Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1003CAX+

Overview

MAX1003CAX+ from Maxim Integrated is a dual, 6-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for simultaneous I/Q baseband digitization in satellite and broadband demodulation systems. It delivers 90Msps sampling per channel, 5.85 ENOB at 20MHz input, and supports user-selectable 125/250/500mVp-p full-scale ranges with true differential inputs and internal bandgap reference. It operates from +5V analog and +3.3V digital supplies in a 36-pin SSOP package.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1003CAX+ datasheet, MAX1003CAX+ pinout, MAX1003CAX+ application, or MAX1003CAX+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, pin-level circuit roles, real-world dynamic performance metrics, and validated alternative options for direct-broadcast satellite (DBS), VSAT, and QAM16 receiver designs.

Technical Context

The MAX1003CAX+ integrates two matched flash ADCs with 63 fully differential comparators and a proprietary encoding scheme limiting dynamic encoding error to ≤1LSB. Its programmable-gain input amplifiers feature 55MHz (-0.5dB) bandwidth, <5pF input capacitance, and on-chip offset-correction circuitry with external 0.22µF compensation capacitors for AC-coupled operation.

It includes an internal differential oscillator driven by an external tank network (70–110MHz) or overdriven by an external 90MHz sinusoidal clock, plus a buffered bandgap voltage reference shared across both ADCs. Digital outputs are +3.3V CMOS-compatible with 3.6ns clock-to-data propagation delay and 1.5ns inter-channel data skew.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1003CAX+ is housed in a 36-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with exposed pad not electrically connected. Pin spacing is 0.025", body width 0.209", and total package dimensions 9.9mm × 3.9mm × 1.75mm. Thermal resistance θ_JA is 115°C/W.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar dual-channel, 6-bit, high-speed ADC applications.

Compared with MAX1003CAX+, ADS62P29IRGZT offers higher resolution and speed but demands complex clock/data interface design, while AD9222ASTZ-40 provides greater precision at lower speed but cannot replace the matched dual-channel, self-contained architecture needed for quadrature demodulation.

Availability

MAX1003CAX+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for direct-broadcast satellite receivers, VSAT terminals, and cable television set-top boxes requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX1003CAX+ 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

Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for communications, computing, and industrial markets.

The MAX1003CAX+ belongs to Maxim's high-speed data converter product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, power-constrained quadrature demodulation in satellite and broadband infrastructure.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the MAX1003CAX+?

The MAX1003CAX+ is rated for commercial operation from 0°C to +70°C. This range is confirmed in the Ordering Information section and Absolute Maximum Ratings table of the official datasheet. The device uses standard silicon process technology and does not include extended-temperature grade packaging or trimming. For applications requiring wider thermal margins, engineers should consider derating power dissipation above +70°C or selecting industrial-grade alternatives.

Does the MAX1003CAX+ require external clock circuitry?

The MAX1003CAX+ includes an internal differential oscillator and can operate with only an external tank network (inductor + varactor) connected to TNK+/TNK− pins - no external clock generator is required. Alternatively, it supports external clock overdrive with a 300–1250mVp-p sinusoidal signal. This dual-clock capability makes the MAX1003CAX+ flexible for both self-timed and system-synchronized designs without adding external clock ICs.

How is input full-scale range selected on the MAX1003CAX+?

The MAX1003CAX+ uses the GAIN pin (Pin 1) to select one of three input full-scale ranges: 125mVp-p (GND), 250mVp-p (open), or 500mVp-p (VCC). This selection directly configures the programmable-gain amplifier stage and is effective across the entire 0–70°C operating range. No register writes or digital commands are needed - it is a hardwired analog configuration that simplifies PCB layout and eliminates firmware dependencies.

What is the purpose of the IOCC+ and IOCC− pins on the MAX1003CAX+?

The IOCC+ and IOCC− pins on the MAX1003CAX+ provide access to the internal offset-correction amplifier for the I-channel. When used with AC-coupled inputs, a 0.22µF capacitor must be connected between these pins to set the dominant pole frequency and null DC offset to within ±0.5LSB. For DC-coupled operation, both pins are grounded to disable correction - a hardware-controlled mode switch that avoids software complexity and ensures robustness in fixed-configuration receivers.

Can the MAX1003CAX+ interface directly with a 3.3V FPGA without level-shifting?

Yes, the MAX1003CAX+ features +3.3V CMOS-compatible digital outputs (DI0–DI5, DQ0–DQ5, DCLK) with VOH ≥ 0.7VCCO and VOL ≤ 0.5V under 400µA sink current - fully compliant with standard 3.3V LVTTL/LVCMOS input thresholds. Its VCCO supply (pins 26,28) is explicitly rated for +3.3V ±300mV, and output drive strength is characterized at CL = 15pF. No external level shifters are required for interfacing with Xilinx Artix-7 or Intel Cyclone V FPGAs.