Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1203ACAP+
- Part No.:
- MAX1203ACAP+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1203ACAP+.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 20SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,001
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX1203ACAP+ from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 8-channel serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for mixed 5V analog / 3V digital systems. It operates from single +5V or dual ±5V analog supplies, features an integrated track/hold, 4-wire SPI/MICROWIRE-compatible interface, 133ksps sampling rate, and requires an external reference voltage. It is used in battery-powered instrumentation where low-power operation and flexible logic-level interfacing are critical.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1203ACAP+ datasheet, MAX1203ACAP+ pinout, MAX1203ACAP+ application, or MAX1203ACAP+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its external-reference dependency, software-configurable unipolar/bipolar input mode, 20-pin SSOP package with VL-controlled 2.7–5.25V digital output swing, and shutdown current below 10μA at reduced sampling rates.
Technical Context
The MAX1203ACAP+ implements successive-approximation architecture with an internal track/hold circuit enabling 1.5μs acquisition time and 133ksps conversion rate using a 2MHz external clock. Its analog front-end supports 8-channel single-ended or 4-channel differential inputs with channel-to-channel offset matching of ±0.1 LSB and crosstalk of –85dB at 65kHz.
Digital interface compliance includes SPI Mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and MICROWIRE protocols; SSTRB strobe output enables direct TMS320-family DSP synchronization. The VL pin decouples digital I/O voltage (2.7–5.25V) from analog supply, allowing seamless interfacing with 3V microcontrollers while maintaining 5V analog performance.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 1 part in 4096 quantization granularity for high-fidelity signal digitization. |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps - supports real-time capture of signals up to ~66kHz via Nyquist criterion. |
| INL (Max) | ±0.5 LSB (A-grade) - ensures monotonicity and <0.012% full-scale linearity error across temperature. |
| Power (Operating) | 1.5mA @ +5V - enables <7.5mW analog power draw, suitable for portable designs. |
| Power (Shutdown) | 2–10μA - allows aggressive duty-cycling between conversions to extend battery life. |
| Digital I/O Voltage Range | 2.7V to 5.25V (via VL pin) - eliminates level-shifter requirements when interfacing with 3V or 3.3V controllers. |
| Analog Input Config | 8 SE or 4 diff channels - provides flexible sensor multiplexing without external MUX hardware. |
Pinout & Package
MAX1203ACAP+ is housed in a 20-pin shrink small-outline package (SSOP), 0.65mm pitch, with exposed pad not electrically connected. Thermal resistance θJA = 125°C/W; derating is 8.00mW/°C above +70°C.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 (Pins 1–8) | Analog input channels | Selectable as 8 single-ended or 4 differential inputs; input range referenced to VSS/VDD (–5V to +5V). |
| VSS (Pin 9) | Negative analog supply | Accepts 0V (single-supply) or –5V ±5% (dual-supply); sets bipolar input common-mode baseline. |
| SHDN (Pin 10) | Three-state shutdown control | Pull low → 10μA shutdown; leave open → external REFADJ compensation; pull high → internal compensation. |
| REF (Pin 11) | Reference buffer output / ADC reference input | Receives external 4.096V reference; internal buffer disabled by pulling REFADJ to VDD. |
| REFADJ (Pin 12) | Reference buffer gain adjust | Tie to VDD to disable internal reference buffer; otherwise enables ±1.5% trim of buffered reference. |
| GND (Pin 13) | Analog ground / IN– for SE mode | Common return for analog circuitry; serves as single-ended input reference when VSS = 0V. |
| VL (Pin 14) | Digital output supply | Sets DOUT/SSTRB high-level voltage (2.7–5.25V); isolates digital logic swing from analog VDD. |
| DOUT (Pin 15) | Serial data output | MSB-first, SCLK-falling-edge synchronized; high-impedance when CS = high. |
| SSTRB (Pin 16) | Serial strobe output | Pulses high one SCLK period before MSB in external-clock mode; indicates conversion start/finish timing. |
| DIN (Pin 17) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit control byte (START, SELx, UNI/BIP, SGL/DIF, PD1/PD0) on SCLK rising edge. |
| CS (Pin 18) | Active-low chip select | Enables serial interface; DOUT enters high-Z state when CS = high. |
| SCLK (Pin 19) | Serial clock input | Drives data transfer and (in external mode) conversion timing; supports up to 2MHz, 40–60% duty cycle. |
| VDD (Pin 20) | Positive analog supply | +5V ±5%; powers analog core, track/hold, and reference buffer (when enabled). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| External reference architecture | Requires externally applied 4.096V at REF pin; enables precision system-level reference sourcing and trimming. |
| Software-selectable input mode | Control byte bits UNI/BIP and SGL/DIF configure unipolar (0–VREF) or bipolar (±VREF/2) and single-ended/differential operation. |
| Three power-down states | Full power-down (2μA), fast power-down (30μA), and internal clock mode enable dynamic current optimization per conversion cycle. |
| Flexible digital I/O voltage | VL pin sets DOUT/SSTRB logic-high level independently of VDD, supporting direct connection to 3V, 3.3V, or 5V controllers. |
| Integrated track/hold with 4.5MHz BW | Eliminates need for external sample-hold; supports accurate digitization of transient signals and undersampling applications. |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Instrumentation | Medical Instrumentation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Portable ECG monitor acquiring biopotential signals from dry electrodes with limited battery capacity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 12-bit ADC digitizing amplified lead-II differential inputs at 125–250Hz with programmable gain and low-noise sampling. Use Value: 2μA shutdown current extends operating life; VL pin enables direct interface with 3.3V ARM Cortex-M MCU without level shifters. |
Use Scenario: Handheld blood glucose meter measuring amperometric sensor current through transimpedance amplifier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy ADC converting analog sensor output with <±0.5 LSB INL to ensure clinical-grade measurement repeatability. Use Value: Channel-to-channel offset matching (±0.1 LSB) supports ratiometric calibration against reference electrode; 133ksps allows oversampling for noise reduction. |
| High-Accuracy Process Control | 5V/3V Mixed-Supply Industrial Data Acquisition |
Use Scenario: PLC analog input module conditioning 4–20mA loop signals and thermocouple outputs in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multiplexed ADC scanning 8 sensor channels with software-configurable unipolar/bipolar ranges and gain adjustment via REFADJ. Use Value: ±85dB crosstalk and –80dB THD support simultaneous multi-channel acquisition without inter-channel interference or harmonic distortion. |
Use Scenario: Embedded controller board integrating legacy 5V analog sensors with modern 3.3V FPGA or SoC. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bridge device providing 5V-tolerant analog front-end and 3.3V-compatible digital interface in single-chip solution. Use Value: Independent VL supply (2.7–5.25V) and 5V-tolerant DIN/SCLK/CS pins eliminate external voltage translators and reduce BOM count. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit serial ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADS7822U | 12-bit, 200ksps, SPI-only interface; no SSTRB output; fixed 3V digital I/O; internal reference only. | Lacks VL pin flexibility and external reference option; unsuitable for systems requiring reference trimming or mixed-voltage I/O. | Choose ADS7822U only if internal reference suffices and 3V-only digital interface is acceptable. |
| MAX11607EEE+ | 12-bit, 94.4ksps, I²C interface; 8-channel SE/4-channel diff; internal reference; VL pin supported. | No SPI/MICROWIRE compatibility; lacks SSTRB for DSP sync; lower max sampling rate than MAX1203ACAP+. | Select MAX11607EEE+ when I²C bus availability and lower power (350μA active) outweigh need for high-speed SPI or TMS320 strobe support. |
Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11607EEE+, the MAX1203ACAP+ uniquely combines external reference support, VL-configurable digital outputs, SSTRB strobe for real-time DSP coordination, and 133ksps throughput-making it optimal for mixed-supply, low-power, high-precision embedded data acquisition where system-level reference control and timing determinism are essential.
Availability
MAX1203ACAP+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, medical diagnostics equipment, industrial process monitoring, and mixed 5V/3V embedded data acquisition systems requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MAX1203ACAP+ 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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX1202/MAX1203 family was engineered for precision, low-power, mixed-voltage data acquisition-targeting portable and embedded systems where 5V analog integrity must coexist with 3V digital logic without level-shifting overhead.
FAQ
What reference voltage does the MAX1203ACAP+ require?
The MAX1203ACAP+ requires an external 4.096V reference applied to the REF pin. Unlike the MAX1202 variant, it does not include an internal reference. The reference-buffer amplifier can be disabled by pulling REFADJ to VDD, and the device supports gain trimming via REFADJ when enabled. This external-reference architecture allows system-level calibration and improved accuracy over temperature.
Does the MAX1203ACAP+ support both unipolar and bipolar input modes?
Yes, the MAX1203ACAP+ supports both unipolar (0V to VREF) and bipolar (±VREF/2) input ranges. The mode is selected dynamically via the UNI/BIP bit (bit 3) in the 8-bit control byte sent to DIN. In bipolar mode with VSS = –5V and VREF = 4.096V, the input range becomes ±2.048V, enabling accurate measurement of AC-coupled or centered sensor signals without external signal conditioning.
How does the VL pin affect digital interface operation in the MAX1203ACAP+?
The VL pin on the MAX1203ACAP+ sets the high-level voltage for DOUT and SSTRB outputs, supporting 2.7V to 5.25V logic levels. This allows direct interfacing with 3V, 3.3V, or 5V microcontrollers without external level shifters. When VL = 3.3V, VOH ≥ 2.8V and VOL ≤ 0.4V under 3mA load-ensuring reliable communication with standard 3.3V CMOS receivers while maintaining full 5V analog performance.
What are the power-down modes available on the MAX1203ACAP+?
The MAX1203ACAP+ offers three software-selectable power states via PD1/PD0 bits in the control byte: full power-down (2–10μA), fast power-down (30–70μA), and active conversion modes (internal or external clock). Full power-down disables the reference buffer and analog core, ideal for extended idle periods; fast power-down retains reference bias for quicker wake-up. Power state transitions occur automatically on serial interface access.
Is the MAX1203ACAP+ compatible with SPI and MICROWIRE interfaces?
Yes, the MAX1203ACAP+ is fully compatible with both SPI (Mode 0: CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and MICROWIRE protocols. It uses a 4-wire serial interface (DIN, DOUT, SCLK, CS) with MSB-first, SCLK-falling-edge data output and SCLK-rising-edge data input. No external logic is required for connection to SPI/MICROWIRE controllers, and the SSTRB output provides additional timing visibility for synchronous systems like TMS320 DSPs.
MAX1203ACAP+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 133k
- Number of Inputs:
- 4, 8
- Input Type:
- Differential, Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- SPI
- Configuration:
- MUX-S/H-ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- 1:1
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 1
- Architecture:
- SAR
- Reference Type:
- External
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- ±5V, 5V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 2.7V ~ 5.25V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX1203ACAP+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1203ACAP+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1203ACAP+ 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 MAX1203ACAP+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1203ACAP+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1203ACAP+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1203ACAP+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX1203ACAP+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1203ACAP+?
MAX1203ACAP+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1203ACAP+ 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 MAX1203ACAP+?
For technical support, including MAX1203ACAP+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1203ACAP+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1203ACAP+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1203ACAP+ 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 MAX1203ACAP+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1203ACAP+?
All MAX1203ACAP+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1203ACAP+, 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 MAX1203ACAP+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1203ACAP+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX1203ACAP+ Tags

-
ADC081C021CIMKX/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
MCP3021A5T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
TLA2024IRUGR
Texas Instruments

-
MCP3221A5T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A5T-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A4T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A6T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A0T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A1T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
ADC121S021CIMFX/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
MCP3001-I/MS
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3001-I/SN
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

