Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX1426EAI+

Overview

The MAX1426EAI+ from Maxim Integrated is a 10-bit, 10Msps pipelined analog-to-digital converter with differential inputs, internal +2.5V reference generating ±2V input range, 150MHz analog input bandwidth, and 156mW power dissipation at 10MHz clock. It features a 5.5-clock-cycle latency, two's complement output format, and operates from single +5V analog supply with separate +3.3V digital supply-ideal for IF digitization in radar and ultrasound systems.

For engineers reviewing the MAX1426EAI+ datasheet, MAX1426EAI+ pinout, MAX1426EAI+ application, or MAX1426EAI+ equivalent, key selection criteria include its differential pipeline architecture, internal reference flexibility (±2V range), low 8pF input capacitance, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature rating, and SSOP-28 package compatibility with layout-sensitive high-speed signal chains.

Technical Context

The MAX1426EAI+ implements a 10-stage fully differential pipelined ADC architecture with integrated track-and-hold amplifier, enabling 10Msps throughput while maintaining 61dB SNR at 2MHz input. Its internal reference system generates +3.25V (REFP), +2.25V (CML), and +1.25V (REFN) to support a wide ±2V differential input range without external biasing.

It uses binary two's complement output coding with TTL/CMOS-compatible D0–D9 outputs, supports OE/PD-controlled three-state operation, and requires precise 50% duty cycle clocking with <2ns edge rates to minimize aperture jitter and preserve dynamic performance in undersampling RF/IF applications.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

The MAX1426EAI+ is housed in a 28-pin shrink small-outline package (SSOP) with exposed pad not electrically connected; requires standard SSOP-28 land pattern (Maxim land pattern no. 90-0095) and strict analog/digital ground separation per high-speed layout guidelines.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MAX1424EAI+, the MAX1426EAI+ trades 5Msps speed for 24mW lower power and simpler reference management; versus AD9203ARUZ, it delivers plug-and-play ±2V operation but at lower maximum sample rate-making it optimal for cost- and power-sensitive 10Msps IF digitization.

Availability

The MAX1426EAI+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for radar IF digitization, medical ultrasound front-ends, CCD imaging pipelines, and set-top box tuner modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for MAX1426EAI+ 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-speed data conversion ICs for demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX1426EAI+ belongs to Maxim's high-speed pipeline ADC product line, engineered specifically for undersampling-capable, low-power digitization of RF/IF signals in space-constrained and thermally sensitive systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the MAX1426EAI+?

The MAX1426EAI+ supports a maximum clock frequency of 10MHz, as specified in its absolute maximum ratings and electrical characteristics table. Operation above this frequency risks timing violations, increased aperture jitter, and degraded SNR or missing codes. The device achieves its rated 10Msps sampling rate precisely at 10MHz with 50% duty cycle; clock edges must have <2ns rise/fall times to maintain <7ps aperture jitter. For reliable operation, the MAX1426EAI+ should be driven with a low-jitter crystal oscillator or PLL-derived clock meeting these specifications.

Does the MAX1426EAI+ require external reference components?

No, the MAX1426EAI+ does not require external reference components for basic operation-it integrates a +2.5V reference that generates +3.25V (REFP), +2.25V (CML), and +1.25V (REFN) to establish its ±2V differential input range. All three reference outputs must be bypassed to AGND with 0.1µF capacitors per the datasheet. External references are optional: applying a voltage to REFIN adjusts the reference scale, while grounding REFIN disables the internal reference entirely. Thus, the MAX1426EAI+ functions as a complete, self-contained ADC solution unless custom scaling or ratiometric measurement is needed.

What is the meaning of the "E" in MAX1426EAI+?

The "E" in MAX1426EAI+ denotes the industrial temperature grade, specifying operation from -40°C to +85°C. This contrasts with the "C" grade (e.g., MAX1426CAI+) rated for 0°C to +70°C. The "E" suffix confirms full characterization and guaranteed performance-including SNR, INL, DNL, and power consumption-across the extended industrial range. The "A" indicates SSOP package, "I" signifies lead-free/RoHS-compliant construction, and the "+" is Maxim's standard RoHS marking. Therefore, MAX1426EAI+ is the industrial-grade, RoHS-compliant, 28-pin SSOP variant of the MAX1426 ADC family.

How does the MAX1426EAI+ handle AC-coupled analog inputs?

The MAX1426EAI+ handles AC-coupled analog inputs via an integrated DC bias circuit: connecting CMLP to AVDD and CMLN to AGND internally establishes a +2.25V common-mode level at the T/H amplifier inputs, centering the ±2V differential range around that point. This eliminates the need for external resistive bias networks or op-amp level shifters. The internal bias remains stable over temperature and supply variation, preserving accuracy in ultrasound and CCD applications where signal coupling is mandatory. As confirmed in the Applications Information section, this feature is explicitly designed for AC-coupled use cases and requires no configuration-only proper CMLP/CMLN termination per the pin description.

What is the latency of the MAX1426EAI+ and how is it expressed?

The MAX1426EAI+ has a fixed pipeline latency of 5.5 clock cycles, measured from the active clock edge (falling edge) that initiates sampling to the appearance of valid data on D0–D9 at the subsequent rising clock edge. This value is explicitly stated in the Detailed Description and Timing Characteristics sections. Because the device uses a 10-stage pipelined architecture with interstage processing every half-cycle, the 5.5-cycle delay reflects propagation through all stages plus the output latch. System designers must account for this deterministic latency in timing-critical applications such as real-time beamforming or digital downconversion-no additional variability or temperature dependence is specified, making it predictable for synchronous FPGA or DSP interfacing.