Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1246ACEE+
- Part No.:
- MAX1246ACEE+
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX1246ACEE+.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 16QSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
MAX1246ACEE+ from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 4-channel serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated track/hold, software-configurable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential inputs, internal 2.5V reference, and SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 4-wire interface. It operates from a single +2.7V to +3.6V supply, achieves 133ksps conversion rate, and draws only 1.2mA at full speed-enabling high-precision data acquisition in battery-powered medical instruments and portable data loggers.
For engineers reviewing the MAX1246ACEE+ datasheet, MAX1246ACEE+ pinout, MAX1246ACEE+ application, or MAX1246ACEE+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, QSOP-16 package mapping, functional pin roles, real-world use cases, and two validated alternative parts for design flexibility and supply continuity.
Technical Context
The MAX1246ACEE+ implements successive-approximation (SAR) architecture with an on-chip track/hold circuit that acquires input signals in ≤1.5µs and supports up to 2.25MHz small-signal bandwidth. Its analog front-end allows software-selectable input configurations: 4 single-ended or 2 pseudo-differential channels referenced to COM, with ±0.5LSB COM stability requirement.
Conversion timing is governed by either internal clock (7.5MHz typical) or external SCLK (up to 2MHz), with control-byte–driven mode selection (PD1/PD0 bits). The device features automatic power-up on CS assertion, sub-60µA shutdown current, and reference-buffer amplifier with ±1.5% REFADJ adjustment range-optimized for low-noise, low-power embedded sensing systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit SAR ADC - delivers 1 LSB = 610µV @ 2.5V reference, sufficient for 0.024% full-scale precision in sensor and instrumentation applications. |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps maximum - enables real-time capture of audio-band and control-loop signals without undersampling artifacts. |
| INL | ±0.5 LSB (max) - ensures monotonicity and <0.012% integral nonlinearity error across full temperature range (0°C to +70°C). |
| Supply Current | 1.2mA @ 133ksps / 3V - reduces thermal load and extends battery life in portable designs; drops to 54µA at 1ksps. |
| Reference | Internal 2.500V ±0.8% (25°C), ±30ppm/°C TC - eliminates external reference component while maintaining stable scaling for calibrated measurements. |
| Input Range | 0V to VREF (unipolar) or ±VREF/2 (bipolar) - supports both ground-referenced and AC-coupled signal chains without external level-shifting. |
| Digital Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE 4-wire serial - directly connects to microcontroller peripherals without glue logic; MSB-first, falling-edge DOUT timing. |
Pinout & Package
MAX1246ACEE+ is housed in a 16-pin QSOP package (5.3mm × 10.2mm), pin-compatible with industry-standard 16-pin SOIC footprints but occupying the same board area as an 8-pin SO-enabling compact, high-density PCB layouts.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD (Pin 1) | Positive supply input | Accepts +2.7V to +3.6V; powers analog and digital sections; requires local 0.1µF bypass to AGND/DGND. |
| CH0–CH3 (Pins 2–5) | Analog input channels | Software-selectable as single-ended (vs. COM) or differential pairs (CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3); max input swing = AGND–0.3V to VDD+0.3V. |
| COM (Pin 6) | Analog common reference | Sets zero-code voltage in single-ended mode; must remain stable within ±0.5LSB during conversion to avoid INL degradation. |
| SHDN (Pin 7) | Three-level shutdown control | Low = full power-down (1µA); float = external REFADJ compensation; high = internal REFADJ compensation mode. |
| VREF (Pin 8) | Reference buffer output / ADC reference input | Delivers 2.500V ±0.8% (MAX1246 only); requires 4.7µF capacitor for internal compensation; disable buffer by tying REFADJ to VDD for external reference use. |
| REFADJ (Pin 9) | Reference buffer gain adjustment | Allows ±1.5% fine-tuning of VREF; 0.047µF capacitor required; tie to VDD to disable internal reference buffer. |
| AGND (Pin 10) | Analog ground | Separate return path for analog circuitry; must be star-connected to DGND at single point to minimize noise coupling. |
| DGND (Pin 11) | Digital ground | Return for digital I/O and logic; isolation from AGND prevents digital switching noise from modulating ADC quantization. |
| DIN (Pin 14) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit control byte on SCLK rising edge; bit 7 (START) initiates configuration; PD1/PD0 bits select clock/power mode. |
| CS (Pin 15) | Active-low chip select | Enables serial interface; DOUT enters high-impedance state when CS is high; required for multi-device SPI bus sharing. |
| SCLK (Pin 16) | Serial clock input | Drives data transfer and (in external mode) conversion timing; 50% duty cycle required; max 2MHz frequency. |
| DOUT (Pin 12) | Serial data output | Outputs 12-bit result MSB-first on SCLK falling edge; high-impedance when CS = high; compatible with standard SPI MISO lines. |
| SSTRB (Pin 13) | Serial strobe output | Signals conversion start/end: low during conversion (internal mode) or pulses high before MSB decision (external mode); used for TMS320 DSP synchronization. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| 4-channel multiplexer with software-configurable input topology | Reduces BOM count and PCB area vs. discrete channel selection; supports mixed unipolar/differential acquisition in one IC. |
| Internal 2.5V reference with ±1.5% REFADJ tuning | Eliminates need for external precision reference IC or resistor divider; enables field calibration without hardware change. |
| Sub-60µA shutdown current at reduced sampling rates | Extends battery life in intermittent-sampling applications (e.g., environmental monitors) without requiring external power gating. |
| Track/hold acquisition time ≤1.5µs | Supports accurate digitization of fast transients up to 2.25MHz bandwidth; minimizes aperture jitter (<50ps) for clean spectral performance. |
| SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible interface | Direct connection to common MCU/DSP families without level shifters or protocol translation firmware overhead. |
| QSOP-16 package with 8-pin SO footprint compatibility | Enables drop-in upgrade from legacy 8-pin SO designs while adding 4-channel ADC functionality in minimal board space. |
Applications
| Portable Data Logging | Medical Instrumentation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node recording temperature, humidity, and pressure over 72-hour intervals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC acquiring four analog sensor outputs sequentially at 1ksps, using internal reference and automatic shutdown between samples. Use Value: 54µA operating current at 1ksps extends coin-cell battery life beyond 12 months; QSOP-16 footprint allows integration into credit-card–sized form factors. |
Use Scenario: Handheld ECG monitor capturing lead-II differential signals with baseline drift correction. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-channel pseudo-differential ADC sampling CH0/CH1 at 133ksps, leveraging internal 2.5V reference for consistent gain calibration across units. Use Value: ±0.5 LSB INL ensures diagnostic-grade amplitude accuracy; 2.25MHz input bandwidth preserves R-wave fidelity without external anti-alias filtering. |
| Pen Digitizers | Battery-Powered Test Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: Active stylus interface detecting X/Y position and pressure via resistive touch overlay. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 4-channel single-ended ADC scanning X+, X−, Y+, Y− electrodes at >10ksps with unipolar 0–2.5V range and COM-referenced zero alignment. Use Value: 1.5µs acquisition time captures rapid pen movement without position lag; software-configurable SGL/DIF mode simplifies firmware support for multiple overlay types. |
Use Scenario: Portable multimeter measuring DC voltage, current, and resistance with auto-ranging and hold function. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision ADC converting scaled front-end outputs with bipolar ±1.25V range, using internal reference for ratio-metric accuracy against shunt resistors. Use Value: Channel-to-channel offset matching ≤0.25 LSB ensures consistent readings across ranges; REFADJ trimming compensates for PCB trace resistance errors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit serial ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADS7822U | 12-bit, 200ksps, single-supply +2.7V to +5.5V, no internal reference, requires external 2.5V ref; SPI-only interface. | Higher speed but lacks bipolar input mode and REFADJ tuning; better suited for high-throughput industrial PLC modules than portable devices. | Select ADS7822U when sampling rate >133ksps is mandatory and external reference is already present in system design. |
| MAX11100ETE+ | 12-bit, 1MSPS, +2.7V to +3.6V, internal 2.048V reference, SPI/QSPI, 10-pin µMAX package; no SHDN pin or REFADJ. | Higher speed and smaller package, but fixed reference voltage and no software-adjustable shutdown modes limit calibration flexibility. | Choose MAX11100ETE+ for space-constrained, high-speed applications where reference stability is less critical than size or throughput. |
Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11100ETE+, the MAX1246ACEE+ uniquely combines internal 2.5V reference with ±1.5% REFADJ tuning, three-level SHDN control, and true bipolar input capability-making it optimal for portable, field-calibratable measurement systems requiring long battery life and analog flexibility.
Availability
MAX1246ACEE+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, medical instrumentation, and battery-powered test equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX1246ACEE+ 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, medical, and consumer applications.
The MAX1246/MAX1247 family was designed for low-power, high-accuracy data acquisition in space- and energy-constrained systems-emphasizing integrated references, flexible input topologies, and direct microprocessor interfacing without external logic.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for MAX1246ACEE+?
The MAX1246ACEE+ is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C-the 'C' grade commercial temperature range. This specification is confirmed in the Ordering Information table of the official datasheet, where MAX1246ACEE is explicitly listed with 0°C to +70°C tolerance. The device's DC accuracy (±0.5 LSB INL) and dynamic performance (70dB SINAD) are guaranteed across this full range.
Does MAX1246ACEE+ include an internal voltage reference?
Yes, the MAX1246ACEE+ integrates a precision 2.500V ±0.8% internal reference with ±1.5% adjustable range via the REFADJ pin. This is a defining feature distinguishing it from the MAX1247 variant, which requires an external reference. The internal reference is buffered and stable to ±30ppm/°C, eliminating the need for external reference components in most portable and medical applications.
What package type is used for MAX1246ACEE+?
The MAX1246ACEE+ uses a 16-pin QSOP (Quarter-Size Outline Package) with 0.65mm lead pitch. As stated in the Ordering Information table, "MAX1246ACEE" maps to "16 QSOP". This package occupies the same PCB area as an 8-pin SO, enabling compact layout while providing four analog inputs, reference control, and full serial interface signals.
How does the shutdown functionality work on MAX1246ACEE+?
The MAX1246ACEE+ implements three-level shutdown via the SHDN pin: pulled low → full power-down (1µA); left floating → external REFADJ compensation mode; pulled high → internal REFADJ compensation mode. This is documented in the Pin Description section, where SHDN is defined as a "Three-Level Shutdown Input", and confirmed by the Electrical Characteristics table showing 1µA shutdown current.
Is MAX1246ACEE+ compatible with SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE interfaces?
Yes, the MAX1246ACEE+ supports SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE protocols through its 4-wire serial interface (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT). The datasheet explicitly states compatibility and specifies CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0 for SPI mode. Timing diagrams confirm MSB-first data transfer synchronized to SCLK rising (DIN) and falling (DOUT) edges-matching all three standards without external logic.
MAX1246ACEE+ Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SSOP (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 133k
- Number of Inputs:
- 2, 4
- Input Type:
- Differential, Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- SPI
- Configuration:
- MUX-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 ~ 3.6V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-QSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX1246ACEE+ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX1246ACEE+ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX1246ACEE+ 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 MAX1246ACEE+ reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX1246ACEE+ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX1246ACEE+ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX1246ACEE+?
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Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX1246ACEE+?
MAX1246ACEE+ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX1246ACEE+ 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 MAX1246ACEE+?
For technical support, including MAX1246ACEE+ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX1246ACEE+ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX1246ACEE+ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX1246ACEE+ 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 MAX1246ACEE+ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX1246ACEE+?
All MAX1246ACEE+ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX1246ACEE+, 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 MAX1246ACEE+ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX1246ACEE+:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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