Analog Devices Inc. LTC1278-4IN#PBF
- Part No.:
- LTC1278-4IN#PBF
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 24-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
LTC1278-4IN#PBF.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 24DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
LTC1278-4IN#PBF from Analog Devices (formerly Linear Technology) is a 12-bit, 400ksps successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter with internal 2.42V reference, synchronized internal clock, and power-down mode. It operates from single 5V or ±5V supplies, supports unipolar (0V–5V) and bipolar (±2.5V) input ranges, and delivers ±1LSB INL/DNL with 70dB S/(N+D) at 100kHz - ideal for high-fidelity data acquisition in industrial instrumentation.
For engineers reviewing the LTC1278-4IN#PBF datasheet, LTC1278-4IN#PBF pinout, LTC1278-4IN#PBF application, or LTC1278-4IN#PBF equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed no missing codes over temperature, 2.5µs minimum throughput time, 8.5mW shutdown power, and compatibility with FIFOs, DSPs, and microprocessors via parallel interface with BUSY/CS/RD/CONVST control signals.
Technical Context
The LTC1278-4IN#PBF implements a 12-bit capacitive DAC-based successive approximation register (SAR) architecture with integrated 200ns sample-and-hold. Its factory-trimmed internal clock eliminates external clock synchronization requirements and ensures deterministic 2.5µs total throughput (acquisition + conversion).
Control logic supports two timing modes: Mode 1 (CONVST edge-triggered) and Mode 2 (RD-gated readout), with BUSY signal indicating conversion status. The analog input exhibits high impedance (±1µA leakage) and low capacitance (5pF in hold mode), enabling direct drive by precision op amps like LT1220 without external buffering.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit with guaranteed no missing codes over –40°C to +85°C |
| Sampling Rate | 400ksps maximum - defines real-time bandwidth for continuous waveform capture |
| INL / DNL | ±1LSB - ensures monotonicity and <0.025% end-point linearity error |
| S/(N+D) | 70dB at 100kHz - corresponds to ~11.7 effective bits for baseband signal fidelity |
| Power Dissipation | 75mW typical active, 8.5mW in shutdown - enables thermally constrained embedded designs |
| Analog Input Range | 0V to 5V (unipolar) or ±2.5V (bipolar) - matches standard sensor and signal chain levels |
| Reference Output | 2.42V ±20mV, ±10ppm/°C tempco - provides stable scaling without external reference IC |
Pinout & Package
Package: 24-lead plastic SO wide (SW) - RoHS-compliant, 7.6mm × 15.4mm body, 1.27mm pitch, suitable for automated assembly and thermal management (θJA = 130°C/W).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| AIN (1) | Analog Input | High-impedance node accepting 0V–5V or ±2.5V; requires <200ns settling after sampling transient |
| VREF (2) | Reference Output | 2.42V bandgap source; decoupling with 10µF + 0.1µF required for <1LSB noise |
| AGND (3) | Analog Ground | Single-point star ground for analog section; must be isolated from DGND except at package substrate |
| D11–D4 (4–11) | Data Outputs (MSB) | Three-state parallel bus outputs; active only when CS low and RD low |
| DGND (12) | Digital Ground | Return path for digital I/O; connected to AGND only at single point near AVDD/DVDD bypass |
| AVDD (24) | Analog Supply | +5V supply for analog core; bypassed with 10µF tantalum + 0.1µF ceramic |
| VSS (23) | Negative Supply | –5V for bipolar operation; bypassed with 0.1µF ceramic to AGND |
| CONVST (19) | Conversion Start | Active-low edge-triggered command; initiates SAR cycle only when CS is low |
| BUSY (22) | Status Output | Active-low open-drain signal indicating conversion in progress; used for handshaking with processors |
| SHDN (18) | Shutdown Control | Active-low input; reduces supply current to 1.7mA and disables analog core within 350ns wake-up latency |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal synchronized clock | Eliminates external clock routing and jitter sensitivity - no clock domain crossing required |
| Flexible unipolar/bipolar operation | Single device supports both 0–5V sensor interfaces and ±2.5V differential signal chains without hardware change |
| Instant wake-up from shutdown | 350ns recovery enables power gating between samples in burst-mode acquisition systems |
| High-Z analog input | ±1µA leakage and 5pF hold-mode capacitance allow direct connection to low-output-impedance op amps |
| Parallel interface with BUSY handshake | Enables deterministic timing with microcontrollers lacking dedicated ADC peripherals or DMA support |
Applications
| Industrial Process Monitoring | DSP-Based Spectrum Analyzer |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous voltage/current monitoring of PLC analog I/O modules with 12-bit resolution and 400ksps throughput. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC digitizing 4–20mA transducer outputs conditioned by precision op amps; BUSY signal synchronizes with FPGA state machine. Use Value: ±1LSB INL ensures accurate calibration traceability across temperature; 8.5mW shutdown cuts system standby power in battery-operated remote nodes. | Use Scenario: Real-time FFT analysis of audio and telecom signals up to 200kHz using fixed-point DSP. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-fidelity front-end ADC feeding parallel data bus to TI C55x or Analog Devices SHARC; CONVST timed to DSP instruction cycle. Use Value: 70dB S/(N+D) at Nyquist enables >11 ENOB for clean spectral decomposition; internal reference removes need for external REF02/ADR421. |
| Multiplexed Sensor Array Acquisition | Audio Signal Digitization |
Use Scenario: Simultaneous sampling of 8-channel thermocouple/RTD inputs via analog multiplexer in HVAC controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Central ADC shared across channels; SHDN asserted between conversions to minimize self-heating drift. Use Value: 200ns acquisition time allows full-scale settling even with 1kΩ source impedance; no missing codes prevents data gaps during temperature ramp tests. | Use Scenario: Digitizing line-level analog audio (±2.5V) for studio-grade USB audio interface with ASIO low-latency drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar-mode ADC interfaced to Xilinx Spartan FPGA; RD/BUSY handshake manages variable-latency USB packet transmission. Use Value: –78dB THD at 100kHz preserves harmonic integrity; 2.42V reference ensures consistent FS scaling across production units. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit SAR ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADS7822U | 2.7V–5.25V supply, SPI interface, 200ksps, no internal reference | Requires external reference and level-shifting for ±5V systems; lower power but serial interface adds CPU overhead | Preferred for space-constrained, low-power, single-supply systems where SPI is acceptable |
| MAX1166BCAP+ | 2.7V–5.25V supply, internal reference, 250ksps, 20-pin TSSOP | Slower throughput and smaller package; lacks bipolar input support without external op amp gain stage | Selected when board area is critical and 250ksps meets system bandwidth requirements |
Compared with ADS7822U and MAX1166BCAP+, the LTC1278-4IN#PBF offers higher throughput (400ksps), native ±5V bipolar operation, and guaranteed monotonicity - making it optimal for industrial data loggers requiring deterministic parallel interfacing and wide temperature range performance.
Availability
LTC1278-4IN#PBF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process monitoring, DSP-based spectrum analysis, multiplexed sensor array acquisition, and audio signal digitization requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for LTC1278-4IN#PBF 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
Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) is a global leader in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and digital signal processing technologies, serving industrial, automotive, communications, and healthcare markets.
The LTC1278-4IN#PBF belongs to ADI's legacy Linear Technology precision data acquisition portfolio, engineered for high-speed, low-power, and high-accuracy applications where guaranteed DC specs and robust AC performance are mandatory.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the LTC1278-4IN#PBF?
The LTC1278-4IN#PBF is rated for industrial operation from –40°C to +85°C, as indicated by the "I" suffix in the part number. This range is validated for all specified DC accuracy parameters (±1LSB INL/DNL) and AC performance (70dB S/(N+D)) across temperature, making it suitable for harsh-environment instrumentation without derating.
Does the LTC1278-4IN#PBF require an external clock?
No, the LTC1278-4IN#PBF does not require an external clock. It features a factory-trimmed internal clock that automatically synchronizes to each CONVST command, eliminating clock-domain timing hazards and simplifying PCB layout. The internal clock ensures a guaranteed 2.5µs minimum throughput time without external components.
How does the shutdown feature of the LTC1278-4IN#PBF work?
The LTC1278-4IN#PBF enters low-power shutdown mode when the SHDN pin (Pin 18) is driven low. In this state, supply current drops to 1.7mA, power dissipation falls to 8.5mW, and the analog core is disabled. Conversion cannot start even if CONVST goes low. Wake-up latency is 350ns, allowing rapid resumption of sampling in burst-mode systems.
Can the LTC1278-4IN#PBF accept bipolar input signals?
Yes, the LTC1278-4IN#PBF supports true bipolar operation with ±2.5V input range when powered from ±5V supplies (AVDD = +5V, VSS = –5V). The output code uses two's complement format, with 000…000 representing –2.5V and 011…111 representing 0V. This eliminates need for external level-shifting circuitry in differential sensor interfaces.
What is the purpose of the BUSY signal on the LTC1278-4IN#PBF?
The BUSY signal (Pin 22) is an active-low, open-drain status indicator that goes low at the start of conversion and returns high when the 12-bit result is latched and ready for readout. It enables reliable handshaking with microcontrollers, DSPs, or FPGAs - especially critical in Mode 2 timing where RD must be asserted only after BUSY rises to avoid data corruption.
LTC1278-4IN#PBF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc.
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 400k
- Number of Inputs:
- 1
- Input Type:
- Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- Parallel
- Configuration:
- S/H-ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- 1:1
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 1
- Architecture:
- SAR
- Reference Type:
- External, Internal
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 5V, -2.45V ~ 5.25
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 5V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
LTC1278-4IN#PBF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for LTC1278-4IN#PBF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for LTC1278-4IN#PBF 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 LTC1278-4IN#PBF reliable?
The price and inventory of LTC1278-4IN#PBF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for LTC1278-4IN#PBF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for LTC1278-4IN#PBF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for LTC1278-4IN#PBF transactions.
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4.How is shipping managed for LTC1278-4IN#PBF?
LTC1278-4IN#PBF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your LTC1278-4IN#PBF 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 LTC1278-4IN#PBF?
For technical support, including LTC1278-4IN#PBF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your LTC1278-4IN#PBF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that LTC1278-4IN#PBF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All LTC1278-4IN#PBF 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 LTC1278-4IN#PBF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of LTC1278-4IN#PBF?
All LTC1278-4IN#PBF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with LTC1278-4IN#PBF, 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 LTC1278-4IN#PBF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for LTC1278-4IN#PBF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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