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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX1203ACAP+T from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 8-channel serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for mixed +5V analog / +3V digital supply systems. It features single-ended or differential input configuration, 133ksps sampling rate, ±0.5 LSB INL (A-grade), and SPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible 4-wire interface - deployed in battery-powered medical instruments and high-accuracy process control loops.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1203ACAP+T datasheet, MAX1203ACAP+T pinout, MAX1203ACAP+T application, or MAX1203ACAP+T equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping to 20-pin SSOP, real-world timing behavior, and validated alternative parts for 5V/3V data acquisition system design.
Technical Context
The MAX1203ACAP+T employs successive-approximation architecture with integrated track/hold, supporting both internal clock (1.7MHz) and external clock (up to 2MHz) conversion modes. Its analog front-end accepts unipolar (0–VREF) or bipolar (±VREF/2) inputs via software-configurable SGL/DIF and UNI/BIP bits in the 8-bit control byte.
Digital interface operation is decoupled from analog supply: VL pin sets DOUT/SSTRB output swing (2.7V–5.25V), enabling direct interfacing with 3V microcontrollers while maintaining 5V-tolerant DIN/SCLK/CS inputs. Reference buffering supports external 4.096V reference with ±1.5% REFADJ adjustment range and 0.8ppm/°C gain tempco.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 1 LSB = 0.0244% of full-scale range for precise sensor digitization |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps - enables real-time capture of signals up to 66.5kHz (Nyquist-limited) without undersampling artifacts |
| INL (A-grade) | ±0.5 LSB - ensures monotonicity and <0.012% absolute linearity error across full temperature range (0°C to +70°C) |
| Power Consumption | 1.5mA operating / 2μA full power-down - supports duty-cycled operation in energy-constrained portable instruments |
| Analog Input Range | Single-ended: 0V to VREF; Differential: ±VREF/2 - configurable per channel via control byte for flexible signal conditioning |
| Serial Interface Speed | Up to 2MHz SCLK - completes 12-bit conversion in 15 clock cycles (7.5μs at 2MHz), compatible with TMS320 DSP strobe timing |
| Reference Support | External 4.096V reference required - allows precision calibration and rejection of internal reference drift in metrology applications |
Pinout & Package
MAX1203ACAP+T is housed in a 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65mm pitch, JEDEC MO-153 compliant, footprint-compatible with PDIP but with 30% smaller area and improved thermal performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 (Pins 1–8) | Analog input channels | Support 8-channel single-ended or 4-channel differential acquisition; input protection clamps to VDD/VSS (±0.3V) |
| VSS (Pin 9) | Negative supply rail | Accepts 0V (single-supply) or –5V (dual-supply); defines common-mode range for bipolar inputs |
| SHDN (Pin 10) | Three-level shutdown control | Low = 10μA shutdown; open = external compensation mode; VDD = internal compensation mode |
| REF (Pin 11) | Reference buffer output / ADC reference input | Receives external 4.096V reference; buffered output drives internal DAC with 1.64× gain |
| REFADJ (Pin 12) | Reference buffer gain adjust | Tied to VDD to disable buffer; used with external capacitor for stability when REFADJ is active |
| GND (Pin 13) | Analog ground / IN– for single-ended mode | Common return for analog circuitry; serves as reference for CH0–CH7 in unipolar single-ended conversions |
| VL (Pin 14) | Digital output supply | Sets DOUT/SSTRB logic levels (2.7V–5.25V); enables direct connection to 3V MCU I/O without level shifters |
| DOUT (Pin 15) | Serial data output | MSB-first, clocked on SCLK falling edge; high-impedance when CS = high - supports bus sharing |
| SSTRB (Pin 16) | Serial strobe output | Pulses high one SCLK period before MSB in external clock mode; indicates conversion start/end for TMS320 sync |
| DIN (Pin 17) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit control byte on SCLK rising edge; first '1' after CS low defines MSB position |
| CS (Pin 18) | Active-low chip select | Enables serial interface; DOUT/SSTRB enter high-Z state when CS = high - prevents bus contention |
| SCLK (Pin 19) | Serial clock input | Drives data transfer and (in external mode) conversion timing; 40–60% duty cycle required for reliable operation |
| VDD (Pin 20) | Positive analog supply | +5V ±5%; powers analog core, track/hold, and reference buffer - PSR ±0.06mV over supply variation |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-selectable unipolar/bipolar mode | Configured via UNI/BIP bit in control byte - eliminates external op-amp reconfiguration for AC/DC signal paths |
| User-adjustable digital output voltage | VL pin sets DOUT/SSTRB swing from 2.7V to 5.25V - enables native interfacing with 3V, 3.3V, or 5V logic families |
| Two power-down modes | Fast (30μA) and full (2μA) shutdown - reduces average current in burst-sampling systems without sacrificing wake-up latency |
| Internal track/hold with 4.5MHz bandwidth | Acquires signals within 1.5μs (tACQ) - supports accurate digitization of fast transients without external sample-hold circuitry |
| SPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320 compatibility | No glue logic required - direct connection to TI C2000, STM32, or NXP Kinetis MCUs using standard CPOL=0/CPHA=0 settings |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation | High-Accuracy Industrial Process Control |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter acquiring thermocouple, RTD, and voltage signals with 12-bit resolution and <10μA standby draw. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC handling multiplexed analog inputs, performing successive-approximation conversion synchronized to external MCU clock. Use Value: 2μA full power-down and VL-driven 3V logic outputs extend battery life while eliminating level-shifter components in compact PCB layouts. |
Use Scenario: PLC analog input module digitizing 4–20mA current loops and ±10V sensor outputs in harsh factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision data acquisition front-end with ±0.5 LSB INL and 80dB SFDR, rejecting noise from motor drives and switching power supplies. Use Value: Bipolar input support and ±5V dual-supply operation enable direct connection to industrial sensors without signal conditioning amplifiers. |
| Medical Diagnostic Equipment | Automotive Onboard Diagnostics (OBD-II) Data Logger |
Use Scenario: ECG front-end capturing low-amplitude biopotential signals with high CMRR and minimal power dissipation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-power ADC converting differential electrode pairs at 133ksps with programmable gain and offset trimming via REFADJ. Use Value: Channel-to-channel offset matching ≤0.1 LSB ensures consistent baseline across multiple leads without per-channel calibration. |
Use Scenario: Aftermarket OBD-II scanner reading engine coolant temperature, throttle position, and oxygen sensor voltages in vehicles with mixed 5V/3.3V ECUs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mixed-voltage ADC interfacing legacy 5V analog sensors to modern 3.3V ARM-based diagnostic processors. Use Value: Independent VL supply and 5V-tolerant digital inputs eliminate voltage translation ICs, reducing BOM cost and board space. |
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, single-supply 2.7–5.25V operation; no external reference required; SPI-only interface | Lower power (1.25mA) but lacks bipolar input mode and TMS320 strobe compatibility | Select for ultra-low-voltage battery systems where external reference complexity must be avoided |
| MAX11131ETE+ | 12-bit, 500ksps, internal reference, 2.7–3.6V VL range only; SPI/MICROWIRE compatible | Higher speed and integrated reference, but SSOP-16 package limits channel count to 4 | Select when sampling rate >200ksps is critical and 8-channel multiplexing is not required |
Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11131ETE+, the MAX1203ACAP+T uniquely supports dual ±5V analog supplies, external 4.096V reference for metrology-grade accuracy, and TMS320 strobe synchronization - making it optimal for mixed-voltage industrial and medical DAQ where traceability and signal integrity are prioritized over raw speed.
Availability
MAX1203ACAP+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, industrial process control, and medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX1203ACAP+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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for demanding industrial, medical, and automotive applications.
The MAX1202/MAX1203 family targets mixed-voltage data acquisition systems needing 12-bit accuracy, low power, and seamless 3V/5V interface bridging - specifically engineered for portable and embedded measurement equipment.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage requirement for MAX1203ACAP+T?
The MAX1203ACAP+T requires an external 4.096V reference applied to the REF pin. Unlike the MAX1202, it does not include an internal reference. The reference-buffer amplifier is disabled by pulling REFADJ to VDD, and the device achieves ±1.5 LSB gain error with a stable 4.096V source. This external reference architecture enables higher accuracy and lower drift than internal references in calibrated systems.
Does MAX1203ACAP+T support differential input mode?
Yes, MAX1203ACAP+T supports pseudo-differential input mode via software configuration. Setting SGL/DIF = 0 in the control byte selects differential pairs (CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, etc.), where the voltage difference |IN+ − IN−| is sampled. IN− must remain stable within ±0.1 LSB relative to GND during conversion - achieved by placing a 0.1μF capacitor from the selected IN− channel to GND.
How does the SHDN pin function on MAX1203ACAP+T?
The SHDN pin on MAX1203ACAP+T provides three-level control: pulled low → full shutdown (≤10μA); left floating → external compensation mode (4.7μF cap at REF); pulled high → internal compensation mode. Power-up occurs automatically upon accessing the serial interface (CS low), enabling rapid wake-up between conversions without external reset sequencing.
What is the maximum SCLK frequency supported by MAX1203ACAP+T?
MAX1203ACAP+T supports SCLK frequencies up to 2.0MHz in external clock mode, completing each 12-bit conversion in 15 clock cycles (7.5μs). The SCLK duty cycle must be maintained between 40% and 60% for reliable operation. At 2MHz, the device achieves a sustained sampling rate of 133ksps with guaranteed timing margins per the datasheet's tDO, tSDV, and tSSTRB specifications.
Can MAX1203ACAP+T interface directly with a 3.3V microcontroller?
Yes, MAX1203ACAP+T interfaces directly with 3.3V microcontrollers. Applying 3.3V to the VL pin configures DOUT and SSTRB for 3.3V logic levels, while DIN, SCLK, and CS accept 3.3V inputs (VIH ≥ 2.0V, VIL ≤ 0.8V). No level-shifting circuitry is needed - the device's dual-voltage architecture bridges 5V analog and 3.3V digital domains natively.
MAX1203ACAP+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- 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+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1203ACAP+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1203ACAP+T 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+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1203ACAP+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1203ACAP+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1203ACAP+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX1203ACAP+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1203ACAP+T?
MAX1203ACAP+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1203ACAP+T 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+T?
For technical support, including MAX1203ACAP+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1203ACAP+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1203ACAP+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1203ACAP+T 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+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1203ACAP+T?
All MAX1203ACAP+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1203ACAP+T, 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+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1203ACAP+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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