Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX144AEUA+

Overview

MAX144AEUA+ from Maxim Integrated is a low-power, 12-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC) with two single-ended input channels, 108ksps sampling rate, ±0.5 LSB INL, and operation from +2.7V to +5.25V supply - used in portable data loggers for precision sensor digitization under battery-constrained conditions.

For engineers reviewing the MAX144AEUA+ datasheet, MAX144AEUA+ pinout, MAX144AEUA+ application, or MAX144AEUA+ equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, µMAX-8 package layout, SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE interface timing, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature operation, and real-world design implications for power-sensitive acquisition systems.

Technical Context

The MAX144AEUA+ implements a SAR architecture with integrated track-and-hold, internal laser-trimmed oscillator (2MHz ±20%), and automatic power-down mode enabling 0.2µA shutdown current. Its analog front-end supports single-ended inputs referenced to GND with 9kΩ input resistance and 16pF input capacitance.

Conversion is initiated by CS/SHDN falling edge, with clock mode selected by SCLK state: external clock (100kHz–2.17MHz) for deterministic timing or internal clock (0–5MHz data readout) for microcontroller flexibility. Data output is 16-bit serial MSB-first with channel ID and EOC bit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX144AEUA+ is housed in an 8-pin µMAX package (U8-1), 3mm × 3mm body, 0.5mm pitch, exposed pad for thermal enhancement - compatible with automated SMT assembly and space-constrained PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit SAR ADC applications.

Compared with MAX144BCUA+, MAX144AEUA+ provides tighter linearity and extended temperature capability at identical footprint; versus ADS7822U, it trades 92ksps lower max rate for integrated T/H, lower system-level component count, and guaranteed industrial qualification.

Availability

MAX144AEUA+ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, battery-powered instrumentation, and process-control monitoring requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX144AEUA+ 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 power management ICs for demanding industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX144 family targets low-power, space-constrained data acquisition systems requiring high-resolution digitization without external support circuitry - emphasizing integration, temperature robustness, and serial interface simplicity.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the MAX144AEUA+ and under what conditions is it achieved?

The MAX144AEUA+ achieves a maximum sampling rate of 108ksps when operated with VDD = +2.7V to +5.25V, VREF = 2.5V, fSCLK = 2.17MHz in external clock mode, and 16 clocks per conversion cycle. This rate is maintained across the full -40°C to +85°C temperature range and is validated with typical dynamic performance including SINAD ≥70dB and THD ≤-80dB.

Does the MAX144AEUA+ require an external reference, and what are its drive requirements?

Yes, the MAX144AEUA+ requires an external reference applied to the REF pin. The reference must deliver ≥250µA DC load current with ≤10Ω output impedance during conversion, and be bypassed with a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor. The input accepts 0V to (VDD + 50mV), supporting ratiometric configurations where VREF = VDD.

How does the MAX144AEUA+ enter and exit shutdown mode, and what is the wake-up latency?

The MAX144AEUA+ enters shutdown when CS/SHDN is driven high, reducing supply current to ≤0.2µA. Wake-up begins on the falling edge of CS/SHDN and completes in 2.5µs if the external reference is stable within 1 LSB; otherwise, additional stabilization time is required. DOUT becomes valid after wake-up completion.

Can the MAX144AEUA+ interface directly with standard microcontroller SPI peripherals?

Yes, the MAX144AEUA+ is fully compatible with SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE interfaces. It operates with CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0, supports 100kHz–2.17MHz SCLK in external mode, and outputs 16-bit MSB-first data with three leading ones and channel ID - requiring no protocol translation or bit-banging firmware.

What is the analog input structure of the MAX144AEUA+, and how does it differ from the MAX145?

The MAX144AEUA+ supports two single-ended analog inputs (CH0 and CH1), both referenced to GND. Unlike the MAX145AEUA+, which uses CH0/CH1 as pseudo-differential (CH+/CH-) pair, the MAX144AEUA+ samples each channel independently against ground - confirmed by pin function definitions, timing diagrams, and absolute maximum ratings specifying CH0/CH1 voltage range as 0 to VDD.