Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX120CAG

Overview

MAX120CAG from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 500ksps BiCMOS analog-to-digital converter with integrated track/hold and -5V internal reference, operating from ±5V analog input range and ±15V overvoltage-tolerant inputs, designed for high-speed data acquisition in digital-signal processing and telecom systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX120CAG datasheet, MAX120CAG pinout, MAX120CAG application, or MAX120CAG equivalent, this page delivers verified timing specs (1.6µs conversion), power details (210mW), interface modes (5 µP-compatible), bipolar two's-complement output format, and SSOP-24 package–critical for real-time signal chain design and FIFO-coupled embedded systems.

Technical Context

The MAX120CAG employs successive approximation architecture with an on-chip track/hold featuring 350ns acquisition time and 10ns aperture delay, enabling precise sampling of wideband signals up to 1.5MHz full-power bandwidth. Its buried-zener -5V reference provides ±25ppm/°C drift and supports external loading up to 5mA.

It supports five distinct µP interface modes-including full-control (mode 1), stand-alone (mode 2), and continuous-conversion (mode 5)-with TTL/CMOS-compatible digital I/O, three-state 12-bit parallel outputs, and configurable INT/BUSY signaling via the MODE pin. Clock synchronization logic ensures fixed 13-cycle conversion when CONVST aligns within 50ns of CLKIN's rising edge.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX120CAG is housed in a 24-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.635mm pitch, RoHS-compliant and lead-free. The package supports surface-mount assembly and offers thermal dissipation of 640mW at +70°C ambient (derated 8.00mW/°C above).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit, high-speed ADC applications.

Compared with MAX122CWG+, the MAX120CAG delivers 50% higher throughput at the expense of slightly higher THD; versus ADS7800KP, it trades ±10V input range for integrated reference and T/H-reducing design cycle time and validation effort in space-constrained systems.

Availability

MAX120CAG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for digital-signal processing, audio and telecom processing, and high-speed data acquisition requiring stable component supply, long-term industrial lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for MAX120CAG 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, communications, and computing applications.

The MAX120/MAX122 product line was engineered for high-speed, precision data acquisition in resource-constrained embedded systems-emphasizing integrated functionality (T/H, reference, µP interface) to reduce external component count and improve signal integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by MAX120CAG?

The MAX120CAG supports a maximum clock frequency of 8MHz in modes 1–4, enabling its full 500ksps throughput. In continuous-conversion mode (mode 5), the maximum clock is reduced to 6MHz to satisfy the 350ns minimum acquisition time within two clock cycles. Operation outside these ranges may cause timing violations or missing codes, as confirmed in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Clock Frequency".

Does MAX120CAG require external components for basic operation?

Yes, the MAX120CAG requires external decoupling capacitors: a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor and a ≥22µF electrolytic capacitor (ESR ≤100mΩ) between VREF and AGND, plus 0.1µF and 10µF bypass caps on VDD and VSS referenced to AGND. No external track/hold capacitor or reference is needed-the device integrates both functions, as stated in the General Description and Internal Reference sections.

How does the MODE pin affect MAX120CAG's interrupt behavior?

The MODE pin configures the INT/BUSY pin: when tied to VDD, it functions as an interrupt output (active-low pulse upon conversion completion); when open or tied to DGND, it acts as a busy flag (low during conversion, high when data is ready). This hardware-selectable behavior eliminates firmware configuration overhead and is validated in the Pin Description and Operating Modes sections.

Can MAX120CAG interface directly with a FIFO buffer without a microprocessor?

Yes, the MAX120CAG supports stand-alone (mode 2) and continuous-conversion (mode 5) operation, where CONVST or clock-driven timing initiates conversions and data appears directly on D11–D0. Figure 13 shows a working implementation with IDT7200 FIFOs at 428ksps, confirming direct FIFO coupling without µP intervention-enabling low-latency streaming in real-time signal processors.

What is the guaranteed integral nonlinearity (INL) specification for MAX120CAG?

The MAX120CAG has a guaranteed integral nonlinearity of ±1 LSB over the 0°C to +70°C temperature range, as documented in the Ordering Information table for the "C" grade (MAX120CAG+). This applies to all variants with "C" suffix and is measured under standard conditions (VDD = 5V, VSS = -15V), ensuring monotonicity and predictable transfer function behavior in closed-loop control applications.