Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX11600EKA+T

Overview

MAX11600EKA+T from Maxim Integrated is an 8-bit, 4-channel, low-power analog-to-digital converter with integrated track/hold, 4.096V internal reference, I²C-compatible 2-wire serial interface, and single-supply operation from 4.5V to 5.5V. It delivers 188ksps throughput with 350µA supply current and supports software-configurable unipolar single-ended or pseudo-differential input modes - ideal for battery-powered sensor monitoring in portable medical instruments.

For engineers reviewing the MAX11600EKA+T datasheet, MAX11600EKA+T pinout, MAX11600EKA+T application, or MAX11600EKA+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-pin SOT23 package, ±2 LSB total unadjusted error (TUE), internal FIFO with channel-scan mode, AutoShutdown™ power management, and guaranteed operation across –40°C to +85°C.

Technical Context

The MAX11600EKA+T employs successive-approximation architecture with on-chip track/hold capacitor and switched-capacitor DAC. Its analog input multiplexer routes up to four single-ended or two pseudo-differential channels to the conversion core, with acquisition time dependent on source impedance and clock mode.

It operates exclusively in I²C slave mode with support for Fast Mode (400kHz) and High-Speed Mode (1.7MHz), using SDA/SCL bidirectional signaling. Internal clock generation eliminates external timing components, while external clock mode enables precise synchronization with system timing domains.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX11600EKA+T is housed in an 8-pin SOT23 package - a surface-mount, lead-free, RoHS-compliant miniature outline transistor package measuring 2.9 mm × 1.6 mm × 1.1 mm, optimized for space-constrained portable designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 8-bit multichannel ADC applications.

Compared with MAX11601EKA+T, the MAX11600EKA+T offers higher full-scale range and 5 V compatibility; compared with ADS7822U, it reduces system-level BOM cost and simplifies firmware integration via I²C and embedded reference - making it optimal for new 5 V portable designs prioritizing size and power efficiency.

Availability

MAX11600EKA+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable medical instruments, battery-powered test equipment, and solar-powered remote monitoring systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX11600EKA+T 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 semiconductor company specializing in precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX11600–MAX11605 family was designed for ultra-low-power, space-constrained systems needing multichannel data acquisition without external timing or reference components - targeting handheld instrumentation and energy-harvested IoT endpoints.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the MAX11600EKA+T and under what conditions is it achieved?

The MAX11600EKA+T achieves a maximum sampling rate of 188 ksps when using the external clock mode at 1.7 MHz I²C High-Speed Mode with VDD = 5 V and internal reference enabled. This rate assumes unipolar, single-ended configuration and includes conversion time (4.7 µs) plus acquisition time. At lower clock frequencies or in internal clock mode, throughput decreases to 76 ksps.

Does the MAX11600EKA+T support pseudo-differential input mode, and how is it configured?

Yes, the MAX11600EKA+T supports pseudo-differential input mode via the SGL/DIF bit in the configuration byte (bit 7 = 0). In this mode, AIN0–AIN2 serve as positive inputs, while AIN3/REF acts as the negative reference input. The negative input must remain stable within ±0.5 LSB relative to GND during conversion - typically ensured with a 0.1 µF capacitor to ground.

What is the purpose of the AIN3/REF pin on the MAX11600EKA+T, and how does its function change?

The AIN3/REF pin on the MAX11600EKA+T is multifunctional: it serves as analog input channel 3 in single-ended mode, or as the reference input/output when SEL[2:1] = 11 in the setup byte. When used as REF, it sources/sinks reference current and must be decoupled with a 0.01 µF capacitor to GND. Its dual role reduces pin count while maintaining flexibility in reference selection.

How does AutoShutdown™ operate in the MAX11600EKA+T, and what is its impact on power consumption?

AutoShutdown™ automatically powers down the MAX11600EKA+T's analog circuitry between conversions when no I²C activity is detected. In this state, supply current drops to less than 1 µA - reducing average power by >99% compared to continuous 188 ksps operation (350 µA). Wake-up occurs on the next valid I²C START condition, with no additional latency beyond standard bus arbitration.

Can the MAX11600EKA+T operate with an external reference voltage, and what is the supported range?

Yes, the MAX11600EKA+T supports external reference voltages from 1.0 V to VDD (4.5–5.5 V). When using an external reference, the internal 4.096 V reference is disabled, and the full-scale input range becomes equal to the applied VREF. This allows optimization for signal amplitude, noise performance, or compatibility with existing system references - with typical reference input current of 14–30 µA at 188 ksps.