Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1420ECM+

Overview

MAX1420ECM+ from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 60Msps, 3.3V analog-to-digital converter with fully differential pipelined architecture, internal 2.048V bandgap reference, and 400MHz small-signal input bandwidth-designed for high-dynamic-performance imaging and digital communications systems including medical ultrasound and radar IF digitization.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1420ECM+ datasheet, MAX1420ECM+ pinout, MAX1420ECM+ application, or MAX1420ECM+ equivalent, key selection considerations include its -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, 221mW power dissipation at 60MHz, 67dB SNR at 5MHz input, offset-binary parallel CMOS outputs, and flexible internal/external reference configuration.

Technical Context

The MAX1420ECM+ implements a 12-stage fully differential pipelined ADC architecture with digital error correction to ensure no missing codes and ±0.5 LSB DNL across temperature. Its wideband track-and-hold amplifier supports both differential and single-ended analog inputs with 400MHz small-signal bandwidth and 150MHz large-signal bandwidth.

It features dual power-down modes: reference shutdown (reducing analog supply current by ~2mA) and full shutdown (10µW typical), plus CMOS-compatible three-state parallel outputs with seven-clock-cycle pipeline latency. Clock sampling occurs on the rising edge of CLK, requiring low-jitter timing (<2ps aperture jitter) to preserve 67dB SNR performance at 5MHz input.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX1420ECM+ is housed in a 48-pin TQFP package (7mm × 7mm × 1.4mm), RoHS-compliant, with exposed paddle for thermal enhancement. Pin assignments are validated per Maxim's Rev 1 (5/04) datasheet.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar high-speed ADC applications.

Compared with MAX1420ECM+, MAX1421ECM+ offers pin-compatible lower-speed operation for cost- and power-sensitive designs, while ADS5271IPFP provides higher SNR and LVDS output at the expense of added reference and interface circuitry-making MAX1420ECM+ optimal for balanced performance, integration, and industrial temperature robustness.

Availability

MAX1420ECM+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for medical ultrasound imaging, radar IF digitization, and IR focal plane array readout requiring stable component supply across extended industrial temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX1420ECM+ 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 leader in precision analog, mixed-signal, and high-speed data conversion ICs for demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX1420 product line delivers low-power, high-dynamic-range ADCs optimized for imaging and digital communications-emphasizing wide input bandwidth, integrated references, and robust operation across extended temperature ranges.

FAQ

What is the guaranteed operating temperature range for MAX1420ECM+?

The MAX1420ECM+ is specified for continuous operation from -40°C to +85°C, with all electrical characteristics-including SNR, INL, and power consumption-production-tested across this extended industrial temperature range. This makes MAX1420ECM+ suitable for deployment in harsh environments such as automotive radar modules, outdoor telecom infrastructure, and portable medical devices where ambient temperatures exceed commercial-grade limits.

Does MAX1420ECM+ require an external reference, or does it include one?

MAX1420ECM+ includes an internal 2.048V precision bandgap reference with ±0.1% full-scale error and ±100ppm/°C temperature coefficient-fully functional with REFIN left floating and appropriate decoupling (0.22µF || 1nF to AGND). External reference operation is optional and supported via REFIN, REFP, REFN, and CML pins for applications needing higher accuracy or different full-scale ranges.

What is the pipeline latency of MAX1420ECM+, and how does it affect system timing?

MAX1420ECM+ has a fixed pipeline latency of seven clock cycles from analog sample (on CLK rising edge) to valid digital output on D0–D11. This deterministic delay enables precise synchronization in FPGA-based digital downconverters or real-time image processors-no handshake or FIFO buffering is required. The latency remains constant across temperature and supply voltage variations, simplifying timing closure in high-speed digital systems.

Can MAX1420ECM+ accept single-ended analog inputs, or is differential input mandatory?

MAX1420ECM+ supports both differential and single-ended analog inputs. For single-ended use, INN should be terminated to AVDD/2 (via CML or external bias), and INP driven with a matched source impedance. While differential mode delivers best performance (67dB SNR, 72dBc SFDR), single-ended operation is viable for space-constrained designs-though SNR degrades by ~3–4dB due to common-mode noise rejection loss.

How does the power-down functionality work in MAX1420ECM+?

MAX1420ECM+ offers two distinct power-down modes controlled by the PD pin: reference shutdown (PD = VDVDD, internal bandgap disabled, ~2mA IAVDD reduction) and full shutdown (PD = DVDD, entire ADC disabled, 10µW typical power). Both modes retain register state and allow sub-microsecond wake-up-ideal for burst-mode acquisition in ultrasound or radar systems where idle periods dominate duty cycle.