Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX159AEUA

Overview

MAX159AEUA from Maxim Integrated is a 10-bit pseudo-differential successive-approximation ADC with single +2.7V to +5.25V supply operation, 108ksps sampling rate, and SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 3-wire serial interface. It features internal track/hold, 2.5µs wake-up from shutdown, and operates in an 8-pin µMAX package rated for -40°C to +85°C - ideal for portable data logging and isolated data acquisition where low power and small footprint are critical.

For engineers reviewing the MAX159AEUA datasheet, MAX159AEUA pinout, MAX159AEUA application, or MAX159AEUA equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases, and validated alternative options - all grounded in Maxim's official specifications for the MAX159AEUA variant.

Technical Context

The MAX159AEUA implements a SAR architecture with integrated track/hold and laser-trimmed internal clock (±20% accuracy), supporting both internal clock mode (for SCLK < 100kHz or > 2.17MHz) and external clock mode (100kHz–2.17MHz). Its pseudo-differential input pair (CH+, CH−) samples only the CH+ signal while requiring CH− to remain stable within ±0.5LSB relative to GND during conversion.

Conversion timing is tightly controlled: 7.4µs conversion time, 2.5µs acquisition time, and 2.5µs wake-up from shutdown. The device uses a 16pF hold capacitor and 9kΩ input resistance, with input bandwidth specified at 2.25MHz (small-signal) and 1MHz (full-power), enabling undersampling of periodic signals when paired with anti-alias filtering.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX159AEUA is housed in an 8-pin µMAX package (3mm × 3mm, 0.5mm pitch), thermally enhanced with exposed pad, rated for -40°C to +85°C operation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 10-bit pseudo-differential ADC applications.

Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11100ETE+, the MAX159AEUA uniquely balances sub-µA shutdown, integrated T/H, and µMAX packaging - making it the optimal choice for space- and energy-constrained designs where 10-bit resolution suffices.

Availability

MAX159AEUA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for battery-powered data loggers, isolated industrial sensors, portable medical monitors, and process-control loop sensors requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX159AEUA 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 MAX157/MAX159 family was designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained data acquisition - delivering 10-bit precision with minimal external components and industry-standard serial interfaces.

FAQ

What is the maximum sampling rate of the MAX159AEUA?

The MAX159AEUA achieves a maximum sampling rate of 108ksps under external clock mode with fSCLK = 2.17MHz. This rate is sustained with full 10-bit accuracy and ±0.5 LSB INL. At lower throughput (e.g., 1ksps), supply current drops to 10µA, enabling ultra-low-power operation. The MAX159AEUA maintains this performance across its full operating temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

Does the MAX159AEUA require an external reference voltage?

Yes, the MAX159AEUA requires an external reference voltage applied to the REF pin. It accepts 0V to (VDD + 50mV), with 2.5V being the typical value for optimal noise and linearity. The device draws up to 250µA from the reference during conversion and requires a source impedance ≤10Ω; a 0.1µF ceramic capacitor must be placed directly at the REF pin for stability.

How does the pseudo-differential input of the MAX159AEUA differ from true differential operation?

The MAX159AEUA uses pseudo-differential input: only CH+ is actively sampled, while CH− serves as a stable reference node that must remain within ±0.5LSB of GND. Unlike true differential ADCs, it does not compute (CH+ − CH−); instead, CH− stabilizes the sampling node. This architecture simplifies sensor interfacing while providing common-mode noise immunity - confirmed in Maxim's datasheet Figure 3 and Detailed Description section.

What is the wake-up time from shutdown for the MAX159AEUA?

The MAX159AEUA wakes up from shutdown in 2.5µs after CS/SHDN transitions low, provided the external reference is stable to within 1 LSB. If the reference requires additional settling time, wake-up must be extended accordingly. This fast recovery enables efficient duty-cycled operation in battery-powered systems - a key specification validated in the Electrical Characteristics table under "Wake-Up Time" (tWAKE).

Which serial interface standards is the MAX159AEUA compatible with?

The MAX159AEUA is explicitly compatible with SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE serial interfaces, as stated in the General Description and Features sections. It operates with CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0, supports MSB-first 16-bit data frames (including EOC, CHID, and sub-bits), and clocks DOUT on the falling edge of SCLK - all confirmed in Figures 5–9 and Table 1 of the official datasheet.