Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX188CCPP

Overview

MAX188CCPP from Maxim Integrated is a low-power, 12-bit successive-approximation analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with integrated 8-channel multiplexer, track/hold, and SPI-/QSPI-/MICROWIRE-compatible 4-wire serial interface. It operates on single +5V or dual ±5V supplies, supports software-configurable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential inputs, and achieves 133ksps sampling rate with 1.5mA operating current. It is used in portable data loggers and battery-powered instrumentation requiring precision analog acquisition.

For engineers reviewing the MAX188CCPP datasheet, MAX188CCPP pinout, MAX188CCPP application, or MAX188CCPP 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 support for industrial embedded and medical instrument designs.

Technical Context

The MAX188CCPP implements a capacitive DAC-based successive-approximation architecture with internal track/hold circuitry that acquires input signals in 1.5µs and completes conversion in 6µs using an external 2MHz clock. Its analog front-end supports pseudo-differential sampling across eight channels, with IN+ and IN− selected from CH0–CH7 pairs per control-byte configuration.

It features a reference-buffer amplifier with externally adjustable gain (1.638× REFADJ), accepts a precision 4.096V external reference at VREF, and provides three shutdown modes-full power-down (2µA), fast power-down (30µA), and automatic wake-on-CS activation-enabling ultra-low average current in intermittent-sampling systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX188CCPP is housed in a 20-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package with 0.3-inch width, RoHS-compliant lead finish, and through-hole mounting compatibility.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar 12-bit serial ADC applications.

Compared with ADS7822U and AD7892BN, MAX188CCPP uniquely combines software-configurable unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential operation, external reference support for metrology-grade calibration, and true 4-wire SPI compatibility-making it optimal for compact, flexible, and traceable analog acquisition where serial simplicity and input versatility are critical.

Availability

MAX188CCPP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, medical instrumentation, and battery-powered test equipment requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX188CCPP 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 systems requiring integrated multiplexing, track/hold, and serial interface in space-constrained environments.

FAQ

What is the reference requirement for MAX188CCPP?

The MAX188CCPP requires an external 4.096V precision reference applied to the VREF pin. Unlike the MAX186, it does not include an internal reference. The reference-buffer amplifier can be enabled via REFADJ to scale the external reference by 1.638×, or disabled by tying REFADJ to VDD for direct reference usage. This external reference architecture ensures system-level calibration traceability and eliminates internal reference drift in MAX188CCPP designs.

Does MAX188CCPP support differential input mode?

Yes, MAX188CCPP supports pseudo-differential input mode using four channel pairs: CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, CH4/CH5, and CH6/CH7. In this mode, the positive input (IN+) is sampled while the negative input (IN−) serves as a stable reference point. For best accuracy, IN− must remain within ±0.1LSB of AGND during conversion, typically achieved with a 0.1µF capacitor to AGND. The control byte's SGL/DIF bit selects differential operation, and channel selection follows Table 4 in the MAX188CCPP datasheet.

What are the power-down modes available on MAX188CCPP?

MAX188CCPP offers three software-selectable power-down modes controlled by PD1/PD0 bits in the control byte: full power-down (2µA supply current), fast power-down (30µA), and internal clock mode (1.5mA operating). Full power-down halts all internal circuitry except SHDN detection logic; fast power-down retains reference buffer bias for quicker wake-up; internal clock mode disables external clock dependency and allows flexible readout timing. All modes resume full operation upon CS assertion and control-byte transmission.

Can MAX188CCPP interface directly with a TMS320 DSP?

Yes, MAX188CCPP interfaces directly with TMS320 family DSPs via its dedicated SSTRB (serial strobe) output. In external clock mode, SSTRB pulses high for one SCLK period before the MSB appears on DOUT, providing a hardware-ready signal for DSP serial port synchronization. No external logic or level-shifting is needed-the 4-wire interface (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT) and SSTRB output comply with TMS320 serial peripheral requirements, enabling deterministic timing for real-time signal processing in MAX188CCPP-based systems.

What package type is used for MAX188CCPP?

MAX188CCPP uses a 20-pin plastic dual in-line package (PDIP) with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. It is RoHS-compliant (+ suffix denotes lead-free finish) and rated for 0°C to +70°C operation. This package provides robust prototyping compatibility, straightforward manual soldering, and thermal performance suitable for low-power applications-distinct from SO and SSOP variants offered for the same MAX188 family.