Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1204BCAP+T

Overview

MAX1204BCAP+T 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. Its 133ksps sampling rate, 2µA power-down current, and VL pin for user-adjustable 2.7V–5.25V digital output levels make it suitable for battery-powered data acquisition in medical and industrial instrumentation.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1204BCAP+T datasheet, MAX1204BCAP+T pinout, MAX1204BCAP+T application, or MAX1204BCAP+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its dual-supply operation (+5V analog / 3V digital), ±1.0 LSB INL/DNL accuracy over temperature, 133ksps conversion rate with external clock, internal reference buffer with REFADJ trim, and SSOP-20 package compatibility with PDIP-20 pinout.

Technical Context

The MAX1204BCAP+T employs successive-approximation architecture with integrated track/hold circuitry, enabling accurate sampling of single-ended (8-channel) or pseudo-differential (4-channel) inputs. Its analog front-end accepts input ranges from VSS to VDD, with common-mode support from GND to –5V when VSS = –5V.

It operates in two clock modes: external SCLK-driven (up to 2MHz, 15 clocks/conversion) or internal clock mode (10µs max conversion time). The 4-wire serial interface features CS-controlled three-state DOUT/SSTRB outputs, programmable power-down (full/fast), and SHDN pin with three-level logic control for reference-buffer compensation mode selection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1204BCAP+T is housed in a 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65mm lead pitch, RoHS-compliant and lead-free. Pin spacing and footprint match industry-standard 20-pin SSOP layouts, enabling drop-in replacement for other SSOP-20 ADCs in space-constrained designs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit serial ADC applications.

Compared with MAX1204BCAP+T, MAX1202BCAP+ offers higher resolution in identical packaging but sacrifices speed and adds ±1 LSB INL error; ADS7822U delivers faster conversion but requires external reference design effort and lacks built-in 4.096V reference convenience.

Availability

MAX1204BCAP+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical instrumentation, battery-powered data loggers, and industrial process control systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1204BCAP+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 high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX1204BCAP+T belongs to Maxim's precision data-acquisition ADC family, engineered for low-power, mixed-voltage systems where integration of reference, track/hold, and 3V-compatible serial interface reduces design complexity and board space.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed accuracy specification for MAX1204BCAP+T over temperature?

The MAX1204BCAP+T guarantees ±1.0 LSB integral nonlinearity (INL) and ±1.0 LSB differential nonlinearity (DNL) across its full commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C). This is explicitly specified for the 'B' grade in the Electrical Characteristics table, ensuring monotonic operation and <0.1% full-scale error without calibration.

Does MAX1204BCAP+T support both single-ended and differential input configurations?

Yes, MAX1204BCAP+T supports both modes via the SGL/DIF control bit. In single-ended mode, all eight channels (CH0–CH7) are referenced to GND. In differential mode, it implements pseudo-differential sampling across four channel pairs (CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, CH4/CH5, CH6/CH7), where only the positive input is actively sampled while the negative input must remain stable within ±0.5 LSB.

How does the VL pin affect digital output behavior in MAX1204BCAP+T?

The VL pin on MAX1204BCAP+T directly sets the high-level voltage of DOUT and SSTRB outputs, supporting 2.7V to 5.25V logic swings. When VL = 3.3V, MAX1204BCAP+T drives clean 3.3V-compatible signals without level-shifting components-critical for interfacing with modern low-voltage microcontrollers while isolating digital noise from the analog supply domain.

Can MAX1204BCAP+T operate with only a +5V supply, or is a negative supply required?

MAX1204BCAP+T operates with either a single +5V supply (VSS = GND) or dual ±5V supplies (VSS = –5V). The choice depends on input signal range: unipolar 0V–4.096V operation works with single +5V; bipolar ±2.048V inputs require VSS = –5V to maintain proper common-mode headroom and avoid clipping at the negative rail.

What is the minimum acquisition time required before conversion starts in MAX1204BCAP+T?

The MAX1204BCAP+T specifies a minimum acquisition time (tACQ) of 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 guaranteed under conditions of source impedance ≤4kΩ; higher impedances increase tACQ linearly per the formula tACQ = 7 × (RS + 9kΩ) × 16pF.