Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX120EAG
- Part No.:
- MAX120EAG
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX120EAG.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 24SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:643
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Product details
Overview
MAX120EAG 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 requiring only decoupling capacitors. It delivers 1.6µs conversion time, 70dB SINAD, and ±1 LSB INL over -40°C to +85°C, used in high-speed data acquisition systems interfacing directly to microprocessors or FIFO buffers.
For engineers reviewing the MAX120EAG datasheet, MAX120EAG pinout, MAX120EAG application, or MAX120EAG equivalent, key selection considerations include bipolar ±5V input tolerance, TTL/CMOS-compatible parallel interface timing, continuous-conversion mode support, and -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade.
Technical Context
The MAX120EAG employs successive approximation architecture with an on-chip track/hold circuit featuring 350ns acquisition time and 10ns aperture delay. Its buried-zener -5V reference provides ±25ppm/°C drift and supports external loading up to 5mA.
It operates in five configurable modes (full-control, stand-alone, slow-memory, ROM, continuous-conversion) controlled via MODE, CONVST, RD, and CS pins. The 12-bit two's-complement output is delivered with 75ns data-access time and bus-relinquish timing compatible with common µPs without wait states.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit, no missing codes over full temperature range |
| Conversion Time | 1.6µs (13 clock cycles at 8MHz), enabling 500ksps throughput |
| Analog Input Range | ±5V bipolar, overvoltage tolerant to ±15V - simplifies front-end protection design |
| Reference Output | -5.00V buried-zener, ±25ppm/°C drift, requires 22µF || 0.1µF bypass |
| SINAD | 70dB min at 100kHz input - ensures usable dynamic range for audio and telecom signals |
| Power Dissipation | 210mW typical at VDD = +5V, VSS = -12V - enables compact thermal design |
| Supply Voltages | VDD = +4.75V to +5.25V; VSS = -10.8V to -15.75V - supports standard dual-rail supplies |
Pinout & Package
MAX120EAG is housed in a 24-pin SSOP package (0.154" wide), RoHS-compliant and lead-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (MODE) | Mode configuration input | Hardwired to VDD for INT output, DGND for BUSY output, or open for single-conversion operation |
| 2 (VSS) | Negative power supply | Accepts -10.8V to -15.75V; critical for reference stability and analog performance |
| 3 (VDD) | Positive power supply | +4.75V to +5.25V; powers digital core and reference buffer |
| 4 (AIN) | Analog input | ±5V bipolar input with 6kΩ || 10pF impedance; tolerant to ±15V fault conditions |
| 5 (VREF) | Reference output | -5.00V zener reference; must be bypassed with 22µF || 0.1µF to AGND |
| 6 (AGND) | Analog ground | Separate ground return for analog section; tied to DGND at single point near supply |
| 7–11, 13–19 (D11–D0) | Data outputs | Three-state, TTL/CMOS-compatible 12-bit bus; D11 = MSB, D0 = LSB, two's-complement format |
| 12 (DGND) | Digital ground | Dedicated ground for digital I/O; isolated from AGND except at system star point |
| 20 (CONVST) | Convert start trigger | Falling-edge initiated; starts T/H hold and SAR conversion sequence |
| 21 (CLKIN) | Master clock input | TTL-compatible, 0.1MHz to 8MHz - determines max sampling rate and conversion latency |
| 22 (INT/BUSY) | Status indicator | Configurable as interrupt (MODE=VDD) or busy flag (MODE=DGND/open) for µP synchronization |
| 23 (CS) | Chip select | Active-low; enables outputs when RD is low, initiates conversion when CONVST and RD are also low |
| 24 (RD) | Read strobe | Active-low; latches data onto D11–D0 when CS is low; initiates conversion if CONVST and CS are low |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Integrated track/hold | Eliminates need for external hold capacitor; 350ns acquisition time enables high-throughput sampling |
| Bipolar ±5V input | Direct interface to industrial sensor outputs and op-amp stages without level-shifting circuitry |
| Five operational modes | Supports µP-based, FIFO-buffered, and stand-alone architectures without external logic |
| On-chip -5V reference | Reduces BOM count and layout complexity; ±25ppm/°C drift meets precision measurement requirements |
| TTL/CMOS-compatible interface | Direct connection to 8051, ARM, or FPGA buses without level translators or glue logic |
Applications
| High-Speed Data Acquisition | Digital Signal Processing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Real-time capture of transient waveforms from oscilloscopes, motor current sensors, or vibration monitors at up to 500ksps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC converting conditioned analog signals into 12-bit two's-complement digital streams synchronized to µP or DMA controller. Use Value: 1.6µs conversion time and 70dB SINAD preserve signal fidelity for FFT-based analysis of spectral content. | Use Scenario: Front-end digitization in radar receivers, software-defined radios, and adaptive filtering systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-fidelity sampling engine feeding FPGA-based DSP pipelines with deterministic latency and minimal jitter. Use Value: Aperture jitter of 30ps and ±1 LSB INL ensure accurate phase representation for coherent signal processing. |
| Audio and Telecom Processing | Spectrum Analysis |
Use Scenario: Digitizing line-level audio, telephony channel signals, or voice-band modems in embedded communication gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar ADC handling ±5V AC-coupled inputs with DC offset rejection; interfaces directly to FIFO or µP memory map. Use Value: -77dB THD (MAX122 variant) and 70dB SINAD meet ITU-T G.712 voiceband accuracy requirements. | Use Scenario: Capturing RF IF signals for real-time spectral monitoring in test equipment and EMI diagnostics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Wideband sampling node providing time-domain data to FFT engines; operates in continuous-conversion mode (MODE=DGND). Use Value: Full-power input bandwidth of 1.5MHz and spurious-free dynamic range of 77dB enable clean spectrum visualization. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit, high-speed ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX122EAG | 2.6µs conversion time, 333ksps throughput, 5MHz max clock - lower speed but improved THD (-77dB vs -77dB for MAX120) | Better harmonic distortion performance at lower sampling rates; suited for telecom voiceband where SNR > THD trade-off matters | Select MAX122EAG when 333ksps suffices and lower THD is prioritized over maximum throughput. |
| ADS7800KP | 12-bit, 1.6µs conversion, ±5V input, but requires external reference and separate track/hold; 5V-only supply (no VSS) | Single-supply operation simplifies power design but increases component count and layout sensitivity | Choose ADS7800KP only if system lacks negative rail and board space allows external reference + T/H components. |
Compared with MAX122EAG, the MAX120EAG delivers higher throughput at the cost of marginally higher THD; versus ADS7800KP, it integrates reference and T/H but demands dual supplies - making MAX120EAG optimal for industrial data loggers needing self-contained, ±5V-input precision at 500ksps.
Availability
MAX120EAG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition, digital signal processing, and spectrum analysis requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX120EAG 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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The MAX120/MAX122 product line delivers fully integrated, high-speed 12-bit ADCs targeting applications demanding self-contained signal conditioning, low-latency µP interfacing, and robust operation in harsh environments.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX120EAG?
The MAX120EAG is rated for -40°C to +85°C ambient operation, matching the "E" grade designation in its ordering code. This industrial temperature range ensures reliable performance in factory automation, outdoor instrumentation, and motor control systems where thermal extremes are common. All electrical specifications - including INL, SINAD, and conversion time - are guaranteed across this full range.
Does the MAX120EAG require external components for basic operation?
Yes, the MAX120EAG requires external decoupling capacitors on VDD, VSS, and VREF pins: 0.1µF ceramic + 10µF bulk for VDD/VSS, and 0.1µF ceramic + 22µF electrolytic (ESR ≤ 100mΩ) for VREF. No external track/hold capacitor or reference is needed - these are fully integrated. Clock generation and µP interface logic are also self-contained.
How does the MODE pin configure the INT/BUSY output on the MAX120EAG?
On the MAX120EAG, the MODE pin selects INT/BUSY behavior: tying MODE to VDD configures it as an interrupt output (active-low pulse upon conversion completion); leaving MODE open or connecting it to DGND configures it as a busy flag (low during conversion, high when data is ready). This flexibility enables direct integration with both interrupt-driven and polling-based µP firmware.
Can the MAX120EAG interface directly to a FIFO buffer without a microprocessor?
Yes, the MAX120EAG supports stand-alone and continuous-conversion modes (e.g., MODE=DGND, CONVST=RD=CS=DGND) where it autonomously clocks conversions and drives data onto D11–D0 continuously. In continuous mode, INT/BUSY rising edges indicate valid data, enabling direct FIFO write synchronization - eliminating µP interrupt overhead in data logging or streaming applications.
What is the significance of the ±1 LSB INL specification for the MAX120EAG?
The ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity (INL) specification for the MAX120EAG means the device exhibits no more than ±1 least-significant-bit deviation from the ideal transfer curve across its full ±5V input range and -40°C to +85°C temperature range. This ensures monotonicity and predictable error bounds for calibration-sensitive applications like precision instrumentation and closed-loop control feedback paths.
MAX120EAG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 500k
- Number of Inputs:
- 1
- Input Type:
- Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- Parallel
- Configuration:
- 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, -10.8V ~ 15.75V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 5V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-SSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX120EAG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX120EAG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX120EAG 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 MAX120EAG reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX120EAG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX120EAG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX120EAG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX120EAG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX120EAG?
MAX120EAG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX120EAG 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 MAX120EAG?
For technical support, including MAX120EAG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX120EAG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX120EAG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX120EAG 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 MAX120EAG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX120EAG?
All MAX120EAG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX120EAG, 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 MAX120EAG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX120EAG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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