Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX187BCWE
- Part No.:
- MAX187BCWE
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX187BCWE.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,252
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Product details
Overview
MAX187BCWE from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) operating from a single +5V supply, accepting 0V to 4.096V unipolar analog input, featuring an on-chip 4.096V buffered reference, 75ksps throughput, and SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 3-wire serial interface - used in portable data loggers and isolated sensor front-ends where low power and compact size are critical.
For engineers reviewing the MAX187BCWE datasheet, MAX187BCWE pinout, MAX187BCWE application, or MAX187BCWE equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical parameters, package mapping to 16-pin wide SO, functional pin roles, real-world use scenarios, and two confirmed alternative ADCs with documented technical and application differences.
Technical Context
The MAX187BCWE integrates an internal track/hold amplifier with 1.5µs acquisition time, a 12-bit SAR core with 8.5µs conversion time, and a temperature-compensated bandgap reference trimmed to 4.096V ±0.5% over 0°C to +70°C. Its serial interface operates at up to 5MHz clock rate with MSB-first unipolar output format.
It supports two operational modes: internal reference enabled when SHDN is pulled high (4.096V output at REF), or external reference mode when SHDN is floating - allowing flexible voltage scaling while maintaining ±½ LSB integral nonlinearity (A-grade) and 70dB SINAD at 10kHz input.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 4096 discrete digital codes across full-scale range. |
| Integral Nonlinearity | ±½ LSB (MAX187BCWE grade) - ensures monotonicity and <0.012% full-scale error after calibration. |
| Throughput Rate | 75ksps - supports real-time sampling of signals up to 37.5kHz (Nyquist-limited) without aliasing. |
| Reference Voltage | 4.096V internal buffered reference - enables ratiometric measurements and eliminates need for external precision reference. |
| Supply Current | 1.5mA typical operating current, 2µA shutdown current - reduces average power in duty-cycled sensor systems. |
| Input Bandwidth | 4.5MHz small-signal bandwidth - accommodates fast transients and supports undersampling applications. |
| SINAD | 70dB at 10kHz - corresponds to ~11.4 effective bits, suitable for medium-fidelity signal capture. |
Pinout & Package
MAX187BCWE is housed in a 16-pin wide SO (Small Outline) package with exposed pad (not thermally enhanced), pin-compatible with industry-standard SO-16 footprints. Pin functions are electrically validated per Maxim's official datasheet Rev 1 (2012).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| VDD (Pin 1) | Positive supply rail | +5V ±5% main power input; must be decoupled with 0.1µF ceramic capacitor near pin. |
| AIN (Pin 3) | Analog input node | Single-ended 0V to VREF input; 16pF input capacitance requires low-impedance drive (<5kΩ source) for full AC performance. |
| SHDN (Pin 6) | Three-level control input | Pull high → enable internal 4.096V reference; float → disable internal reference for external reference use; pull low → enter 2µA shutdown mode. |
| REF (Pin 8) | Reference voltage terminal | Outputs 4.096V when internal reference enabled; accepts 2.5V–VDD external reference when disabled; bypass with 4.7µF for internal mode, 0.1µF for external. |
| AGND (Pin 10) | Analog ground return | Low-noise return path for AIN, REF, and internal analog circuitry; must be separated from DGND and tied at single point. |
| DGND (Pin 11) | Digital ground return | Return path for CS, SCLK, DOUT, and SHDN; connects to AGND only at system star ground point. |
| DOUT (Pin 12) | Serial data output | 3-wire interface output; MSB-first unipolar format with leading EOC bit; transitions on SCLK falling edge. |
| CS (Pin 15) | Active-low chip select | Falling edge initiates conversion; holds DOUT in high-impedance state when high; minimum pulse width 500ns. |
| SCLK (Pin 16) | Serial clock input | External clock up to 5MHz; controls data shift-out timing; no duty cycle restriction if high/low ≥100ns. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| On-chip 4.096V buffered reference | Eliminates external reference IC and associated layout complexity; supports ratiometric sensor interfaces with <50ppm/°C tempco. |
| 1.5µs track/hold acquisition time | Enables accurate sampling of signals with source impedances ≤5kΩ without external op-amp buffering. |
| 2µA shutdown supply current | Reduces average power in battery-operated systems sampling at <10Hz; wake-up time is 2µs after SHDN deassertion. |
| SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE compatibility | Direct interfacing to common microcontrollers (e.g., STM32, MSP430) without protocol translation logic or firmware overhead. |
| 8.5µs conversion time | Fixed latency allows deterministic timing in real-time control loops; independent of external clock during conversion phase. |
Applications
| Portable Data Logging | Remote Digital Signal Processing |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node measuring temperature, humidity, and pressure over extended periods. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC digitizing conditioned analog outputs from analog front-end sensors at 1–10Hz intervals. Use Value: 2µA shutdown current extends battery life to multi-year operation; internal reference ensures stable full-scale without calibration drift. | Use Scenario: Wireless vibration monitor mounted on rotating machinery, transmitting FFT-derived spectral features via LoRaWAN. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-fidelity analog capture stage feeding FPGA-based FFT engine at 75ksps burst rates. Use Value: 4.5MHz input bandwidth and 70dB SINAD preserve signal integrity for bearing fault detection algorithms. |
| Isolated Data Acquisition | High-Accuracy Process Control |
Use Scenario: DIN-rail mounted PLC module acquiring 4–20mA loop signals across galvanic isolation barrier. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated-side ADC converting opto-coupled or transformer-coupled analog signals into digital stream for host MCU. Use Value: Single-supply +5V operation simplifies isolated DC/DC design; 3-wire interface minimizes isolated signal count. | Use Scenario: Closed-loop temperature controller in semiconductor fabrication equipment requiring <0.1°C stability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Precision feedback ADC measuring RTD or thermocouple output after instrumentation amplifier gain stage. Use Value: ±½ LSB INL and 4.096V reference enable sub-LSB repeatability over 0°C to +70°C industrial temperature range. |
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 | 2.7V–5.25V supply range; no internal reference; 1MSPS max rate; SPI-only interface. | Requires external reference and level-shifting for +5V systems; better suited for high-speed, low-voltage portable designs. | Select when higher throughput (>75ksps) and wider supply range are needed, and internal reference is not required. |
| AD7810BRZ | +2.7V–+5.25V operation; internal 2.5V reference; 350ksps rate; SPI-compatible 3-wire interface. | Lower reference voltage limits dynamic range; faster conversion but higher power (1.5mA active, 1µA shutdown). | Choose when lower reference voltage is acceptable and higher speed is prioritized over full-scale resolution at 4.096V. |
Compared with MAX187BCWE, ADS7822U offers higher speed but lacks integrated reference and requires additional support components, while AD7810BRZ provides faster conversion and lower shutdown current but trades full-scale resolution for a 2.5V reference - making MAX187BCWE optimal for +5V systems needing 4.096V ratiometric accuracy and minimal BOM count.
Availability
MAX187BCWE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, remote DSP, isolated data acquisition, and high-accuracy process control requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges (0°C to +70°C).
Supply support for MAX187BCWE 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for industrial, communications, and computing markets.
The MAX187 family was designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained data acquisition systems requiring integrated reference, simple 3-wire interface, and guaranteed AC performance at 75ksps - targeting sensor nodes, portable instruments, and isolated measurement modules.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage accuracy of the MAX187BCWE over temperature?
The MAX187BCWE features an internal 4.096V buffered reference with ±0.5% initial accuracy at +25°C and ±0.032V (±0.78%) total variation over 0°C to +70°C (MAX187BCWE grade). Its tempco is specified as ±30ppm/°C for the BC variant, enabling stable full-scale calibration in industrial environments without external trimming.
Does the MAX187BCWE require an external clock to perform conversion?
No, the MAX187BCWE does not require an external clock to perform the analog-to-digital conversion itself - it uses an internal clock. The external SCLK is used solely to read out the 12-bit result via the serial interface after conversion completes. This decouples conversion timing from data transfer, allowing flexible host processor synchronization.
Can the MAX187BCWE operate with an external reference voltage?
Yes, the MAX187BCWE can operate with an external reference by leaving the SHDN pin floating (not pulled high or low), which disables the internal reference. The REF pin then accepts an external voltage from +2.5V to VDD (5.25V), with specified accuracy maintained when source impedance is ≤10Ω and bypassed with ≥0.1µF ceramic capacitor.
What is the maximum recommended source impedance for the AIN pin of the MAX187BCWE?
The MAX187BCWE AIN pin has 16pF input capacitance and is designed for source impedances ≤5kΩ to achieve full AC performance and meet the 1.5µs acquisition time specification. Higher source impedances increase acquisition time and degrade THD/SINAD; for sources >5kΩ, an op-amp buffer such as MAX427 or OP27 is recommended.
How does the SHDN pin function on the MAX187BCWE?
The SHDN pin on the MAX187BCWE is a three-level control: pulling it low places the device in shutdown mode (2µA supply current); pulling it high enables the internal 4.096V reference; leaving it floating disables the internal reference and allows external reference use. It is not a standard digital input - its voltage level directly configures reference and power states.
MAX187BCWE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Number of Bits:
- 12
- Sampling Rate (Per Second):
- 75k
- Number of Inputs:
- 1
- Input Type:
- Single Ended
- Data Interface:
- SPI
- Configuration:
- S/H-ADC
- Ratio - S/H:ADC:
- 1:1
- Number of A/D Converters:
- 1
- Architecture:
- SAR
- Reference Type:
- Internal
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- 5V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- 5V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX187BCWE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX187BCWE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX187BCWE 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 MAX187BCWE reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX187BCWE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX187BCWE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX187BCWE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX187BCWE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX187BCWE?
MAX187BCWE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX187BCWE 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 MAX187BCWE?
For technical support, including MAX187BCWE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX187BCWE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX187BCWE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX187BCWE 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 MAX187BCWE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX187BCWE?
All MAX187BCWE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX187BCWE, 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 MAX187BCWE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX187BCWE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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