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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX121EPE+
- Part No.:
- MAX121EPE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX121EPE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 14BIT SAR 16DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,931
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Product details
Overview
The MAX121EPE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 14-bit, 308ksps successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated track/hold, buried-zener reference, and DSP-oriented serial interface. It delivers ±5V bipolar input range, 78dB SINAD, 2.9µs conversion time, and operates from +5V/-12V or -15V supplies. It targets high-fidelity digital signal acquisition in real-time audio and telecom processing systems.
For engineers reviewing the MAX121EPE+ datasheet, MAX121EPE+ pinout, MAX121EPE+ application, or MAX121EPE+ equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, package-specific pin functions, design-meaningful specifications, and two confirmed alternative ADCs for similar high-speed, bipolar-input DSP interface applications.
Technical Context
The MAX121EPE+ implements a BiCMOS SAR architecture with on-chip track/hold and a low-drift -5V buried-zener reference, enabling stable 14-bit accuracy across -40°C to +85°C. Its timing-critical control logic supports three synchronous modes-CONVST-triggered, CS-triggered, and continuous-conversion-each requiring precise CLKIN synchronization (1.1–5.5MHz, TTL/CMOS-compatible).
Digital interface behavior is defined by dual framing outputs (SFRM, FSTRT), polarity-selectable clock inversion (INVCLK), frame polarity control (INVFRM), and mode selection (MODE), allowing direct connection to TMS320, ADSP2101, µPD77230, and Motorola SPI/QSPI hosts without glue logic. Output data is two's-complement, MSB-first, 16-bit serial (14 data bits + 2 trailing zeros).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 14-bit - guarantees monotonicity and no missing codes over full temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) |
| Throughput Rate | 308ksps - enables real-time sampling of signals up to 154kHz Nyquist bandwidth |
| Analog Input Range | ±5V bipolar - supports AC-coupled sensor and audio signals without external level-shifting |
| SINAD | 77dB typical (MAX121E) - ensures ≥12.5 effective number of bits (ENOB) for high-fidelity digitization |
| Conversion Time | 2.9µs (16 × tCLK) - fixed latency critical for deterministic DSP loop timing |
| Reference Voltage | -5.00V buried-zener - provides 30ppm/°C drift and eliminates need for external reference circuitry |
| Power Dissipation | 210mW at +5V/-12V - enables dense mixed-signal PCB layouts without forced air cooling |
Pinout & Package
The MAX121EPE+ is supplied in a 16-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package with 0.3-inch body width, lead finish matte tin, and RoHS-compliant construction. Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; pins are numbered counter-clockwise from top-left when viewed from top.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VSS (Pin 1) | Negative power supply | Accepts -12V or -15V; requires 10µF + 0.1µF bypass to AGND for noise suppression |
| VDD (Pin 2) | Positive power supply | +5V supply; must be bypassed to AGND with same capacitor network as VSS |
| AIN (Pin 3) | Analog input | ±5V bipolar input with 6kΩ || 10pF impedance; tolerant to ±15V overvoltage |
| VREF (Pin 4) | Internal reference output | -5.00V zener reference; requires 22µF || 0.1µF bypass to AGND for stability |
| AGND (Pin 5) | Analog ground | Separate ground return for analog circuitry; must be isolated from DGND at single point |
| INVCLK (Pin 6) | Serial clock polarity control | Tie to DGND to invert SCLK phase relative to CLKIN for timing alignment with host |
| INVFRM (Pin 7) | Frame signal polarity control | Tie to DGND to make SFRM active-low during conversion; enables compatibility with inverted frame sync inputs |
| DGND (Pin 8) | Digital ground | Return path for all digital I/O; connected to system digital ground plane |
| SFRM (Pin 9) | Serial frame output | Indicates start/end of 16-bit frame; polarity set by INVFRM; used for DSP frame synchronization |
| FSTRT (Pin 10) | Frame start pulse | Single-cycle high pulse signaling MSB availability; triggers latching in synchronous DSP interfaces |
| SDATA (Pin 11) | Serial data output | Two's-complement MSB-first 14-bit data + 2 trailing zeros; driven only when CS = low |
| SCLK (Pin 12) | Serial clock output | Derived from CLKIN; drives host processor's serial clock input; phase controlled by INVCLK |
| CONVST (Pin 13) | Convert start input | Active-low edge-triggered control for Mode 1; initiates track/hold hold mode and SAR conversion |
| CLKIN (Pin 14) | Master clock input | TTL/CMOS-compatible 1.1–5.5MHz clock; defines conversion rate and timing resolution |
| CS (Pin 15) | Chip select input | Active-low enable for serial outputs and Mode 2 conversion trigger; places outputs in high-Z when high |
| MODE (Pin 16) | Operating mode select | Hardwire to VDD for single/conversion modes; to DGND for continuous-conversion mode |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| On-chip track/hold | Eliminates need for external sample-hold amplifier and hold capacitor; 400ns acquisition time enables 5.5MHz clock operation |
| Buried-zener reference | -5.00V output with ±30ppm/°C drift and 5mA sink capability; removes external reference IC and trimming components |
| DSP interface signals | SFRM and FSTRT provide hardware-level frame synchronization compatible with ADSP2101, TMS320, and µPD77230 without FPGA or logic gates |
| Three configurable modes | Mode 1 (CONVST), Mode 2 (CS), and Mode 3 (continuous) allow flexible integration into interrupt-driven, bus-multiplexed, or streaming DMA architectures |
| Overvoltage-tolerant input | AIN withstands ±15V transients while operating within ±5V full-scale range-reduces need for external protection diodes |
Applications
| Audio Signal Digitization | Telecom Channel Monitoring |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: High-fidelity capture of microphone, line-level, or balanced audio signals in professional audio interfaces and VoIP gateways. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC front-end converting analog audio to 14-bit serial stream synchronized to DSP frame clocks via SFRM/FSTRT. Use Value: 77dB SINAD and ±5V input range preserve dynamic range and headroom without external gain stages or level shifting. | Use Scenario: Real-time monitoring of analog voice channels in PBX systems, DSLAM line cards, and base station maintenance ports. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-latency analog channel digitizer interfaced directly to TI TMS320C54x or Analog Devices SHARC processors using SPI/QSPI protocols. Use Value: 308ksps throughput and 2.9µs conversion time support simultaneous multi-channel sampling with deterministic timing for echo cancellation algorithms. |
| DSP-Based Servo Control | Spectrum Analysis Front-End |
Use Scenario: Position and current feedback acquisition in industrial motor drives and robotic joint controllers using closed-loop DSP servo loops. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar-input ADC providing synchronized current/voltage measurements to ADSP2101 or SHARC DSP for real-time PID computation. Use Value: ±5V input range matches op-amp output swing from current-sense amplifiers; continuous-conversion mode feeds FIFO buffers for jitter-free data streaming. | Use Scenario: Wideband RF signal conditioning in spectrum analyzers, EMI test receivers, and software-defined radio (SDR) front-ends. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-SFDR (86dB) ADC digitizing IF or baseband signals prior to FFT processing in FPGA/DSP pipelines. Use Value: -85dB THD and 1.5MHz full-power bandwidth support accurate harmonic and intermodulation distortion measurement up to 750kHz. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed, bipolar-input ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADS8322IPF | 16-bit, 250ksps, SPI-only interface, no SFRM/FSTRT framing outputs, requires external reference | Lacks hardware DSP frame sync; better suited for microcontroller-based systems than DSP-centric designs | Select when higher resolution (16-bit) is prioritized over DSP interface compatibility and frame-level timing control |
| AD7865BS | 14-bit, quad-channel, parallel output, 100ksps per channel, ±10V input range, no serial DSP interface | Parallel interface increases PCB routing complexity; wider input range trades off against lower throughput and missing serial framing | Select when multi-channel simultaneous sampling and parallel host interface are required, not serial DSP synchronization |
Compared with the MAX121EPE+, the ADS8322IPF offers higher resolution but lacks dedicated DSP framing signals and internal reference, increasing BOM count and timing integration effort; the AD7865BS provides four channels in one package but sacrifices serial interface efficiency and deterministic frame alignment essential for real-time DSP firmware.
Availability
The MAX121EPE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for audio signal digitization, telecom channel monitoring, DSP-based servo control, and spectrum analysis front-end applications requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges.
Supply support for MAX121EPE+ 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 high-frequency ICs for demanding industrial, communications, and computing applications.
The MAX121EPE+ belongs to Maxim's high-speed precision ADC product line, engineered specifically for seamless integration with digital signal processors in real-time acquisition systems where timing determinism, bipolar input handling, and minimal external components are critical.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX121EPE+?
The MAX121EPE+ is rated for operation from -40°C to +85°C, as indicated by the "E" suffix in its part number. This extended industrial temperature range ensures reliable performance in harsh environments such as telecom infrastructure, industrial motor drives, and outdoor instrumentation where ambient temperatures exceed commercial-grade limits. The device maintains specified accuracy-including 77dB SINAD and ±2 LSB INL-across this full range without derating.
Does the MAX121EPE+ require an external reference voltage?
No, the MAX121EPE+ does not require an external reference voltage. It integrates a precision -5.00V buried-zener reference with ±30ppm/°C drift, available at the VREF pin. This internal reference is factory-trimmed and powers the on-chip DAC, eliminating the need for external reference ICs, trimming resistors, or calibration routines. External bypassing with 22µF || 0.1µF capacitors to AGND is mandatory for stability and noise reduction.
Can the MAX121EPE+ interface directly with the ADSP2101 DSP?
Yes, the MAX121EPE+ interfaces directly with the ADSP2101 DSP without external logic. Its SFRM output connects to the ADSP2101's RFS input to signal frame start, SCLK drives the DSP's serial clock input, and SDATA feeds the serial data input. With INVFRM tied to DGND and proper clock synchronization, the MAX121EPE+ achieves full 5.5MHz operation and deterministic 16-bit frame alignment-enabling zero-wait-state data acquisition in real-time DSP firmware.
What are the power supply requirements for the MAX121EPE+?
The MAX121EPE+ requires two independent supplies: +5V on VDD (pin 2) and -12V or -15V on VSS (pin 1). Both supplies must be bypassed to AGND with a 10µF electrolytic capacitor in parallel with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor. Power dissipation is 210mW under typical conditions. Supply rejection is specified at ±1/2 LSB for VDD variation and ±1 LSB for VSS variation, confirming robust operation despite rail noise.
How does the MODE pin affect MAX121EPE+ operation?
The MODE pin (pin 16) selects between discrete and continuous conversion modes: hardwired to VDD enables Mode 1 (CONVST-triggered) or Mode 2 (CS-triggered); hardwired to DGND enables Mode 3 (continuous-conversion). In Mode 3, the MAX121EPE+ performs back-to-back conversions at 16×CLKIN rate, ideal for streaming to FIFO or DMA-making it uniquely suited for data logging and real-time spectrum analysis where sample timing jitter must be minimized.
MAX121EPE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 14
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 308k
- Number of Inputs:
- 1
- Input Type:
- Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- SPI
- 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, -10.8V ~ 15.75V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX121EPE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX121EPE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX121EPE+ 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 MAX121EPE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX121EPE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX121EPE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX121EPE+?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX121EPE+ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX121EPE+?
MAX121EPE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX121EPE+ 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 MAX121EPE+?
For technical support, including MAX121EPE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX121EPE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX121EPE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX121EPE+ 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 MAX121EPE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX121EPE+?
All MAX121EPE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX121EPE+, 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 MAX121EPE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX121EPE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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