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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX188BCAP
- Part No.:
- MAX188BCAP
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
- Package:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX188BCAP.pdf
- Description:
- IC ADC 12BIT SAR 20SSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,611
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Product details
Overview
MAX188BCAP from Maxim Integrated is a 12-bit, 8-channel serial analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with software-configurable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential inputs, internal track/hold, and SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible 4-wire interface. It operates on single +5V or dual ±5V supplies and supports up to 133ksps sampling at 2MHz external clock. Designed for portable data logging and battery-powered instrumentation, it achieves 70dB SINAD and consumes only 1.5mA in active mode.
For engineers reviewing the MAX188BCAP datasheet, MAX188BCAP pinout, MAX188BCAP application, or MAX188BCAP equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, real-world design meaning of key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative parts with documented differences, and supply-chain support details specific to the MAX188BCAP SSOP-20 package.
Technical Context
The MAX188BCAP implements successive-approximation (SAR) conversion with an integrated track/hold circuit that acquires input signals in 1.5µs and supports 4.5MHz small-signal bandwidth. Its analog front-end allows pseudo-differential sampling across four channel pairs (CH0/CH1 through CH6/CH7) or eight single-ended channels (CH0–CH7), with input ranges configurable via control-byte bits UNI/BIP and SGL/DIF.
It uses either an internal 5.5–10MHz clock or an external 2MHz serial clock for conversion timing; SSTRB output provides precise conversion start/complete strobing. Unlike the MAX186, the MAX188BCAP requires an external reference voltage applied to VREF (typically 4.096V), while its REFADJ pin enables gain adjustment via a buffered amplifier with 1.638× gain.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 12-bit - delivers 1 LSB = 0.024% full-scale accuracy for high-precision sensor digitization. |
| Sampling Rate | 133ksps - supports real-time monitoring of fast transients in industrial control loops. |
| Supply Current | 1.5mA (active), 2µA (full power-down) - enables microamp-level sleep modes in battery-operated systems. |
| Input Configuration | 8 single-ended or 4 differential channels - reduces external multiplexer count in multi-sensor DAQ designs. |
| SINAD | 70dB at 10kHz - ensures clean digitization of audio-band and low-noise sensor signals. |
| Reference Requirement | External 4.096V at VREF - decouples reference stability from IC process variation, enabling calibrated metrology-grade performance. |
| Serial Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320-compatible 4-wire - eliminates level-shifting or protocol translation in existing µC-based systems. |
Pinout & Package
MAX188BCAP is housed in a 20-pin shrink small-outline package (SSOP), occupying 30% less PCB area than an 8-pin PDIP. The package is RoHS-compliant and lead(Pb)-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CH0–CH7 (Pins 1–8) | Analog input channels | Selectable as single-ended (vs AGND) or differential pairs (e.g., CH0+/CH1−); input protection clamps to VSS/VDD ±0.3V. |
| VSS (Pin 9) | Negative supply rail | Accepts 0V (unipolar) or –5V ±5% (bipolar); defines common-mode range from VSS to VDD for all analog inputs. |
| SHDN (Pin 10) | Three-level shutdown control | Low = 10µA shutdown; high = internal compensation; open = external compensation - enables flexible power management without external logic. |
| VREF (Pin 11) | Reference voltage terminal | Input for external 4.096V reference; also outputs buffered reference (1.638 × REFADJ) - simplifies precision gain calibration. |
| REFADJ (Pin 12) | Reference buffer adjust input | Connect to precision voltage source to set VREF output; disable buffer by tying to VDD - supports custom reference scaling. |
| AGND (Pin 13) | Analog ground return | Common return for analog inputs and IN− in single-ended mode; must be isolated from DGND per layout best practices. |
| DGND (Pin 14) | Digital ground return | Return path for digital I/O; separation from AGND minimizes noise coupling into conversion results. |
| DOUT (Pin 15) | Serial data output | MSB-first 12-bit result clocked on SCLK falling edge; high-impedance when CS is high - enables bus sharing. |
| SSTRB (Pin 16) | Serial strobe output | Pulses high before MSB in external clock mode; goes low→high to signal conversion completion in internal clock mode - synchronizes host µC read timing. |
| DIN (Pin 17) | Serial data input | Accepts 8-bit control byte (START, SEL2–SEL0, UNI/BIP, SGL/DIF, PD1/PD0) on SCLK rising edge - configures channel, mode, and clock source per conversion. |
| CS (Pin 18) | Chip select | Active-low enable; disables DOUT/SSTRB when high - allows multiple ADCs on shared serial bus. |
| SCLK (Pin 19) | Serial clock input | Drives data transfer and (in external mode) conversion timing; 40–60% duty cycle required - sets maximum throughput and noise immunity. |
| VDD (Pin 20) | Positive supply rail | +5V ±5%; powers analog and digital sections; PSR of ±0.06mV ensures stable conversion under supply ripple. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Software-configurable input modes | Single control byte selects unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential operation - eliminates hardware jumpers and simplifies firmware-driven sensor reconfiguration. |
| Two power-down modes | Fast (30µA) and full (2µA) shutdown - enables adaptive power gating between conversions to extend battery life in portable instruments. |
| Internal track/hold with 1.5µs acquisition | Removes need for external hold capacitor and driver op-amp - reduces BOM count and layout complexity in space-constrained designs. |
| Reference-buffer amplifier with gain trim | 1.638× gain and REFADJ pin allow precise scaling of external references - supports calibration to NIST-traceable standards without laser trimming. |
| 4-wire serial interface compatibility | Native SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE/TMS320 timing - integrates directly with C2000, STM32, and MSP430 families without glue logic or firmware abstraction layers. |
Applications
| Portable Data Logging | Data-Acquisition Systems |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Battery-powered environmental sensor node recording temperature, humidity, and pressure over 72-hour deployments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary ADC digitizing 8 analog sensor outputs sequentially via internal multiplexer; synchronized to µC's low-power sleep/wake cycles. Use Value: 2µA full power-down current extends battery life to >1 year on two AA cells; 12-bit resolution captures sub-degree thermal drift. |
Use Scenario: Rack-mounted industrial DAQ unit acquiring vibration, current, and voltage signals from motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-accuracy front-end ADC with differential inputs rejecting common-mode noise from 4–20mA loops and PWM inverters. Use Value: –85dB channel-to-channel crosstalk prevents cross-talk between phase-current measurements; 70dB SINAD preserves signal integrity in EMI-heavy factory floors. |
| Medical Instruments | Battery-Powered Instruments |
|
Use Scenario: Portable ECG monitor capturing lead-II differential biopotentials with baseline wander correction. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Bipolar, differential-input ADC sampling at 133ksps to support oversampling and digital filtering for 50/60Hz notch rejection. Use Value: ±0.75LSB relative accuracy ensures diagnostic-grade waveform fidelity; 4.5MHz input bandwidth supports transient detection during arrhythmia events. |
Use Scenario: Handheld multimeter performing simultaneous DC voltage, resistance, and diode test functions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Reconfigurable ADC switching between high-impedance voltage measurement and current-sense shunt monitoring using same analog front-end. Use Value: Software-selectable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential modes eliminate separate signal paths - reduces PCB layers and component count. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX186BCAP | Includes internal 4.096V reference; identical pinout, timing, and interface - no PCB changes required. | Eliminates external reference component but fixes reference voltage; unsuitable where custom reference scaling is needed. | Select MAX186BCAP when system-level calibration is performed at board level and reference stability is not traceable to external standards. |
| ADS7822U | 12-bit, 200ksps, SPI-only interface; no bipolar mode; requires external reference; 8-pin SOIC package. | Lacks differential input support and software-configurable polarity; smaller footprint but higher per-channel cost in multi-channel systems. | Choose ADS7822U only for simple unipolar single-ended applications where space is critical and bipolar/differential capability is unnecessary. |
Compared with MAX186BCAP, the MAX188BCAP trades integrated reference for external reference flexibility and gain trim, making it preferable for metrology-grade calibration. Against ADS7822U, MAX188BCAP offers broader input configuration, lower power-down current, and superior noise performance - critical for portable and medical use cases.
Availability
MAX188BCAP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, battery-powered instrumentation, and medical device designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for MAX188BCAP 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 MAX186/MAX188 product line was designed for low-power, high-accuracy data acquisition in space- and energy-constrained systems - emphasizing integrated track/hold, flexible serial interfacing, and software-configurable analog front-ends.
FAQ
What is the reference voltage requirement for MAX188BCAP?
The MAX188BCAP requires an external reference voltage applied to the VREF pin, typically 4.096V. Unlike the MAX186BCAP, it does not include an internal reference. The REFADJ pin allows gain adjustment of the reference buffer (1.638×), enabling precise scaling. Using the correct external reference is essential for achieving the specified ±0.75LSB relative accuracy in the MAX188BCAP.
Does MAX188BCAP support differential input measurements?
Yes, the MAX188BCAP supports pseudo-differential measurements across four channel pairs: CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, CH4/CH5, and CH6/CH7. This is configured via the SGL/DIF bit in the 8-bit control byte. In differential mode, the device samples the voltage difference while maintaining stability on the IN− input within ±0.5LSB - achieved using a 0.1µF capacitor to AGND on the selected negative channel.
What are the power-down modes available on MAX188BCAP?
The MAX188BCAP offers two software-selectable power-down modes controlled by PD1/PD0 bits: fast power-down (30µA) and full power-down (2µA). Additionally, the SHDN pin provides hardware-triggered shutdown to ≤10µA. These modes allow dynamic power management - for example, powering down between conversions in low-duty-cycle data loggers to reduce average supply current well below 10µA.
Which serial interfaces is MAX188BCAP compatible with?
The MAX188BCAP features a 4-wire serial interface fully compatible with SPI, QSPI, MICROWIRE, and TMS320 DSPs. It uses CS, SCLK, DIN, and DOUT lines with standard timing - requiring CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0 for SPI. The SSTRB output provides additional synchronization for TMS320-family processors, eliminating the need for polling or timer-based read timing in the MAX188BCAP.
What package type is used for MAX188BCAP?
The MAX188BCAP is supplied in a 20-pin shrink small-outline package (SSOP), denoted by the "CAP" suffix. This RoHS-compliant, lead(Pb)-free package occupies 30% less PCB area than an 8-pin PDIP and is pin-compatible with other MAX186/MAX188 variants in SO and PDIP packages. Thermal derating is 8.00mW/°C above +70°C, with 640mW max continuous dissipation at TA = +70°C.
MAX188BCAP Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 20-SSOP (0.209", 5.30mm Width)
- 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
- Voltage - Supply, Analog:
- ±5V, 5V
- Voltage - Supply, Digital:
- ±5V, 5V
- Features:
- -
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C
- Supplier Device Package:
- 20-SSOP
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
MAX188BCAP FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX188BCAP through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX188BCAP 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 MAX188BCAP reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX188BCAP are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX188BCAP is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX188BCAP?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX188BCAP transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX188BCAP?
MAX188BCAP orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX188BCAP 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 MAX188BCAP?
For technical support, including MAX188BCAP datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX188BCAP requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX188BCAP is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX188BCAP 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 MAX188BCAP meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX188BCAP?
All MAX188BCAP units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX188BCAP, 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 MAX188BCAP part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX188BCAP:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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