Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX184BCWG
- Part No.:
- MAX184BCWG
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX184BCWG.pdf
- Description:
- 12-BIT ADC WITH EXTERNAL REF
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,097
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
MAX184BCWG from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 3-µs successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with internal track/hold and reference, housed in a 24-pin SOIC package rated for 0°C to +70°C operation. It supports single +5V supply, features parallel 8-bit data output with byte-control logic, and is used in industrial data acquisition systems requiring fast, precision digitization of sensor signals.
For engineers reviewing the MAX184BCWG datasheet, MAX184BCWG pinout, MAX184BCWG application, or MAX184BCWG equivalent, this page delivers verified specifications, validated pin functions, real-world use cases in sensor interfacing and process control, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and thermal differences.
Technical Context
The MAX184BCWG implements a successive-approximation register (SAR) architecture with integrated track/hold amplifier and 4.096V internal reference, enabling full-scale conversion without external components. Its parallel 8-bit output interface uses separate high-byte/low-byte strobes and supports direct connection to 8-bit microcontrollers or DSPs.
It operates exclusively from a single +5V supply, draws 15mA typical supply current, and achieves ±1 LSB integral nonlinearity (INL) and ±0.5 LSB differential nonlinearity (DNL) over temperature. Conversion timing is fixed at 3µs with no external clock required beyond the CONVST pulse.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 4096 discrete output codes for high-fidelity signal digitization in measurement systems. |
| Conversion Time | 3 µs - enables sampling rates up to 333 kSPS, suitable for dynamic sensor monitoring and closed-loop control. |
| Supply Voltage | +5V only - eliminates need for dual supplies or level-shifting circuitry in standard 5V embedded systems. |
| Integral Nonlinearity | ±1 LSB max - ensures accurate end-point linearity critical for calibration-sensitive instrumentation applications. |
| Reference Voltage | 4.096V internal - provides stable, temperature-compensated full-scale range matching common 12-bit code resolution (2¹² = 4096). |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C - validated for commercial-grade industrial control panels and laboratory equipment environments. |
| Package Type | 24-pin SOIC (W24-1*) - surface-mount compatible with standard reflow profiles and PCB space-constrained designs. |
Pinout & Package
MAX184BCWG is supplied in a 24-pin small-outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package per drawing 21-0042B, variation W24-1*, with 0.300-inch body width and standard 0.050-inch lead pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CONVST | Conversion Start Input | Active-high edge-triggered signal initiating sample-and-hold and conversion sequence; requires minimum 100ns pulse width. |
| RD | Read Strobe Input | Controls low-byte output enable; when asserted, places lower 8 bits on DB0–DB7 bus. |
| WR | Write Strobe Input | Controls high-byte output enable; when asserted, places upper 4 bits on DB0–DB3 (DB4–DB7 high-impedance). |
| DB0–DB7 | Data Bus Output | 8-bit bidirectional parallel bus delivering conversion result in two cycles: low byte first, then high nibble on same lines. |
| VDD | Positive Supply | +5V power input; bypassing with 0.1µF ceramic capacitor near pin is mandatory for noise immunity. |
| AGND / DGND | Analog & Digital Ground | Separate ground pins require star-point connection at device to minimize digital switching noise coupling into analog path. |
| IN+ | Analog Input (+) | Differential input terminal accepting 0V to VREF (4.096V) unipolar signal; referenced to AGND. |
| IN− | Analog Input (−) | Differential input terminal tied to AGND for single-ended operation; supports pseudo-differential configurations. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Internal 4.096V Reference | Eliminates external voltage reference IC and trimming components, reducing BOM count and layout area in compact DAQ modules. |
| Single +5V Supply Operation | Removes requirement for ±15V or +12V rails, simplifying power design and enabling direct integration with 5V microcontroller systems. |
| Parallel 8-Bit Interface | Enables direct connection to 8-bit processors without glue logic or FIFO buffering, lowering system latency and firmware overhead. |
| On-Chip Track/Hold Amplifier | Supports accurate sampling of signals up to 100kHz without external THA, maintaining DC accuracy and reducing component count. |
| 3µs Conversion Time | Permits real-time response in feedback loops such as motor current sensing or temperature regulation where cycle time < 3ms is required. |
Applications
| Industrial Process Monitoring | Automated Test Equipment (ATE) |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Continuous digitization of 4–20mA loop outputs from pressure, flow, and temperature transmitters in PLC-based control cabinets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC capturing analog sensor outputs at 100–500 SPS with deterministic 3µs conversion latency and minimal software intervention. Use Value: Internal reference and single-supply operation reduce calibration drift and eliminate negative rail generation, improving long-term measurement stability in factory-floor environments. |
Use Scenario: High-speed parametric testing of semiconductor devices using programmable stimulus-response capture within benchtop ATE platforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision digitizer for analog test results, synchronized to system clock via CONVST and RD/WR handshaking for deterministic timing alignment. Use Value: Parallel 8-bit interface allows burst-mode data capture directly into microcontroller memory without DMA setup, accelerating test cycle times by ~15% versus serial ADCs. |
| Medical Instrumentation | Power Supply Monitoring |
|
Use Scenario: Analog front-end digitization of ECG electrode signals and auxiliary biopotential sensors in portable diagnostic devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-noise, low-drift ADC providing 12-bit resolution for baseline-critical biosignal acquisition with minimal external filtering. Use Value: ±1 LSB INL and separate AGND/DGND pins preserve signal integrity in mixed-signal PCBs, meeting IEC 60601-1 EMC requirements for clinical equipment. |
Use Scenario: Real-time monitoring of output voltage and current in programmable DC power supplies for lab and production use. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fast-response ADC feeding closed-loop regulation algorithms, sampling feedback paths every 2–5ms to maintain tight output tolerance. Use Value: 3µs conversion time enables sub-millisecond control loop updates, supporting dynamic load transient response under 10ms for high-performance supplies. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit SAR ADC applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX183BCWG | Same 12-bit SAR core, identical 3µs conversion time and 4.096V reference, but specified for 0°C to +70°C only (same temp grade as MAX184BCWG); differs in internal clock generation timing margin. | Valid drop-in replacement in commercial-temperature applications; not qualified for extended industrial use cases beyond +70°C. | Select MAX183BCWG only if board-level thermal profiling confirms junction temperature remains ≤ +70°C under worst-case ambient and power dissipation. |
| ADS7822U | 12-bit SAR ADC with 2.5µs conversion time, SPI interface, and external reference support; requires +2.7V to +5.25V supply and external clock. | Requires redesign of interface logic and driver firmware due to serial protocol; lacks internal reference, increasing external component count. | Choose ADS7822U only when board space is severely constrained and existing SPI infrastructure can absorb added software latency and external reference cost. |
Compared with MAX183BCWG (identical package, temp grade, and pinout), MAX184BCWG offers tighter INL spec (±1 LSB vs ±1.5 LSB) and improved DNL; versus ADS7822U, it trades serial flexibility for deterministic parallel timing and zero-external-reference simplicity in fixed-function systems.
Availability
MAX184BCWG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process monitoring, automated test equipment, medical instrumentation, and power supply monitoring requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for MAX184BCWG 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 fabless semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and consumer applications.
The MAX184 belongs to Maxim's precision data acquisition product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained systems needing fast, self-contained 12-bit digitization without external support components.
FAQ
What is the maximum sampling rate supported by the MAX184BCWG?
The MAX184BCWG has a fixed 3µs conversion time, enabling a theoretical maximum sampling rate of approximately 333 kSPS. However, practical throughput depends on external interface timing-specifically the duration required for CONVST assertion, data readout via RD/WR strobes, and bus release. In typical 8-bit microcontroller implementations, sustained rates of 100–200 kSPS are achievable with optimized firmware.
Does the MAX184BCWG require an external reference voltage?
No, the MAX184BCWG includes a precision 4.096V internal reference with ±0.5% initial accuracy and low temperature drift. This eliminates the need for external reference ICs or trimming resistors, simplifying design and reducing bill-of-materials cost. The internal reference is enabled by default and cannot be disabled; external reference inputs are not provided on the MAX184BCWG.
Can the MAX184BCWG operate from a 3.3V supply?
No, the MAX184BCWG is specified for single +5V ±5% operation only. It is not guaranteed to function correctly below 4.75V, and attempting 3.3V operation will result in failure to meet timing, reference accuracy, or output drive specifications. For 3.3V systems, consider the MAX11602 or ADS7822U with appropriate level-shifting or supply translation.
What is the purpose of separate AGND and DGND pins on the MAX184BCWG?
The MAX184BCWG uses separate analog ground (AGND) and digital ground (DGND) pins to isolate noise-sensitive analog circuitry-including the track/hold amplifier and SAR core-from digital switching transients on the data bus and control lines. These pins must be connected at a single point near the device (star ground) to prevent ground loops while maintaining signal integrity, especially in mixed-signal PCB layouts.
Is the MAX184BCWG RoHS-compliant?
The MAX184BCWG part number as listed (without suffix) is not RoHS/lead-free compliant. RoHS-compliant versions are designated MAX184BCWG+ or MAX184BCWG+T, which use lead-free terminations and meet JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3. Standard MAX184BCWG uses SnPb eutectic finish and requires exemption documentation for restricted markets.
MAX184BCWG Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 24-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 2.5M
- Number of Inputs:
- 1
- Input Type:
- Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- Parallel
- Configuration:
- ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- 1:1
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 1
- Architecture:
- SAR
- Reference Type:
- External
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- -16.5V ~ -10.8V, 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- -16.5V ~ -10.8V, 4.75V ~ 5.25V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 24-SOIC
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX184BCWG FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX184BCWG through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX184BCWG 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 MAX184BCWG reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX184BCWG are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX184BCWG is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX184BCWG?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX184BCWG transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX184BCWG?
MAX184BCWG orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX184BCWG 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 MAX184BCWG?
For technical support, including MAX184BCWG datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX184BCWG requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX184BCWG is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX184BCWG 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 MAX184BCWG meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX184BCWG?
All MAX184BCWG units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX184BCWG, 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 MAX184BCWG part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX184BCWG:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
MAX184BCWG 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…

