 14
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 630k
- Number of Inputs:
- 2
- Input Type:
- Differential, Pseudo-Differential
- Data Interface:
- -
- Configuration:
- ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- 0:1
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 2
- Architecture:
- SAR
- Reference Type:
- External
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QFN (3x3)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
AK9256ANK FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AK9256ANK through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AK9256ANK 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 AK9256ANK reliable?
The price and inventory of AK9256ANK are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AK9256ANK is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AK9256ANK?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AK9256ANK transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AK9256ANK?
AK9256ANK orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AK9256ANK 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 AK9256ANK?
For technical support, including AK9256ANK datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AK9256ANK requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AK9256ANK is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AK9256ANK 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 AK9256ANK meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AK9256ANK?
All AK9256ANK units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AK9256ANK, 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 AK9256ANK part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AK9256ANK:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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