Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX146ACPP
- Part No.:
- MAX146ACPP
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX146ACPP.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 20DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:3,835
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Product details
Overview
The MAX146ACPP 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, supports software-configurable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential inputs, and delivers 133ksps conversion rate with 1.2mA active current. It is used in portable data loggers and battery-powered medical instruments requiring low-power precision digitization.
For engineers reviewing the MAX146ACPP datasheet, MAX146ACPP pinout, MAX146ACPP application, or MAX146ACPP equivalent, key selection considerations include its 20-pin PDIP package, internal reference architecture, SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 4-wire interface, and shutdown current of 1µA - critical for energy-constrained embedded sensing systems.
Technical Context
The MAX146ACPP employs successive-approximation (SAR) architecture with an on-chip track/hold circuit that acquires input signals within 1.5µs. Its analog front-end supports pseudo-differential sampling via configurable channel pairs (e.g., CH0/CH1), where only the IN+ node is actively sampled while IN− must remain stable to ±0.5LSB.
Conversion is clocked either by an internal oscillator or externally via SCLK (up to 2.0MHz), with timing controlled by an 8-bit software-defined control byte. The device features a hard-wired SHDN pin and software-selectable power-down modes - including full power-down (1µA) and fast power-down (54µA at 1ksps) - enabling dynamic power management between conversions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit SAR - delivers 1 LSB = 610µV at 2.5V reference, sufficient for 0.024% full-scale accuracy in sensor interfaces. |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps at 2MHz external clock - enables real-time monitoring of sub-10kHz physiological or industrial signals. |
| INL / DNL | ±0.5 LSB integral nonlinearity, ±0.8 LSB differential nonlinearity - ensures monotonicity and <0.012% measurement error across full scale. |
| Reference | Internal 2.500V ±0.8% (TYP) reference with ±1.5% adjustment range via REFADJ - eliminates need for external voltage reference in space-constrained designs. |
| Supply Current | 1.2mA at 133ksps / 54µA at 1ksps / 1µA in power-down - supports multi-year operation on coin-cell batteries in portable instrumentation. |
| Input Configuration | 8-channel single-ended OR 4-channel differential - provides flexible signal routing for mixed-signal acquisition without external multiplexers. |
| Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible 4-wire serial - integrates directly with common microcontrollers without level-shifting or glue logic. |
Pinout & Package
MAX146ACPP is housed in a 20-pin plastic DIP (dual in-line package) with 0.3-inch body width, through-hole mounting, and industry-standard pin spacing (0.1 inch). Pin 1 is marked with a notch or dot; pins are numbered counter-clockwise from top-left corner when viewed from component side.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1–8 (CH0–CH7) | Analog input channels | Eight independent sampling nodes; configurable as single-ended (vs. COM) or differential pairs (e.g., CH0/CH1); each has 16pF input capacitance and ±0.3V overvoltage tolerance. |
| 9 (COM) | Common-mode reference | Ground reference for analog inputs; sets zero-code voltage in single-ended mode; must be stable to ±0.5LSB during conversion. |
| 10 (SHDN) | Three-level shutdown control | Pull low → full shutdown (1µA); float → external compensation mode; pull high → internal compensation mode - enables reference buffer configuration without extra pins. |
| 11 (VREF) | Reference output/input | 2.500V nominal output (MAX146 only); serves as ADC reference; buffered and adjustable via REFADJ; requires 4.7µF bypass capacitor in internal mode. |
| 12 (REFADJ) | Reference buffer adjustment | Adjusts VREF ±1.5%; tie to VDD to disable internal reference buffer - required when using external reference (MAX147) but functional in MAX146 for fine-tuning. |
| 13 (AGND) | Analog ground | Separate ground return for analog circuitry; must be isolated from DGND to minimize noise coupling into 12-bit conversion path. |
| 14 (DGND) | Digital ground | Ground return for digital I/O and logic; connects to system digital plane; AGND and DGND tied at single point near VDD decoupling. |
| 15 (DOUT) | Serial data output | 3-state output clocked on SCLK falling edge; MSB-first format; high-impedance when CS is high - allows daisy-chaining multiple devices on shared bus. |
| 16 (SSTRB) | Serial strobe output | Indicates conversion progress: pulses high before MSB in external clock mode; goes low at conversion start and high at completion in internal mode - synchronizes DSP capture without polling. |
| 17 (DIN) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit control byte on SCLK rising edge; first '1' bit defines MSB; supports continuous streaming with minimal CPU overhead. |
| 18 (CS) | Chip select | Active-low enable; must be held low for entire 8-bit control write and 12-bit read sequence; disables DOUT/SSTRB when high. |
| 19 (SCLK) | Serial clock input | Drives data transfer and (in external mode) conversion timing; 50% duty cycle required; max 2MHz frequency limits minimum conversion time to 7.5µs. |
| 20 (VDD) | Positive supply | +2.7V to +3.6V single supply; powers analog and digital sections; requires local 0.1µF + 4.7µF decoupling at pin to suppress switching noise. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal 2.5V reference with ±1.5% adjustability | Eliminates external reference IC and associated layout area; REFADJ pin enables calibration trimming to compensate for board-level drift. |
| Software-configurable input modes | Single control byte selects unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential operation - enables runtime reconfiguration for multi-sensor platforms without hardware changes. |
| Three power-down states | Full shutdown (1µA), fast shutdown (54µA), and automatic post-conversion shutdown - reduces average current by >99% in low-duty-cycle data logging. |
| Track/hold acquisition time ≤1.5µs | Supports accurate sampling of signals up to 2.25MHz bandwidth; acquisition window defined by SCLK edges, enabling deterministic timing in real-time systems. |
| SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320 compatibility | Direct connection to industry-standard controllers without protocol translation; CPOL=0/CPHA=0 configuration matches most MCU SPI peripherals out-of-box. |
| Channel-to-channel offset matching ±0.25 LSB | Ensures consistent baseline across all 8 inputs - critical for ratiometric measurements in multi-channel thermocouple or strain-gauge arrays. |
Applications
| Portable Data Logging | Medical Instrumentation |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node recording temperature, humidity, and pressure every 10 seconds over 2 years. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC acquiring 8 analog sensor outputs sequentially; internal reference ensures stable scaling across temperature; SHDN pin enables sleep between samples. Use Value: 1µA shutdown current extends CR2032 battery life beyond 24 months; 12-bit resolution captures <0.1°C thermal changes without external amplification. |
Use Scenario: Handheld ECG monitor digitizing lead-I, II, III, aVR, aVL, aVF, V1–V6 signals with real-time waveform display. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multi-channel front-end ADC performing simultaneous pseudo-differential sampling; bipolar mode supports ±1.25V cardiac signal range; SSTRB synchronizes with display controller. Use Value: ±0.5 LSB INL preserves diagnostic fidelity; 133ksps rate supports Nyquist sampling of 50kHz transients; single-supply operation simplifies power design. |
| Battery-Powered Test Equipment | Industrial Process Monitoring |
Use Scenario: Pocket-sized multimeter measuring DC voltage, current, resistance, and diode drop with auto-ranging and backlit LCD. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Core acquisition engine handling 8 input ranges via external op-amp gain stages; unipolar mode digitizes 0–2.5V scaled outputs; REFADJ trims reference for factory calibration. Use Value: Internal 2.5V reference removes calibration dependency on external parts; 54µA fast power-down cuts current during display update cycles. |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted PLC module monitoring 4 pressure transducers and 4 RTD temperature sensors in HVAC control cabinet. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual ADC instance per module (one per 4-channel group); differential mode rejects common-mode noise on 2-wire 4–20mA loops; COM pin referenced to loop ground. Use Value: ±0.25 LSB channel matching ensures consistent PID loop response across all zones; SPI interface enables compact FPGA-based controller integration. |
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 +5.25V, no internal reference, requires external 2.5V ref | Higher speed but lacks integrated reference and shutdown flexibility; needs additional ref IC and decoupling | Select when sampling rate >133ksps is mandatory and board space allows external reference. |
| MAX11131AUT+ | 12-bit, 500ksps, +2.7V to +3.6V, internal reference, SPI-only (no MICROWIRE/QSPI), 10-pin µDFN | Smaller footprint and higher speed, but incompatible with legacy MICROWIRE controllers and lacks SSTRB strobe | Select for new ultra-compact designs targeting modern MCUs with SPI-only peripherals and no need for TMS320 sync. |
Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11131AUT+, the MAX146ACPP uniquely balances integrated reference, multi-protocol serial support, and three-tier power management - making it optimal for retrofitting legacy industrial controllers and extending battery life in field-deployed instrumentation.
Availability
MAX146ACPP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, medical instrumentation, and battery-powered test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for MAX146ACPP 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 and mixed-signal ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX146 series belongs to Maxim's precision data-acquisition product line, designed specifically for low-power, multi-channel digitization in space- and energy-constrained embedded systems where integration, reliability, and ease of interface are critical.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX146ACPP?
The MAX146ACPP is rated for 0°C to +70°C ambient operation, as indicated by the 'C' grade suffix in its ordering code. This commercial-grade temperature range is validated per Maxim's datasheet specifications and supports deployment in indoor instrumentation, handheld tools, and non-extreme industrial environments. The MAX146ACPP maintains full DC accuracy and dynamic performance across this range, including ±0.5 LSB INL and 1.2mA supply current at 133ksps.
Does the MAX146ACPP require an external reference voltage?
No, the MAX146ACPP does not require an external reference voltage because it integrates a precision 2.500V ±0.8% internal reference with ±1.5% adjustment range via the REFADJ pin. This internal reference is enabled by default and bypassed with a 4.7µF capacitor on VREF. External reference use is unnecessary unless tighter initial accuracy or different voltage levels are needed - which would require disabling the internal buffer by pulling REFADJ to VDD.
How many analog input channels does the MAX146ACPP support, and how are they configured?
The MAX146ACPP supports eight analog input channels (CH0–CH7) that can be configured in two modes via an 8-bit control byte: eight single-ended inputs referenced to COM, or four differential pairs (CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, CH4/CH5, CH6/CH7). Configuration is software-selectable per conversion, allowing dynamic reassignment without hardware changes. The COM pin serves as the common-mode reference and must remain stable to ±0.5LSB during acquisition.
What serial interface protocols is the MAX146ACPP compatible with?
The MAX146ACPP supports SPI™, QSPI™, and MICROWIRE™ protocols natively through its 4-wire interface (DIN, DOUT, SCLK, CS), plus direct TMS320-family DSP synchronization via the SSTRB pin. It requires CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0 for SPI compatibility and operates with SCLK frequencies up to 2.0MHz. No external logic or level shifters are needed - the interface drives standard CMOS inputs and tolerates 0.1–2.0MHz clock rates for flexible MCU integration.
What power management features does the MAX146ACPP offer?
The MAX146ACPP offers three distinct power management states: full power-down (1µA), fast power-down (54µA at 1ksps), and automatic shutdown after conversion. Power state is selected via PD1/PD0 bits in the control byte or the hard-wired SHDN pin. Entering power-down between conversions reduces average current dramatically - e.g., from 1.2mA to <10µA at 10Hz sampling - extending battery life in portable applications without sacrificing startup latency.
MAX146ACPP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- 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-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX146ACPP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX146ACPP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX146ACPP 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 MAX146ACPP reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX146ACPP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX146ACPP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX146ACPP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX146ACPP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX146ACPP?
MAX146ACPP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX146ACPP 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 MAX146ACPP?
For technical support, including MAX146ACPP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX146ACPP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX146ACPP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX146ACPP 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 MAX146ACPP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX146ACPP?
All MAX146ACPP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX146ACPP, 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 MAX146ACPP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX146ACPP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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