Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1242ACPA
- Part No.:
- MAX1242ACPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1242ACPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 10BIT SAR 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,808
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Product details
Overview
MAX1242ACPA from Maxim Integrated is a low-power, 10-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with internal 2.5V reference, 7.5µs conversion time, and SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 3-wire serial interface. It operates from a single +2.7V to +5.25V supply, consumes only 3.7mW at 73ksps, and features an integrated track/hold circuit-ideal for portable data logging and isolated sensor interfaces where space and power are constrained.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1242ACPA datasheet, MAX1242ACPA pinout, MAX1242ACPA application, or MAX1242ACPA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package-specific pin functions, real-world use scenarios, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.
Technical Context
The MAX1242ACPA implements a capacitive SAR architecture with on-chip track/hold, enabling full-scale 0V–VREF sampling in 7.5µs total conversion time-including 1.5µs acquisition. Its internal 2.5V reference is trimmed to ±0.5 LSB INL and exhibits ±30ppm/°C temperature coefficient, bypassed by a 4.7µF capacitor at the REF pin.
Control logic synchronizes conversion initiation on CS falling edge, signals end-of-conversion via DOUT high transition, and outputs unipolar 10-bit MSB-first data plus EOC and sub-bits over a 3-wire interface clocked up to 2.1MHz. Shutdown mode reduces supply current to ≤2µA when SHDN is pulled low.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 10-bit SAR ADC-supports 1024 discrete output codes for precision measurement of analog signals within 0V to VREF. |
| Conversion Rate | 73ksps maximum throughput-enables real-time sampling of signals up to ~36.5kHz Nyquist bandwidth. |
| Reference | Internal 2.5V ±0.5 LSB INL-eliminates need for external reference component and associated layout complexity. |
| Power Consumption | 3.7mW at 73ksps (VDD = 3V)-reduces thermal load and extends battery life in portable instrumentation. |
| Supply Range | +2.7V to +5.25V single supply-compatible with common Li-ion, 3.3V, and 5V system rails without level-shifting. |
| INL / DNL | ±0.5 LSB integral nonlinearity, ±1 LSB differential nonlinearity-ensures monotonicity and <0.05% full-scale error after calibration. |
| Small-Signal BW | 2.25MHz-supports accurate digitization of fast transients and undersampling of higher-frequency periodic signals. |
Pinout & Package
MAX1242ACPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package with through-hole mounting and RoHS-compliant lead finish. Pin spacing is 0.300", body width 0.355", and standard JEDEC MO-019 outline.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VDD | Positive supply input | Accepts +2.7V to +5.25V; powers analog core, digital interface, and internal reference buffer. |
| 2 AIN | Analog input | Single-ended input sampled from 0V to VREF; protected by internal clamps to GND and VDD (−0.3V to VDD+0.3V). |
| 3 SHDN | Three-level shutdown control | Pull low for ≤2µA shutdown; leave open to disable internal reference (enable external REF); pull high to enable internal 2.5V reference. |
| 4 REF | Reference voltage node | Outputs 2.5V (MAX1242) or accepts external 1.0V–VDD reference; requires 4.7µF bypass for internal mode, ≥0.1µF for external mode. |
| 5 GND | Analog/digital ground | Common return for analog signal path, digital I/O, and internal reference-must be low-impedance and star-connected. |
| 6 DOUT | Serial data output | 3-wire interface output; tri-state when CS high; transitions on SCLK falling edge; outputs EOC bit followed by 10-bit MSB-first data. |
| 7 CS | Active-low chip select | Falling edge initiates conversion and enables DOUT; rising edge disables DOUT and terminates serial read sequence. |
| 8 SCLK | Serial clock input | External clock up to 2.1MHz; controls timing of DOUT data shifts; must remain low during conversion. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal 2.5V reference | Trimmed to ±0.5 LSB INL and ±30ppm/°C drift-reduces BOM count and improves system accuracy without external reference calibration. |
| Low-power operation | 3.7mW at full speed (73ksps), 5µW in shutdown-enables energy-efficient sensing in battery-powered remote nodes. |
| Integrated track/hold | 1.5µs acquisition time with 9kΩ input impedance-simplifies front-end design by eliminating external sample-and-hold ICs. |
| SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE compatibility | 3-wire interface with no additional control lines-directly connects to standard microcontroller serial peripherals without glue logic. |
| Small footprint | 8-pin PDIP package-fits legacy through-hole layouts and prototyping breadboards while maintaining signal integrity. |
Applications
| Portable Data Logging | Process Control Monitoring |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node measuring temperature, humidity, and pressure over extended periods. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC digitizing conditioned analog outputs from multiple sensors before transmission via low-power radio. Use Value: 3.7mW active power and 5µW shutdown current extend operational life beyond 1 year on a single CR2032 cell. |
Use Scenario: Industrial PLC analog input module acquiring 4–20mA loop signals from field transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy, low-drift ADC converting loop current-derived voltages into digital values for PID control execution. Use Value: ±0.5 LSB INL and ±30ppm/°C reference stability ensure <0.1% full-scale error across 0°C to +70°C operating range. |
| Test Equipment | Temperature Measurement |
|
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter with dual-slope and SAR hybrid architecture for fast DC voltage readings. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary high-speed ADC capturing transient events between primary integrator cycles. Use Value: 7.5µs conversion time and 2.25MHz small-signal bandwidth allow capture of 100ns pulses with <1 LSB jitter. |
Use Scenario: Thermistor-based temperature monitor in medical diagnostic equipment requiring traceable calibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision ADC interfacing with ratiometric bridge circuits and cold-junction compensation networks. Use Value: Internal 2.5V reference eliminates ratio errors from external reference drift, improving absolute temperature accuracy by ±0.2°C. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit serial ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX1242BCPA+ | Same package and pinout; ±1 LSB INL (vs. ±0.5 LSB for MAX1242ACPA); wider production tolerance grade. | Acceptable for cost-sensitive industrial monitoring where ±0.1% full-scale linearity suffices. | Select MAX1242BCPA+ when budget constraints outweigh need for highest linearity in production calibration. |
| ADS7822U | 12-bit resolution, 200ksps, 2.7V–5.25V supply, but no internal reference-requires external 2.5V source and separate REF decoupling. | Better resolution for high-precision metrology, but increases BOM, layout complexity, and power budget. | Choose ADS7822U only if 12-bit resolution is mandatory and system design accommodates external reference sourcing and noise management. |
Compared with MAX1242BCPA+, the MAX1242ACPA offers tighter ±0.5 LSB INL for calibrated instrumentation; compared with ADS7822U, it trades 2-bit resolution for integrated reference simplicity and lower system-level power consumption.
Availability
MAX1242ACPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, process control monitoring, and test equipment requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX1242ACPA 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 precision analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications systems.
The MAX1242 series was designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained data acquisition applications requiring high accuracy, simple serial interfacing, and minimal external components-targeting portable instrumentation and distributed sensor networks.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the MAX1242ACPA?
The MAX1242ACPA is specified for operation from 0°C to +70°C. This commercial-grade temperature range ensures reliable performance in indoor instrumentation, handheld devices, and non-extreme industrial environments. The device's internal 2.5V reference maintains ±30ppm/°C drift across this span, supporting consistent ADC accuracy without external compensation.
Does the MAX1242ACPA require an external reference voltage?
No-the MAX1242ACPA includes a factory-trimmed internal 2.5V reference, eliminating the need for an external reference component. When SHDN is pulled high, the internal reference is enabled and sourced from the REF pin, which must be bypassed with a 4.7µF capacitor. An external reference may be used only if SHDN is left open, disabling the internal reference.
How does the MAX1242ACPA interface with a microcontroller's SPI peripheral?
The MAX1242ACPA supports SPI-compatible 3-wire communication with CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0. A CS falling edge starts conversion; DOUT goes high upon completion (EOC). Data is clocked out MSB-first on SCLK's falling edge, requiring at least 13 clock cycles to read the full 10-bit result plus EOC and sub-bits. No MISO/MOSI direction control is needed due to its dedicated DOUT line.
What is the minimum acquisition time for the MAX1242ACPA's track/hold circuit?
The MAX1242ACPA's track/hold circuit has a guaranteed maximum acquisition time (tACQ) of 1.5µs. This value represents both the longest time required to acquire the input signal and the shortest interval that must elapse between CS falling edges to ensure valid sampling. For source impedances below 4kΩ, tACQ remains stable and does not degrade AC performance.
Can the MAX1242ACPA operate from a 3.3V supply?
Yes-the MAX1242ACPA is fully specified for operation from +2.7V to +5.25V, including standard 3.3V rails. At VDD = 3.3V, it draws approximately 1.1mA supply current at 73ksps (≈3.6mW), maintains ±0.5 LSB INL, and delivers full 10-bit resolution with 2.25MHz small-signal bandwidth. All digital I/O thresholds scale with VDD, ensuring robust interface timing.
MAX1242ACPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Number of Bits:
- 10
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 73k
- 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:
- 2.7V ~ 5.25V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 2.7V ~ 5.25V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX1242ACPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1242ACPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1242ACPA 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 MAX1242ACPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1242ACPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1242ACPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1242ACPA?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1242ACPA?
MAX1242ACPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1242ACPA 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 MAX1242ACPA?
For technical support, including MAX1242ACPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1242ACPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1242ACPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1242ACPA 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 MAX1242ACPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1242ACPA?
All MAX1242ACPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1242ACPA, 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 MAX1242ACPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1242ACPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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