Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1203BCPP
- Part No.:
- MAX1203BCPP
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1203BCPP.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:239
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Product details
Overview
MAX1203BCPP from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 8-channel serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for mixed 5V analog / 3V digital systems. It features single-ended or differential input configuration, 133ksps sampling rate, ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity, and operates from +5V analog supply with independent VL pin for 2.7–5.25V digital output logic levels - used in battery-powered medical instruments requiring low-power, high-accuracy signal digitization.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1203BCPP datasheet, MAX1203BCPP pinout, MAX1203BCPP application, or MAX1203BCPP equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world timing and accuracy specs, validated pin functions, and two confirmed alternative ADCs for 5V/3V mixed-supply data acquisition designs.
Technical Context
The MAX1203BCPP 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 8 single-ended or 4 pseudo-differential inputs, with input range determined by external reference voltage applied to REF pin (4.096V typical).
Digital interface is SPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible 4-wire serial: CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT, plus SSTRB strobe. The VL pin decouples digital I/O voltage from VDD, enabling direct interfacing with 3V microcontrollers while maintaining 5V analog rail integrity.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 1 part in 4096 quantization granularity for precision sensor or process monitoring. |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps - supports real-time capture of signals up to ~66kHz (Nyquist-limited), suitable for vibration or ECG waveform digitization. |
| INL (Max) | ±1 LSB - ensures monotonicity and <0.024% full-scale linearity error across temperature for calibrated measurement systems. |
| Analog Supply | +5V ±5% (VDD) or ±5V (VDD/VSS) - enables operation in industrial 5V rails or bipolar sensor interfaces without level-shifting. |
| Digital I/O Voltage | VL = 2.7V to 5.25V - allows direct connection to 3.3V or 5V logic families without external level translators. |
| Power-Down Current | 2μA (full power-down) - enables ultra-low quiescent current between conversions in portable instrumentation. |
| Serial Interface Speed | Up to 2MHz SCLK - permits sub-10μs conversion time with minimal host CPU overhead in SPI-based embedded systems. |
Pinout & Package
MAX1203BCPP is housed in a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), RoHS-compliant, with 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range rating.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 (Pins 1–8) | Analog Input Channels | Selectable as 8 single-ended or 4 differential inputs; IN- must remain stable within ±0.1 LSB during conversion. |
| VSS (Pin 9) | Negative Analog Supply | Accepts 0V (ground) or –5V ±5%; sets bipolar input range center point when used. |
| SHDN (Pin 10) | Three-Level Shutdown Control | Pull low → 10μA shutdown; leave open → external compensation mode; tie to VDD → internal compensation mode. |
| REF (Pin 11) | Reference Input/Output | Accepts external 4.096V reference (buffer disabled); internal buffer gain = 1.64× for REFADJ-adjusted references. |
| REFADJ (Pin 12) | Reference Buffer Adjustment | Tie to VDD to disable internal reference buffer; otherwise enables ±1.5% fine-tuning of buffered reference voltage. |
| GND (Pin 13) | Analog Ground / IN– for SE mode | Common return for analog circuitry; serves as single-ended input reference when CHx selected. |
| VL (Pin 14) | Digital Output Supply | Sets DOUT/SSTRB high-level voltage (2.7–5.25V); isolates digital I/O from analog VDD noise. |
| DOUT (Pin 15) | Serial Data Output | MSB-first, clocked on SCLK falling edge; 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/end in internal mode. |
| DIN (Pin 17) | Serial Data Input | Accepts 8-bit control byte (channel, unipolar/bipolar, SGL/DIF, PD mode); sampled 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; 40–60% duty cycle required. |
| VDD (Pin 20) | Positive Analog Supply | +5V ±5% main analog rail; powers internal track/hold, SAR core, and reference buffer (when enabled). |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 8-channel multiplexer + track/hold | Enables sequential sampling of multiple sensors (e.g., thermocouples, strain gauges) with <1.5μs acquisition time per channel. |
| Software-configurable unipolar/bipolar mode | Single control-bit selection (UNI/BIP) adapts full-scale range to 0–VREF or ±VREF/2 without hardware changes. |
| Reference-buffer amplifier | Provides 1.64× gain for REFADJ-adjusted references; simplifies external reference trimming and improves PSR. |
| Two power-down modes | Fast (30μA) and full (2μA) shutdown allow dynamic current optimization between conversions in battery-critical applications. |
| 3V/5V mixed-interface support | VL pin decouples digital I/O voltage from analog VDD, eliminating level-shifters in 3.3V MCU + 5V sensor systems. |
Applications
| Portable ECG Monitor | Industrial Process Controller |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Digitizing low-amplitude, high-impedance biopotential signals from electrode arrays with >70dB SINAD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary 12-bit ADC capturing 133ksps lead-II ECG waveforms with programmable gain and bipolar input range. Use Value: Enables accurate R-wave detection and arrhythmia analysis using internal track/hold and 2μA shutdown between samples to extend battery life. |
Use Scenario: Monitoring multi-point temperature, pressure, and flow sensors in PLC I/O modules with ±5V field wiring. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy analog front-end ADC accepting 4 differential inputs from RTD bridges and strain gauges. Use Value: Delivers ±1 LSB INL and 80dB SFDR for stable closed-loop control under noisy industrial EMI conditions. |
| Battery-Powered Data Logger | Automotive Diagnostic Tool |
Use Scenario: Long-duration environmental logging (temperature, humidity, light) in remote locations powered by coin-cell batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent ADC performing periodic 12-bit conversions with automatic wake-up via CS assertion. Use Value: Achieves <2μA shutdown current and 1.5mA active current, enabling >1-year operation on CR2032 cells at 1Hz sampling. |
Use Scenario: Reading analog sensor outputs (O2, MAP, throttle position) in handheld OBD-II scanners interfacing with 3.3V ARM Cortex-M hosts. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Mixed-voltage ADC bridging 5V automotive sensors to 3.3V microcontroller via VL-controlled DOUT/SSTRB. Use Value: Eliminates discrete level shifters while maintaining 133ksps throughput for real-time engine parameter visualization. |
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; requires external reference; 10-pin MSOP package. | Lacks serial strobe and differential input flexibility; better suited for space-constrained, high-speed single-channel use. | Choose ADS7822U when board area is critical and only unipolar single-ended inputs are needed. |
| MAX11131AUT+T | 12-bit, 500ksps, internal reference; SPI/MICROWIRE compatible; 10-pin μMAX; 1.8–3.6V VL range. | Higher speed but narrower VL range; no SHDN pin; optimized for ultra-low-voltage portable systems. | Choose MAX11131AUT+T for 3V-only systems needing faster sampling and smaller footprint. |
Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11131AUT+T, the MAX1203BCPP uniquely supports 3V/5V mixed logic, provides SSTRB for TMS320 DSP sync, offers software-selectable differential inputs, and maintains ±1 LSB INL over 0°C to +70°C in PDIP packaging - making it optimal for legacy industrial and medical designs requiring robustness and interface flexibility.
Availability
MAX1203BCPP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instruments, medical diagnostics equipment, and industrial process controllers requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.
Supply support for MAX1203BCPP 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 communications applications.
The MAX1203BCPP belongs to Maxim's high-accuracy serial ADC product line, engineered specifically for mixed 5V/3V supply environments where low power, small size, and flexible reference architecture are essential.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage requirement for MAX1203BCPP?
The MAX1203BCPP requires an external reference voltage applied to the REF pin, typically 4.096V. Unlike the MAX1202, it does not include an internal reference. The reference-buffer amplifier provides 1.64× gain, so adjusting REFADJ allows precise scaling - for example, applying 2.5V to REFADJ yields ~4.1V at REF. This design enables high-accuracy, user-trimmable full-scale ranges without external op-amps.
Does MAX1203BCPP support differential input mode?
Yes, the MAX1203BCPP supports pseudo-differential input mode via its 8-channel multiplexer: CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, CH4/CH5, and CH6/CH7 form four differential pairs. In this mode, the device samples the voltage difference |IN+ − IN−|, with IN− held stable (±0.1 LSB) relative to GND. Configuration is controlled by the SGL/DIF bit in the 8-bit command byte, and the internal track/hold ensures accurate acquisition of fast-changing differential signals.
How does the VL pin affect MAX1203BCPP operation?
The VL pin on the MAX1203BCPP sets the high-level voltage for DOUT and SSTRB outputs, ranging from 2.7V to 5.25V. This allows direct interfacing with 3.3V microcontrollers or 5V logic without level shifters. Critically, VL is independent of VDD - so analog performance remains unaffected by digital I/O voltage selection. When VL = 3.3V, DOUT drives to ~2.8V (VOH = VL − 0.5V), ensuring reliable CMOS input thresholds for modern low-voltage MCUs.
What are the power-down modes available on MAX1203BCPP?
The MAX1203BCPP offers two software-selectable power-down modes via PD1/PD0 bits in the control byte: fast power-down (30μA) and full power-down (2μA). Both modes retain register state and enable instant wake-up upon CS assertion. Full power-down disables the internal reference buffer and track/hold, minimizing leakage; fast power-down keeps key circuits biased for quicker turn-on. These modes are essential for optimizing average current in intermittent-sampling applications like portable data loggers.
Is MAX1203BCPP pin-compatible with other devices in the MAX1202/MAX1203 family?
Yes, the MAX1203BCPP shares identical 20-pin PDIP pinout and electrical interface with all MAX1202/MAX1203 variants (e.g., MAX1202ACPP+, MAX1203ACAP+). Pin functions, timing, and register mapping are fully consistent across the family. The primary differences lie in grade (A vs. B grade INL), reference architecture (internal vs. external), and package (PDIP vs. SSOP). This allows drop-in replacement for cost, accuracy, or packaging optimization without PCB redesign.
MAX1203BCPP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX1203BCPP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1203BCPP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1203BCPP 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 MAX1203BCPP reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1203BCPP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1203BCPP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1203BCPP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX1203BCPP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1203BCPP?
MAX1203BCPP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1203BCPP 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 MAX1203BCPP?
For technical support, including MAX1203BCPP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1203BCPP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1203BCPP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1203BCPP 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 MAX1203BCPP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1203BCPP?
All MAX1203BCPP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1203BCPP, 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 MAX1203BCPP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1203BCPP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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