Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1204BCAP+
- Part No.:
- MAX1204BCAP+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1204BCAP+.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 10BIT SAR 20SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX1204BCAP+ from Maxim Integrated is a 10-bit, 8-channel serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for mixed +5V analog / +3V digital supply systems. It integrates an on-chip track/hold, internal 4.096V reference, SPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible 4-wire serial interface, and supports unipolar/bipolar input modes with up to 133ksps sampling rate. It is used in battery-powered instruments and medical data acquisition where low-power operation and 3V logic compatibility are critical.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1204BCAP+ datasheet, MAX1204BCAP+ pinout, MAX1204BCAP+ application, or MAX1204BCAP+ equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative parts - all grounded in Maxim's official specifications for the SSOP-20 package and commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C).
Technical Context
The MAX1204BCAP+ employs successive-approximation register (SAR) architecture with integrated track/hold, enabling precise 10-bit conversion of single-ended (8-channel) or pseudo-differential (4-channel) inputs. Its internal 4.096V reference and REFADJ-adjustable buffer simplify gain calibration while supporting both internal and external reference configurations.
It operates in dual clock modes: external SCLK-driven (up to 2MHz, 15 clocks/conversion) or internal clock mode (fixed ~1.7MHz), with SSTRB strobe signaling conversion start/end. Digital I/O levels are user-defined via VL pin (2.7V–5.25V), ensuring interoperability with 3V microcontrollers without level-shifting.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 10-bit SAR ADC - delivers 1024 discrete output codes with no missing codes over temperature (guaranteed for MAX1204B grade). |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps maximum - achieved using 15 SCLK cycles per conversion at 2MHz external clock; enables real-time monitoring in process control. |
| Analog Input | 8 single-ended or 4 pseudo-differential channels - CH0–CH7 selectable via 3-bit control word; IN– must remain stable within ±0.1 LSB during conversion. |
| Reference | Internal 4.096V ±0.5% (TYP) reference with REFADJ pin - allows ±1.5% adjustment range and external compensation via 4.7µF capacitor. |
| Power Consumption | 1.5mA operating current; drops to ≤10µA in full power-down - supports duty-cycled operation in battery-powered instruments. |
| Digital Interface | SPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible 4-wire serial (DIN/DOUT/SCLK/CS) - requires CPOL=0, CPHA=0; SSTRB provides hardware-ready strobe for DSP synchronization. |
| Supply Voltages | +5V ±5% analog (VDD), 0V or –5V ±5% negative rail (VSS), and programmable VL (2.7V–5.25V) - enables direct interfacing with 3V logic without external translators. |
Pinout & Package
MAX1204BCAP+ is housed in a 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and lead-free. Thermal performance: 640mW max power dissipation at +70°C, derating 8.00mW/°C above ambient.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 (Pins 1–8) | Analog input channels | Selectable as single-ended (vs. GND) or pseudo-differential pairs (CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, etc.); input range = VSS to VDD with ±0.3V fault tolerance. |
| VSS (Pin 9) | Negative supply rail | Accepts 0V (unipolar) or –5V ±5% (bipolar); defines common-mode baseline for differential measurements. |
| SHDN (Pin 10) | Three-level shutdown control | Low = full shutdown (≤10µA); float = external compensation mode; VDD = internal compensation mode - enables flexible power management. |
| REF (Pin 11) | Reference buffer output / ADC reference input | Supplies 4.096V nominal when internal reference enabled; disables buffer when REFADJ = VDD for external reference use. |
| DOUT (Pin 15) | Serial data output | 3-state, MSB-first, clocked on SCLK falling edge; output voltage swing set by VL - compatible with 3V/3.3V/5V logic families. |
| VL (Pin 14) | Digital output supply | Defines VOH/VOL thresholds (e.g., VOH ≥ VL – 0.5V); decouples digital I/O from analog VDD, eliminating noise coupling into sensitive analog sections. |
| GND (Pin 13) | Analog ground / IN– for single-ended mode | Primary return path; serves as IN– reference for CH0–CH7 in single-ended configuration - requires low-impedance connection. |
| REFADJ (Pin 12) | Reference buffer gain adjust | Connect to VDD to disable internal buffer; tie to resistor divider for ±1.5% fine-tuning of 4.096V reference - simplifies system-level gain calibration. |
| VDD (Pin 20) | Positive analog supply | +5V ±5% main analog rail; powers internal reference, T/H, SAR core, and multiplexer - must be filtered independently from digital supplies. |
| SCLK (Pin 19) | Serial clock input | Drives data transfer and (in external mode) conversion timing; 40–60% duty cycle required; max 2MHz frequency supports high-throughput data acquisition. |
| CS (Pin 18) | Active-low chip select | Enables serial interface and DOUT/SSTRB outputs when low; high-Z state prevents bus contention in multi-device SPI systems. |
| DIN (Pin 17) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit control byte (START, SEL2–SEL0, SGL/DIF, UNI/BIP, PD1/PD0) on SCLK rising edge - configures channel, mode, and clock/power-down behavior. |
| SSTRB (Pin 16) | Serial strobe output | Signals conversion status: pulses high for one SCLK period (external mode) or goes low→high (internal mode); directly interfaces with TMS320-series DSPs for hardware-triggered reads. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| User-adjustable digital output levels | VL pin accepts 2.7V–5.25V to set DOUT/SSTRB VOH/VOL - eliminates need for external level shifters when interfacing with 3V microcontrollers. |
| Software-configurable input polarity | UNI/BIP bit in control byte selects unipolar (0V to VREF) or bipolar (–VREF/2 to +VREF/2) mode - enables single hardware design for multiple sensor signal ranges. |
| Two power-down modes | Fast power-down (30µA) and full power-down (≤10µA) - triggered via PD1/PD0 bits; automatic wake-up on CS assertion reduces firmware overhead. |
| Internal track/hold with 1.5µs acquisition time | tACQ = 1.5µs minimum (7 × (RS + 9kΩ) × 16pF) - supports source impedances ≤4kΩ without AC performance degradation; higher Z sources require external RC filtering. |
| Pin-compatible 12-bit upgrade path | MAX1202 shares identical pinout and software interface - allows resolution upgrade without PCB redesign, preserving layout and firmware investment. |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Instrumentation | Medical Data Acquisition |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Portable ECG monitor acquiring analog biopotential signals from electrode leads with limited battery capacity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 10-bit ADC digitizing 8-lead analog front-end outputs; internal track/hold captures transient waveforms; VL = 3.3V ensures compatibility with low-voltage MCU. Use Value: 1.5mA operating current and ≤10µA shutdown enable >100-hour battery life; 133ksps sampling supports Nyquist-compliant 50kHz bandwidth for diagnostic-grade waveform fidelity. |
Use Scenario: Handheld blood glucose meter requiring accurate analog measurement of electrochemical sensor current under varying temperature conditions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ADC converting amplified sensor voltage with internal 4.096V reference; REFADJ trim compensates for sensor drift; unipolar mode maps 0–4.096V to full-scale glucose concentration range. Use Value: ±0.5 LSB INL and ±0.1 LSB channel-to-channel offset matching ensure <±2mg/dL measurement repeatability across batches and temperatures. |
| Industrial Process Control | 5V/3V Mixed-Supply Systems |
|
Use Scenario: PLC analog input module monitoring 8-channel 4–20mA current loops in factory automation environments with wide ambient temperature swings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multiplexed ADC scanning multiple loop transmitters; bipolar mode handles negative offsets; internal clock mode decouples conversion timing from host processor load. Use Value: ±0.8ppm/°C gain tempco and ±30ppm/°C VREF tempco maintain <0.1% FS error from 0°C to +70°C - meets industrial accuracy class requirements without recalibration. |
Use Scenario: Embedded controller board integrating legacy 5V analog sensors with modern 3.3V SoC, requiring clean voltage domain isolation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bridge device providing 5V-tolerant analog inputs and 3.3V-compatible digital outputs; separate VDD/VL rails prevent digital noise injection into analog section. Use Value: Independent VL supply and dedicated GND pin minimize crosstalk; 4.5MHz small-signal bandwidth supports anti-aliasing filter design for mixed-domain signal integrity. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit serial ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX1202BCAP+ | 12-bit resolution, identical pinout and serial interface; same 133ksps rate but higher SNR (70dB vs. 66dB SINAD) and lower THD (–75dB vs. –70dB). | Required when system demands higher dynamic range for low-amplitude sensor signals (e.g., piezoelectric vibration sensing) without changing PCB layout. | Select MAX1202BCAP+ if resolution upgrade is needed; firmware changes only involve adjusting data mask and scaling factor - no hardware modifications. |
| ADS7822U | 12-bit, 200ksps, SPI-only interface; no internal reference or track/hold; requires external 2.5V reference and external sample-hold circuitry. | Suitable for space-constrained designs where external components are acceptable and higher speed justifies added BOM complexity. | Choose ADS7822U only if board area permits external support components and system clock budget allows 200ksps throughput - not drop-in compatible due to missing REF/TH functions. |
Compared with MAX1202BCAP+, MAX1204BCAP+ trades 2-bit resolution for integrated reference and track/hold - reducing component count and layout risk in cost-sensitive portable instruments. Versus ADS7822U, it delivers complete signal-chain integration at lower speed, simplifying design validation for medical and industrial applications requiring proven reliability.
Availability
MAX1204BCAP+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered instrumentation, medical data acquisition, and industrial process control requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX1204BCAP+ 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 MAX1204 belongs to Maxim's precision data-acquisition ADC family, engineered for mixed-voltage systems where seamless integration between 5V analog sensors and 3V digital processors is essential - emphasizing low power, internal reference stability, and robust serial interfacing.
FAQ
What is the guaranteed performance grade of MAX1204BCAP+?
The 'B' grade in MAX1204BCAP+ denotes guaranteed no-missing-codes performance over the full 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range. This is confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under MAX1204B column, where DNL is specified as ±1.0 LSB with no missing codes explicitly called out - a key differentiator from the 'A' grade which does not guarantee this behavior.
Does MAX1204BCAP+ support true differential input mode?
No, MAX1204BCAP+ implements pseudo-differential input architecture. In differential mode, only the IN+ input (e.g., CH0) is actively sampled; the IN– input (e.g., CH1) serves as a stable reference that must remain within ±0.1 LSB of GND during conversion. A 0.1µF capacitor from IN– to GND is required to meet this condition - true fully differential sampling is not supported.
Can MAX1204BCAP+ operate with a 3.3V analog supply?
No, MAX1204BCAP+ requires a +5V ±5% analog supply (VDD) per Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. While VL can be set to 3.3V for digital outputs, VDD must be 4.75V–5.25V to ensure proper operation of the internal reference, track/hold, and SAR core - using 3.3V on VDD will result in undefined or nonfunctional behavior.
How is the internal reference calibrated in MAX1204BCAP+?
The MAX1204BCAP+ internal reference is factory-trimmed to 4.096V ±0.5% (TYP) and stabilized by an internal reference-buffer amplifier. Gain trim is performed via the REFADJ pin, which adjusts the buffer's output by ±1.5% using an external resistor divider - allowing system-level calibration without trimming internal laser-fused elements.
What is the minimum acquisition time required before conversion starts in MAX1204BCAP+?
The minimum acquisition time (tACQ) for MAX1204BCAP+ is 1.5µs, defined as the time needed for the internal track/hold capacitor to settle after the last control bit is clocked in. This value is fixed and independent of source impedance below 4kΩ; for higher impedances, tACQ increases per the formula tACQ = 7 × (RS + 9kΩ) × 16pF - undershoot risks missing codes or increased INL error.
MAX1204BCAP+ 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:
- 10
- 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, Internal
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- ±5V, 5V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- ±5V, 5V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX1204BCAP+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1204BCAP+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1204BCAP+ 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 MAX1204BCAP+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1204BCAP+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1204BCAP+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1204BCAP+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX1204BCAP+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1204BCAP+?
MAX1204BCAP+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1204BCAP+ 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 MAX1204BCAP+?
For technical support, including MAX1204BCAP+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1204BCAP+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1204BCAP+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1204BCAP+ 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 MAX1204BCAP+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1204BCAP+?
All MAX1204BCAP+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1204BCAP+, 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 MAX1204BCAP+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1204BCAP+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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