Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX146ACAP+T
- Part No.:
- MAX146ACAP+T
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX146ACAP+T.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 20SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,720
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
The MAX146ACAP+T from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 8-channel serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated track/hold, multiplexer, and internal 2.5V reference. It operates from a single +2.7V to +3.6V supply, consumes only 1.2mA at 133ksps, and supports software-configurable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential inputs. It targets portable data loggers and battery-powered medical instruments requiring low-power, high-accuracy signal digitization.
For engineers reviewing the MAX146ACAP+T datasheet, MAX146ACAP+T pinout, MAX146ACAP+T application, or MAX146ACAP+T equivalent, key selection criteria include its 12-bit resolution with ±0.5 LSB INL, 2.25MHz small-signal bandwidth, SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 4-wire interface, and 20-pin SSOP package with internal reference-critical for space-constrained, low-noise embedded sensing designs.
Technical Context
The MAX146ACAP+T uses successive-approximation architecture with an on-chip track/hold circuit that acquires input signals in ≤1.5µs. Its analog front-end supports pseudo-differential sampling via configurable channel pairs (e.g., CH0/CH1), with COM pin establishing zero-code reference in single-ended mode.
Conversion timing is governed by either internal clock or external SCLK (up to 2.0MHz); control byte programming (8-bit) selects channel, polarity, input mode, and power state. The device features three-level SHDN pin control enabling full shutdown (1µA), fast power-down (54µA at 1ksps), or operational mode-with automatic wake-up on serial interface access.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 4096 discrete output codes for precise analog signal quantization |
| INL (Integral Nonlinearity) | ±0.5 LSB - ensures monotonicity and <0.012% full-scale error after calibration |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps - supports real-time acquisition of audio-band and sensor signals up to ~65kHz Nyquist |
| Supply Current | 1.2mA @ 133ksps, 3V - enables >100-hour operation on a 120mAh coin cell in continuous mode |
| Reference | Internal 2.500V ±0.8% - eliminates external reference component and layout complexity |
| Input Configuration | 8 single-ended or 4 differential channels - provides flexible signal routing without external multiplexers |
| Small-Signal Bandwidth | 2.25MHz - allows undersampling of RF or transient events beyond Nyquist limit |
Pinout & Package
MAX146ACAP+T is housed in a 20-pin SSOP (Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65mm lead pitch, optimized for compact PCB layouts and automated assembly.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 (Pins 1–8) | Analog input channels | Selectable as single-ended inputs referenced to COM or as differential pairs (CH0/CH1, etc.) for noise-rejecting measurements |
| COM (Pin 9) | Analog common reference | Sets zero-code voltage in single-ended mode; must be stable to ±0.5 LSB to avoid conversion errors |
| SHDN (Pin 10) | Three-level shutdown control | Pull low → full shutdown (1µA); float → external compensation mode; pull high → internal compensation mode |
| VREF (Pin 11) | Reference buffer output / ADC reference input | Provides 2.500V ±0.8% nominal output; adjustable via REFADJ; bypassed with 4.7µF capacitor in internal mode |
| REFADJ (Pin 12) | Reference buffer adjustment input | Enables ±1.5% fine-tuning of VREF; tie to VDD to disable internal reference buffer for external reference use |
| DIN (Pin 17) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit control byte on SCLK rising edge to configure channel, mode, and clock source |
| SCLK (Pin 19) | Serial clock input | Drives data transfer and (in external mode) controls conversion speed; 40–60% duty cycle required |
| CS (Pin 18) | Active-low chip select | Enables serial interface; DOUT and SSTRB enter high-impedance state when CS is high |
| DOUT (Pin 15) | Serial data output | Outputs 12-bit conversion result MSB-first on SCLK falling edge; high-Z when CS = high |
| SSTRB (Pin 16) | Serial strobe output | Pulses high one SCLK period before MSB in external mode; indicates conversion start/end in internal mode |
| AGND / DGND (Pins 13/14) | Analog and digital ground | Separate ground pins minimize digital switching noise coupling into analog path |
| VDD (Pin 20) | Positive supply | Single +2.7V to +3.6V supply powers entire signal chain including reference and logic |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-configurable input modes | Runtime-selectable unipolar (0V to VREF) or bipolar (±VREF/2) and single-ended/differential via 8-bit control byte |
| Low-power adaptive shutdown | Auto-shutdown after conversion reduces average current to <60µA at reduced sampling rates |
| SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320 compatibility | 4-wire serial interface requires no level shifters or glue logic for direct connection to major microcontrollers and DSPs |
| Integrated reference buffer with ±1.5% adjustability | Eliminates need for external precision reference; REFADJ pin enables trimming to match system gain requirements |
| Track/hold acquisition time ≤1.5µs | Supports accurate sampling of fast transients; acquisition window defined by last 3 SCLK edges of control byte |
Applications
| Portable Data Logging | Medical Instrumentation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node recording temperature, humidity, and pressure over weeks. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 12-bit ADC digitizing multiple analog sensor outputs with low quiescent current and internal reference stability. Use Value: Enables >6-month field deployment on CR2032 battery due to 1.2mA active and 1µA shutdown currents. | Use Scenario: Handheld ECG monitor acquiring biopotential signals with high common-mode rejection. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pseudo-differential ADC converting CH0/CH1 pair to reject electrode offset and 50/60Hz interference. Use Value: Achieves ±0.5 LSB INL and 90dB SFDR, meeting IEC 60601-2-27 accuracy requirements for diagnostic-grade waveforms. |
| Battery-Powered Test Equipment | Industrial Process Monitoring |
Use Scenario: Pocket-sized multimeter measuring DC voltage, current, and resistance with autoranging. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configurable 8-channel ADC supporting both unipolar voltage measurement and bipolar current sensing via shunt resistor. Use Value: Internal 2.5V reference and ±1.5% REFADJ trim ensure <0.1% absolute accuracy across temperature without factory calibration. | Use Scenario: Remote RTU monitoring tank levels, flow rates, and valve positions in oil/gas SCADA systems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power ADC interfacing with 4–20mA transmitters and thermocouples via programmable gain amplifier frontend. Use Value: 2.25MHz small-signal bandwidth allows detection of rapid pressure spikes or pump cavitation events before mechanical failure. |
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, SPI-only interface; no internal reference; requires external 2.5V ref and 3.3V supply | Higher speed but lacks bipolar mode and software-configurable inputs; needs additional reference IC and decoupling | Choose ADS7822U only if sampling rate >133ksps is mandatory and board space permits external reference |
| MAX11131ETE+ | 12-bit, 500ksps, internal 2.048V ref, 10-pin µMAX; supports unipolar only; no differential mode | Smaller footprint and higher speed, but limited to 4 single-ended channels and fixed unipolar range | Select MAX11131ETE+ for ultra-compact designs where 8-channel or bipolar capability is unnecessary |
Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11131ETE+, the MAX146ACAP+T uniquely combines internal 2.5V reference, 8-channel flexibility, bipolar/differential support, and sub-1µA shutdown-making it optimal for multi-sensor, battery-critical applications where design simplicity and configurability outweigh raw speed.
Availability
MAX146ACAP+T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, medical instrumentation, and battery-powered test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.
Supply support for MAX146ACAP+T 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 MAX146ACAP+T belongs to Maxim's low-power serial ADC product line, engineered specifically for battery-operated and space-constrained systems needing high-resolution digitization without external reference or complex support circuitry.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the MAX146ACAP+T?
The MAX146ACAP+T is specified for operation from 0°C to +70°C, matching the commercial temperature grade indicated by the "C" suffix in its ordering code. This range is validated per Maxim's production test flow and supports reliable performance in indoor portable and benchtop instrumentation environments where ambient conditions remain within standard room-temperature limits. The MAX146ACAP+T maintains ±0.5 LSB INL and 1.2mA supply current across this full range.
Does the MAX146ACAP+T require external components for basic operation?
Yes-the MAX146ACAP+T requires a 4.7µF capacitor at the VREF pin for internal reference stability and a 0.047µF capacitor at REFADJ for proper reference buffer compensation. Additionally, a 0.1µF bypass capacitor on VDD and proper AGND/DGND separation are mandatory per the Typical Operating Circuit. These components ensure ±0.8% reference accuracy and prevent digital noise from degrading ADC linearity. No external clock or reference IC is needed for standard operation.
How does the SHDN pin function on the MAX146ACAP+T?
The SHDN pin on the MAX146ACAP+T provides three distinct operating states: pulling SHDN low enables full power-down (1µA supply current); letting SHDN float configures the reference buffer for external compensation mode (requires 0.047µF at REFADJ); and pulling SHDN high selects internal compensation mode (uses 4.7µF at VREF). This three-level control eliminates need for external logic to manage reference configuration or deep sleep states-directly supporting energy-efficient firmware-driven power cycling in battery-powered systems.
Can the MAX146ACAP+T interface directly with an STM32 microcontroller's SPI peripheral?
Yes-the MAX146ACAP+T interfaces directly with STM32 SPI peripherals using CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0 settings (SPI mode 0). Its 4-wire SPI-compatible interface requires only CS, SCLK, DIN, and DOUT connections-no level shifters or translators. The STM32 can transmit the 8-bit control byte and read back the 12-bit result across two 8-bit transfers. Timing is guaranteed for SCLK frequencies up to 2.0MHz, aligning with typical STM32 APB clock dividers and enabling seamless integration in Cortex-M firmware stacks.
What is the maximum source impedance supported for analog inputs on the MAX146ACAP+T?
The MAX146ACAP+T supports analog source impedances up to 1kΩ without degrading AC performance; above this, acquisition time increases per tACQ = 9 × (RS + 9kΩ) × 16pF. For sources >1kΩ, a 0.01µF capacitor should be placed at each input to maintain accuracy-though this forms an RC filter limiting effective signal bandwidth. At RS = 10kΩ, tACQ extends to ~1.6µs, still within the 1.5µs minimum specification, but careful attention to hold-step settling is required to preserve 12-bit linearity in high-impedance sensor interfaces.
MAX146ACAP+T Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 133k
- Number of Inputs:
- 4, 8
- 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:
- 20-SSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX146ACAP+T FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX146ACAP+T through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX146ACAP+T 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 MAX146ACAP+T reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX146ACAP+T are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX146ACAP+T is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX146ACAP+T?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX146ACAP+T transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX146ACAP+T?
MAX146ACAP+T orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX146ACAP+T 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 MAX146ACAP+T?
For technical support, including MAX146ACAP+T datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX146ACAP+T requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX146ACAP+T is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX146ACAP+T 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 MAX146ACAP+T meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX146ACAP+T?
All MAX146ACAP+T units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX146ACAP+T, 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 MAX146ACAP+T part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX146ACAP+T:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX146ACAP+T Tags

-
ADC081C021CIMKX/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
MCP3021A5T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
TLA2024IRUGR
Texas Instruments

-
MCP3221A5T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A5T-I/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A4T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A6T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A0T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3221A1T-E/OT
Microchip Technology

-
ADC121S021CIMFX/NOPB
Texas Instruments

-
MCP3001-I/MS
Microchip Technology

-
MCP3001-I/SN
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
Jumper cables guide covering safe connection order, red and black clamp placement, final ground connection, cable gauge, length, clamp quality, copper vs CCA cables, jump starter comparison and battery…

