Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX159ACPA
- Part No.:
- MAX159ACPA
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX159ACPA.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 10BIT SAR 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,061
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Product details
Overview
MAX159ACPA from Maxim Integrated is a 10-bit pseudo-differential successive-approximation ADC with 108ksps sampling rate, single +2.7V to +5.25V supply operation, SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 3-wire serial interface, and on-chip track/hold - designed for precision data acquisition in space-constrained, battery-powered instrumentation and portable medical devices.
For engineers reviewing the MAX159ACPA datasheet, MAX159ACPA pinout, MAX159ACPA application, or MAX159ACPA equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, µMAX-8 package terminal mapping, real-world use cases in isolated sensing and system supervision, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.
Technical Context
The MAX159ACPA implements a SAR architecture with integrated track/hold, where CH+ and CH− form a pseudo-differential input pair: only CH+ is sampled while CH− must remain stable within ±0.5LSB (±0.1LSB optimal) relative to GND during conversion. Acquisition time is 2.5µs, and conversion time is fixed at 7.4µs using an external 2.17MHz SCLK or internal oscillator.
It operates exclusively in pseudo-differential mode (unlike the MAX157's dual single-ended channels), requires an external reference (0–VDD+50mV), and uses CS/SHDN as both active-low chip select and active-high shutdown control - enabling automatic <0.2µA power-down when deselected.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 10-bit - delivers 1024 discrete output codes over full-scale range |
| Sampling Rate | 108ksps - supports real-time capture of signals up to ~50kHz Nyquist bandwidth |
| INL (Integral Nonlinearity) | ±0.5 LSB - ensures monotonicity and ≤0.05% full-scale linearity error across temperature |
| Power Consumption | 0.9mA at 108ksps / <0.2µA in shutdown - enables multi-year battery life in low-duty-cycle logging |
| Reference Input Range | 0V to VDD+50mV - allows flexible reference selection including internal LDO-derived or external precision sources |
| Small-Signal Bandwidth | 2.25MHz - supports accurate digitization of fast transients without external T/H stage |
| Serial Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 3-wire - interoperates with standard microcontroller peripherals without protocol translation |
Pinout & Package
MAX159ACPA is housed in an 8-pin µMAX package (3mm × 3mm, 0.8mm height), thermally enhanced with exposed pad, rated for 0°C to +70°C operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD (Pin 1) | Positive supply input | Accepts +2.7V to +5.25V; powers analog and digital sections; bypassing with 0.1µF capacitor required |
| CH+ (Pin 2) | Analog input positive | Pseudo-differential signal input; sampled during acquisition; common-mode range = GND to VDD |
| CH− (Pin 3) | Analog input negative | Reference return node; must be held stable within ±0.5LSB of GND during conversion |
| GND (Pin 4) | Analog/digital ground | Single-point connection for analog and digital returns; critical for noise rejection and INL performance |
| REF (Pin 5) | External reference input | Sets full-scale voltage; requires ≥18kΩ DC input resistance and ≤10Ω source impedance |
| CS/SHDN (Pin 6) | Chip-select / shutdown control | Active-low CS initiates conversion; high level forces <0.2µA shutdown with 2.5µs wake-up |
| SCLK (Pin 7) | Serial clock input | Drives conversion timing in external mode; selects internal/external clock on CS/SHDN falling edge |
| DOUT (Pin 8) | Serial data output | 3-wire MSB-first stream (16-bit format); high-impedance when CS/SHDN = high |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Pseudo-differential input architecture | Enables rejection of common-mode noise on CH− while sampling only CH+, simplifying sensor interfacing in noisy industrial environments |
| Automatic power-down on CS deassertion | Reduces average current to sub-microamp level between conversions - essential for duty-cycled sensor nodes |
| Internal track/hold with 2.5µs acquisition | Eliminates need for external sample-and-hold circuitry, reducing BOM count and PCB area in compact designs |
| 16-bit serial output format with channel ID | Provides unambiguous identification of conversion source and end-of-conversion flag (EOC bit) for deterministic firmware timing |
| ±0.5 LSB INL over 0°C to +70°C | Guarantees monotonic behavior and <0.05% full-scale linearity error without calibration across commercial temperature range |
Applications
| Battery-Powered Data Loggers | Isolated Industrial Sensors |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Continuous voltage/current monitoring in remote environmental sensors powered by coin-cell batteries. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Pseudo-differential ADC digitizing isolated bridge outputs via optocoupled reference and supply rails. Use Value: 0.9mA active current and <0.2µA shutdown enable >5-year battery life at 10s sampling intervals without sacrificing 10-bit resolution. |
Use Scenario: High-voltage motor phase current sensing with galvanic isolation between power stage and controller. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Front-end ADC capturing differential shunt voltage with common-mode rejection on CH− tied to isolated ground. Use Value: 2.25MHz small-signal bandwidth and ±0.5 LSB INL preserve accuracy of fast current transients despite isolation-induced delays. |
| Portable Medical Instrumentation | Embedded System Supervision |
Use Scenario: ECG front-end signal chain in handheld diagnostic devices requiring low-noise, low-power analog capture. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Digitizing amplified, filtered biopotential signals referenced to patient-isolated ground. Use Value: Single-supply +2.7V operation and internal track/hold eliminate need for dual-rail supplies and external T/H, shrinking form factor. |
Use Scenario: Real-time monitoring of rail voltages, temperatures, and fan speeds in network equipment and industrial controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Multi-channel supervision ADC scanning system parameters at 100ksps with minimal CPU overhead. Use Value: SPI-compatible 3-wire interface and 16-bit deterministic output format simplify firmware integration and reduce interrupt latency. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit pseudo-differential ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADS7822U | 12-bit resolution, 200ksps, +2.7V to +5.25V, but requires external reference buffer and has no internal track/hold | Higher resolution suits precision metrology; lacks integrated T/H, increasing design complexity for fast signals | Select when ENOB > 11 bits is mandatory and board space allows external support circuitry |
| AD7476ARMZ | 12-bit, 1MSPS, +2.7V to +5.25V, SPI-only interface, no pseudo-differential mode - single-ended only | Targeted at high-speed single-ended acquisition; incompatible with CH+/CH− differential sensor topologies | Choose only if redesigning sensor interface to single-ended and throughput >100ksps is required |
Compared with MAX159ACPA, ADS7822U offers higher resolution but demands external signal conditioning, while AD7476ARMZ provides greater speed yet abandons pseudo-differential capability - making MAX159ACPA uniquely suited for compact, low-power, isolated differential sensing without added components.
Availability
MAX159ACPA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered data loggers, isolated industrial sensors, portable medical instrumentation, and embedded system supervision requiring stable component supply across commercial temperature range and long-term production continuity.
Supply support for MAX159ACPA 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, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.
The MAX159ACPA belongs to Maxim's low-power serial ADC product line, engineered for precision data acquisition in space- and energy-constrained systems where integration, small footprint, and guaranteed linearity are critical.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range of the MAX159ACPA?
The MAX159ACPA is specified for 0°C to +70°C operation, as indicated by the 'C' suffix in its ordering code. This commercial-grade temperature range is validated across all key specifications including INL (±0.5 LSB), gain error (±2 LSB), and power consumption (0.9mA typical at 108ksps). It is not rated for extended industrial or automotive temperature ranges.
Does the MAX159ACPA support true differential input mode?
No, the MAX159ACPA implements pseudo-differential input architecture: only the CH+ pin is actively sampled, while CH− serves as a stable reference return node that must remain within ±0.5LSB of GND during conversion. True differential operation - where both inputs swing symmetrically around a common-mode voltage - is not supported by the MAX159ACPA.
How does the MAX159ACPA handle reference voltage sourcing?
The MAX159ACPA requires an external reference applied to the REF pin, with a valid range of 0V to VDD+50mV. The device draws up to 250µA DC load current during conversion and demands ≤10Ω source impedance. A 0.1µF ceramic capacitor must be placed directly at the REF pin for stability and noise reduction, as specified in the datasheet.
Can the MAX159ACPA be used with a 1.8V supply?
No - the MAX159ACPA has a minimum supply voltage of +2.7V per its Absolute Maximum Ratings and Electrical Characteristics tables. Operation below +2.7V is not characterized, and functionality including conversion accuracy, timing, and power-down behavior is not guaranteed. For 1.8V systems, consider newer alternatives like the MAX11100 series.
What is the function of the CS/SHDN pin on the MAX159ACPA?
The CS/SHDN pin on the MAX159ACPA serves dual roles: as an active-low chip-select input to initiate conversion and serial data transfer, and as an active-high shutdown control. When pulled high, the device enters shutdown mode drawing <0.2µA, and wakes up in 2.5µs upon falling edge - enabling precise power gating in low-duty-cycle applications.
MAX159ACPA Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Number of Bits:
- 10
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 108k
- Number of Inputs:
- 1
- Input Type:
- Pseudo-Differential
- 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
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 2.7V ~ 5.25V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 2.7V ~ 5.25V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX159ACPA FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX159ACPA through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX159ACPA 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 MAX159ACPA reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX159ACPA are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX159ACPA is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX159ACPA?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX159ACPA transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX159ACPA?
MAX159ACPA orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX159ACPA 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 MAX159ACPA?
For technical support, including MAX159ACPA datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX159ACPA requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX159ACPA is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX159ACPA 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 MAX159ACPA meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX159ACPA?
All MAX159ACPA units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX159ACPA, 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 MAX159ACPA part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX159ACPA:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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