Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1242BEPA
- Part No.:
- MAX1242BEPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1242BEPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 10BIT SAR 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,711
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Product details
Overview
MAX1242BEPA from Maxim Integrated is a low-power, 10-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with internal 2.5V reference, single +2.7V to +5.25V supply operation, 7.5µs conversion time, and SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 3-wire serial interface. It delivers ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity over –40°C to +85°C in an 8-pin PDIP package and is used in portable data logging and isolated sensor interfaces where space and power are constrained.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1242BEPA datasheet, MAX1242BEPA pinout, MAX1242BEPA application, or MAX1242BEPA equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative parts with documented differences, and application-specific implementation guidance - all grounded in Maxim's official Rev 3 (Jan 2012) datasheet.
Technical Context
The MAX1242BEPA integrates a track/hold amplifier with 1.5µs acquisition time, a 10-bit SAR ADC core, and on-chip 2.5V reference trimmed to ±0.25% initial accuracy and ±30ppm/°C drift. Its serial interface operates at up to 2.1MHz SCLK with no duty-cycle restriction beyond 200ns minimum high/low time.
It supports two operational modes: normal (3.0mA typical supply current at VDD = 3.6V, 73ksps) and shutdown (≤2µA), with SHDN pin enabling internal reference when pulled high. Conversion is initiated by CS falling edge; EOC is signaled by DOUT rising edge, followed by MSB-first unipolar serial output.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 10-bit - delivers 1024 discrete digital codes across full-scale input range. |
| Conversion Time | 7.5µs - defines minimum cycle time between consecutive conversions at full speed. |
| INL | ±1 LSB - ensures monotonicity and ≤0.1% full-scale linearity error over temperature. |
| Supply Range | +2.7V to +5.25V - enables direct interfacing with 3.3V and 5V logic/system rails without level shifting. |
| Reference | Internal 2.5V (±0.25% initial, ±30ppm/°C) - eliminates external reference component and reduces BOM count. |
| Power (73ksps) | 3.0mA at VDD = 3.6V - equates to ~10.8mW, suitable for battery-powered remote sensors. |
| Shutdown Current | ≤2µA - enables >1000× power reduction during idle periods in duty-cycled systems. |
Pinout & Package
MAX1242BEPA is housed in an 8-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with gull-wing leads, RoHS-compliant (denoted by '+' suffix), and substrate connected to GND per Maxim's package drawing P8+2 (Outline No. 21-0043).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 VDD | Positive supply input | Accepts +2.7V to +5.25V; powers analog and digital sections; requires local 0.1µF bypass. |
| 2 AIN | Analog input | Unipolar 0V to VREF sampling node; input protection clamps to VDD/GND; max source impedance 4kΩ for full AC performance. |
| 3 SHDN | Three-level shutdown control | Pulled high → enables internal reference; open → disables internal reference; pulled low → enters ≤2µA shutdown mode. |
| 4 REF | Reference voltage terminal | Outputs 2.5V (MAX1242BEPA); must be bypassed with 4.7µF capacitor for stability and wake-up timing. |
| 5 GND | Analog/digital ground | Single ground pin shared by analog and digital sections; layout separation critical for noise immunity. |
| 6 DOUT | Serial data output | 3-wire interface output; high-impedance when CS = high; transitions on SCLK falling edge; MSB-first format. |
| 7 CS | Active-low chip select | Falling edge initiates conversion; rising edge terminates data read; controls DOUT tri-state behavior. |
| 8 SCLK | Serial clock input | Asynchronous clock up to 2.1MHz; no duty-cycle constraint beyond 200ns min pulse width; not required during conversion. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal 2.5V reference | Eliminates need for external reference IC or resistor divider; calibrated to ±0.25% initial accuracy and ±30ppm/°C drift. |
| 1.5µs track/hold acquisition | Enables accurate sampling of signals with bandwidth up to 2.25MHz small-signal BW without external buffering. |
| SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE compatibility | Direct connection to standard microcontroller serial peripherals without glue logic or protocol translation. |
| ±1 LSB INL over –40°C to +85°C | Guarantees monotonic 10-bit performance across industrial temperature range without calibration. |
| 73ksps throughput at 3.0mA | Supports real-time monitoring of fast transients (e.g., motor current, vibration) in low-power embedded systems. |
Applications
| Portable Data Logging | Process Control Monitoring |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node recording temperature, humidity, and pressure at 10–100Hz intervals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC digitizing conditioned analog sensor outputs; internal reference ensures stable scaling without external components. Use Value: 3.0mA active current and 2µA shutdown enable multi-year battery life; SO-8/PDIP footprint fits compact PCB layouts. |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted PLC I/O module acquiring analog process variables (4–20mA loop outputs, thermocouple signals) in factory automation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated front-end ADC converting field signals to digital for microcontroller processing; ±1 LSB INL maintains measurement traceability. Use Value: –40°C to +85°C rating ensures reliability in uncontrolled industrial cabinets; 2.25MHz input BW supports anti-alias filtering flexibility. |
| Test Equipment | Temperature Measurement |
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter or portable oscilloscope capturing DC/low-frequency AC waveforms with 10-bit resolution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core digitizer for analog front end; 7.5µs conversion time enables ≥100ksps sampling in burst mode. Use Value: SPI-compatible interface simplifies firmware integration with ARM Cortex-M host MCUs; low power extends handheld runtime. |
Use Scenario: Thermistor or RTD-based temperature monitor in HVAC or medical devices requiring <0.5°C accuracy. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision ADC referenced to its own 2.5V output; ratiometric measurement possible using same reference for excitation and conversion. Use Value: Internal reference tempco (±30ppm/°C) contributes <±0.03°C error over 0–100°C span - within system-level accuracy targets. |
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 architecture and pinout; rated for 0°C to +70°C (vs. –40°C to +85°C); ±1 LSB INL (identical spec) | Not qualified for extended temperature industrial or automotive under-hood use | Select MAX1242BCPA+ only for commercial-grade cost-sensitive designs operating strictly within 0°C–70°C ambient. |
| MAX1243BEPA+ | Pin-compatible 10-bit ADC with identical package and timing; requires external reference (no internal 2.5V ref) | Allows user-defined reference voltage (1.0V to VDD) for ratiometric or higher-accuracy systems | Choose MAX1243BEPA+ when external precision reference (e.g., REF5025) is already present or tighter reference stability is required. |
Compared with MAX1242BEPA, MAX1242BCPA+ trades industrial temperature range for lower cost in commercial environments, while MAX1243BEPA sacrifices integrated reference simplicity for external reference flexibility - both retain identical conversion speed, power, and interface behavior.
Availability
MAX1242BEPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, process control monitoring, and test equipment requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX1242BEPA 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 consumer applications.
The MAX1242/MAX1243 product line was designed for low-power, space-constrained data acquisition systems requiring precision ADC functionality with minimal external components and robust serial interfacing.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the MAX1242BEPA?
The MAX1242BEPA is specified for operation from –40°C to +85°C, making it suitable for industrial and extended-temperature embedded applications. This range is confirmed in Maxim's ordering information table (Rev 3, p.12) and applies to the BEPA grade with ±1 LSB INL performance guaranteed across the full span.
Does the MAX1242BEPA require an external reference voltage?
No, the MAX1242BEPA includes an internal 2.5V reference trimmed to ±0.25% initial accuracy and ±30ppm/°C temperature coefficient. The internal reference is enabled when the SHDN pin is pulled high; it is disabled when SHDN is left open, allowing optional use of an external reference.
What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the MAX1242BEPA?
The MAX1242BEPA supports a maximum throughput rate of 73ksps, corresponding to a 7.5µs conversion time. This rate assumes fSCLK = 2.1MHz and is achievable with proper timing alignment of CS and SCLK signals per Figure 9 in the datasheet.
How does the shutdown mode function on the MAX1242BEPA?
Pulling the SHDN pin low places the MAX1242BEPA into shutdown mode, reducing supply current to ≤2µA. In this state, the internal reference is disabled, and the device requires wake-up time (dependent on reference capacitor discharge) before valid conversions can resume - typically up to 20ms after exit if using the internal 4.7µF bypass.
Is the MAX1242BEPA pin-compatible with any higher-resolution alternatives?
Yes, the MAX1242BEPA is pin-compatible with the 12-bit MAX1240/MAX1241 family (as stated in the Features section, p.2). This allows straightforward resolution upgrades in existing layouts without PCB revision, provided timing and reference requirements are re-evaluated for the higher-resolution device.
MAX1242BEPA 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:
- -40°C ~ 85°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX1242BEPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1242BEPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1242BEPA 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 MAX1242BEPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1242BEPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1242BEPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1242BEPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX1242BEPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1242BEPA?
MAX1242BEPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1242BEPA 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 MAX1242BEPA?
For technical support, including MAX1242BEPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1242BEPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1242BEPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1242BEPA 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 MAX1242BEPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1242BEPA?
All MAX1242BEPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1242BEPA, 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 MAX1242BEPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1242BEPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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