Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1204BEAP+T

Overview

MAX1204BEAP+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 internal track/hold, 4.096V reference with buffer, SPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible 4-wire serial interface, and supports unipolar/bipolar input modes. Its 133ksps sampling rate, 1.5mA operating current, and software-configurable power-down modes make it suitable for battery-powered data acquisition in medical instruments and process control.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1204BEAP+T datasheet, MAX1204BEAP+T pinout, MAX1204BEAP+T application, or MAX1204BEAP+T equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, package-validated pin functions, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The MAX1204BEAP+T uses successive-approximation architecture with integrated track/hold and internal 4.096V reference buffered via REFADJ. It accepts 8 single-ended or 4 pseudo-differential inputs, with input range configurable from 0V to VREF (unipolar) or ±VREF/2 (bipolar), where VREF is either internal or external.

Its 4-wire serial interface operates at up to 2MHz, supporting both internal clock mode (10µs max conversion time, SSTRB-controlled timing) and external clock mode (15-clock cycle, 133ksps). Digital output logic levels are user-adjustable via VL pin (2.7V–5.25V), enabling direct interfacing with 3V, 3.3V, or 5V microcontrollers without level shifters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1204BEAP+T is housed in a 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65mm lead pitch, RoHS-compliant and lead-free. The package supports surface-mount reflow and offers thermal performance rated at 8.00mW/°C derating above +70°C.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX1204BEAP+T, MAX1202BEAP+T offers higher resolution at the cost of increased current and firmware adaptation, while ADS7822U trades internal reference and flexible shutdown for higher speed and simpler supply requirements-neither is pin-compatible, but both serve overlapping data acquisition roles with distinct trade-offs.

Availability

MAX1204BEAP+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical instrumentation, industrial process control, and battery-powered data loggers requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX1204BEAP+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 MAX1204BEAP+T belongs to Maxim's precision data-acquisition ADC family, engineered for mixed-voltage systems where 3V digital logic must interface reliably with 5V analog signal chains without external level-shifting or reference components.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the MAX1204BEAP+T and under what conditions is it achieved?

The MAX1204BEAP+T achieves a maximum sampling rate of 133ksps when operated in external clock mode with a 2MHz SCLK and 15 clock cycles per conversion. This rate assumes VDD = +5V ±5%, VL = 2.7V to 3.6V, VSS = 0V or –5V ±5%, and proper 4.7µF bypassing at REF. At lower clock frequencies or in internal clock mode, the rate decreases to ~100ksps due to fixed internal timing overhead.

How does the VL pin affect digital output behavior in the MAX1204BEAP+T?

The VL pin directly sets the high-level output voltage of DOUT and SSTRB in the MAX1204BEAP+T, supporting 2.7V to 5.25V logic swings. When VL = 3.3V, outputs swing between 0V and 3.3V, enabling safe interfacing with 3.3V CMOS microcontrollers without risk of overvoltage damage. This decouples digital I/O from VDD, eliminating level-shifters in mixed-supply designs.

Can the MAX1204BEAP+T operate with a single +5V supply, and what are the implications for bipolar input mode?

Yes, the MAX1204BEAP+T can operate with a single +5V supply (VDD = +5V, VSS = GND), but bipolar input mode requires VSS = –5V to achieve ±2.048V full-scale range. With VSS = GND, only unipolar mode (0V to +4.096V) is functional. Attempting bipolar conversion with VSS = GND results in clipped negative excursions and invalid output codes.

What is the purpose of the three-level SHDN pin in the MAX1204BEAP+T, and how is each state configured?

The SHDN pin in the MAX1204BEAP+T provides three operational states: pulled low → full shutdown (≤10µA supply current); left floating → external REF compensation mode (requires 4.7µF cap at REFADJ); tied to VDD → internal REF compensation mode (0µF at REFADJ). Each state configures the reference buffer's stability network without requiring additional control lines.

Is the MAX1204BEAP+T pin-compatible with any higher-resolution alternatives, and what changes are required for migration?

Yes, the MAX1204BEAP+T is pin-compatible with the 12-bit MAX1202BEAP+T, sharing identical 20-pin SSOP footprint, pin functions, and serial interface protocol. Migration requires only firmware updates to handle 12-bit output format and recalibration of gain/offset coefficients; no PCB or schematic changes are needed.