Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1209ETL
- Part No.:
- MAX1209ETL
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 40-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1209ETL.pdf
- Description:
- 12-BIT, 80MSPS, IF-SAMPLING ADC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:239
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Product details
Overview
MAX1209ETL from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 80Msps, 3.3V analog-to-digital converter optimized for intermediate-frequency (IF) sampling. It features a fully differential track-and-hold input amplifier, 66.5dB SNR at 175MHz input frequency, 366mW power consumption in single-ended clock mode, and supports ±0.35V to ±1.15V adjustable full-scale analog input range. It is used in cellular base stations and microwave point-to-point receivers.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1209ETL datasheet, MAX1209ETL pinout, MAX1209ETL application, or MAX1209ETL equivalent, key selection considerations include its IF-sampling capability up to 175MHz, low-power 3.3V operation with 3µW power-down mode, flexible reference architecture (internal 2.048V bandgap or external), and CMOS-compatible parallel output with data-valid indicator.
Technical Context
The MAX1209ETL employs a 10-stage fully differential pipelined ADC architecture with 8.5-clock-cycle latency, enabling high-speed conversion while minimizing power. Its internal duty-cycle equalizer (DCE) compensates for wide clock duty-cycle variations, and the track-and-hold stage supports analog inputs up to 700MHz full-power bandwidth.
It integrates a buffered internal 2.048V bandgap reference with ±50ppm/°C temperature coefficient and provides dedicated REFP/REFN/COM terminals for precise differential reference control. The analog input accepts both single-ended and differential signals, with common-mode voltage set to VDD/2 (1.65V) and supported by the COM output pin.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 4096 discrete digital codes for precision IF signal digitization |
| Sampling Rate | 80Msps - supports real-time capture of wideband IF signals up to 40MHz Nyquist bandwidth |
| SNR @ 175MHz | 66.5dB typical - enables >10 effective bits of dynamic resolution for demanding RF receiver applications |
| Power Dissipation | 366mW (single-ended clock) - balances performance and thermal management in compact RF front-ends |
| Input Voltage Range | ±0.35V to ±1.15V - configurable full-scale range simplifies interface with various RF amplifier output levels |
| Reference Mode | Internal 2.048V bandgap or external - eliminates need for external reference IC in many designs |
| Package | 40-pin thin QFN (6mm × 6mm × 0.8mm) with exposed paddle - ensures low-inductance grounding for high-frequency stability |
Pinout & Package
The MAX1209ETL is housed in a 40-pin thin QFN package (6mm × 6mm × 0.8mm) with exposed paddle (EP), specified for -40°C to +85°C operation. The exposed paddle must be connected to ground via multiple vias for optimal thermal and electrical performance.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| INP / INN | Differential analog input pair | Accepts wideband IF signals up to 175MHz; requires matched impedance and common-mode bias at VDD/2 |
| REFP / REFN | Differential reference voltage outputs | Set full-scale range as ±(REFP − REFN); require 1µF + 10µF bypassing between pins |
| COM | Common-mode reference output | Provides stable VDD/2 (1.65V) for input network biasing; bypassed with 2.2µF capacitor |
| CLKP / CLKN | Differential clock inputs | Support 80MHz clock with internal duty-cycle equalization; CLKTYP selects single/diff mode |
| D11–D0 | Parallel CMOS digital outputs | 12-bit data bus with pin-selectable two's complement or Gray code format |
| DAV | Data-valid timing indicator | Phase-compensated clock output for reliable latching of D11–D0 into downstream logic |
| DOR | Data out-of-range flag | Asserts high when analog input exceeds ±FS range - enables real-time clipping detection |
| PD | Power-down control | High-level assertion reduces supply current to 0.001mA and dissipation to 3µW |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Direct IF sampling up to 175MHz | Maintains 66.5dB SNR and 85.5dBc SFDR at 175MHz input - eliminates need for analog downconversion stages |
| Adjustable full-scale input range | ±0.35V to ±1.15V via reference configuration - accommodates varying gain stages without external scaling |
| Integrated duty-cycle equalizer (DCE) | Compensates for clock duty-cycle distortion - enables robust timing with non-50% clocks from PLLs or dividers |
| Data-valid (DAV) and out-of-range (DOR) indicators | Eliminates external timing logic and clipping monitoring circuitry - reduces BOM count and layout complexity |
| Separate OVDD supply (1.7V–3.6V) | Allows direct interfacing with 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V FPGA/ASIC logic - avoids level-shifter components |
Applications
| Cellular Base Station Receivers | Point-to-Point Microwave Radios |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Digitizing 70–175MHz IF signals from RF front-end mixers in LTE/5G macrocell and small-cell base stations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-speed IF-sampling ADC providing 80Msps digitization with 66.5dB SNR at 175MHz for channelization and demodulation. Use Value: Enables direct IF sampling architecture, reducing analog filtering and local oscillator complexity while maintaining EVM compliance. | Use Scenario: Capturing 68–72MHz or 172–178MHz two-tone IF signals in licensed microwave backhaul links. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: ADC delivering 85.1dBc SFDR at 70MHz and 74.2dBc two-tone SFDR at 175MHz for adjacent-channel interference rejection. Use Value: Supports high-order modulation (e.g., 1024-QAM) by preserving signal integrity across wide instantaneous bandwidths. |
| Ultrasound Beamforming Systems | Portable Spectrum Analyzers |
Use Scenario: Sampling echo return signals from phased-array transducers operating in 1–15MHz bandwidths with variable gain amplifiers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-latency ADC with 8.5-cycle pipeline delay and aperture jitter <0.2ps RMS for coherent beam synthesis. Use Value: Improves axial resolution and contrast-to-noise ratio through high-fidelity digitization of weak, time-aligned echoes. | Use Scenario: Real-time spectral analysis of RF signals up to 40MHz span in handheld test equipment with battery-powered operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Power-optimized ADC consuming only 366mW at 80Msps and entering 3µW power-down during idle sweeps. Use Value: Extends battery life while maintaining >10 ENOB for accurate amplitude and distortion measurements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar IF-sampling ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX1211 | 65Msps sampling rate, same 12-bit resolution and QFN-40 package; 67.8dB SNR at 70MHz vs. 66.5dB at 175MHz | Optimized for lower IF frequencies (<100MHz); lacks 175MHz performance validation | Select MAX1211 when system clock constraints limit to ≤65Msps and SNR requirements relax above 100MHz |
| ADS5272 | 12-bit, 65Msps, 3.3V supply; 69.5dB SNR at 70MHz but only 63.2dB at 175MHz; uses 64-pin QFP package | Higher SNR at baseband but degrades faster with IF frequency; larger footprint and no integrated DCE | Choose ADS5272 only if legacy board space allows 64-pin QFP and IF frequency remains below 100MHz |
Compared with MAX1211 and ADS5272, the MAX1209ETL uniquely delivers validated 66.5dB SNR and 85.5dBc SFDR at 175MHz within a compact 40-pin QFN, with integrated DCE and power-down - making it the only option supporting full 80Msps IF sampling in space-constrained RF receivers.
Availability
MAX1209ETL is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for cellular infrastructure, microwave radio, ultrasound imaging, and portable instrumentation requiring stable component supply and guaranteed extended industrial temperature operation.
Supply support for MAX1209ETL 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 high-performance analog and mixed-signal ICs for communications, computing, and industrial applications.
The MAX1209ETL belongs to Maxim's high-speed IF-sampling ADC product line, engineered specifically for direct digitization of RF intermediate frequencies in wireless infrastructure and medical imaging systems.
FAQ
What is the maximum analog input frequency supported by the MAX1209ETL while maintaining specified SNR?
The MAX1209ETL maintains a typical SNR of 66.5dB at an analog input frequency of 175MHz, with full-power bandwidth rated at 700MHz. Performance data confirms usable dynamic range up to 175MHz under standard test conditions (−0.5dBFS input, fCLK = 80MHz), and the device is characterized for direct IF sampling applications beyond this frequency. The MAX1209ETL datasheet specifies SNR degradation is minimal up to 175MHz, making it suitable for GSM, WCDMA, and LTE IF bands.
Does the MAX1209ETL support both single-ended and differential clock inputs?
Yes, the MAX1209ETL supports both configurations via the CLKTYP pin: connect CLKTYP to GND for single-ended clock drive on CLKP (with CLKN grounded), or to OVDD/VDD for differential clock drive across CLKP and CLKN. An internal duty-cycle equalizer (DCE) automatically corrects for clock duty-cycle distortion in either mode, ensuring consistent sampling aperture timing. This flexibility allows seamless integration with diverse clock sources including crystal oscillators, PLLs, and clock generators.
How does the reference architecture of the MAX1209ETL simplify system design?
The MAX1209ETL offers three reference modes: internal 2.048V bandgap (via REFOUT→REFIN), buffered external (REFIN driven externally), or unbuffered external (REFIN = GND). It generates REFP, REFN, and COM outputs to establish precise differential reference and common-mode bias - eliminating external op-amps or resistive dividers. The COM pin provides VDD/2 (1.65V) to bias differential input networks, directly supporting transformer- or amplifier-coupled IF interfaces without additional components.
What is the purpose and timing behavior of the DAV (Data-Valid) output on the MAX1209ETL?
The DAV output on the MAX1209ETL is a phase-compensated replica of the input clock, synchronized to the valid window of D11–D0 data. With 6.4ns delay (CL = 5pF) and aligned to account for internal pipeline latency (8.5 cycles), DAV eliminates setup/hold timing uncertainty for external latches or FPGAs. Unlike raw clock signals, DAV inherently compensates for duty-cycle distortion introduced by the DCE, ensuring reliable data capture without external delay-matching circuits - a critical feature for deterministic digital interface design.
Can the MAX1209ETL operate with different digital I/O voltage levels?
Yes, the MAX1209ETL features a separate OVDD supply pin (1.7V to 3.6V) powering the D11–D0, DAV, and DOR outputs. This allows direct interfacing with 1.8V, 2.5V, or 3.3V logic families without level shifters. Output voltage levels scale with OVDD: VOH = OVDD − 0.2V and VOL = 0.2V, with 600µA drive strength on DAV and 200µA on data lines. This dual-supply architecture decouples analog and digital power domains, improving noise immunity and simplifying mixed-voltage system integration.
MAX1209ETL Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 40-WFQFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 80M
- Number of Inputs:
- 1
- Input Type:
- Differential, Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- Parallel
- Configuration:
- S/H-ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- 1:1
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 1
- Architecture:
- Pipelined
- Reference Type:
- External, Internal
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 3V ~ 3.6V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 40-TQFN-EP (6x6)
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX1209ETL FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1209ETL through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1209ETL 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 MAX1209ETL reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1209ETL are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1209ETL is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1209ETL?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX1209ETL transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1209ETL?
MAX1209ETL orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1209ETL 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 MAX1209ETL?
For technical support, including MAX1209ETL datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1209ETL requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1209ETL is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1209ETL 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 MAX1209ETL meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1209ETL?
All MAX1209ETL units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1209ETL, 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 MAX1209ETL part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1209ETL:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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