Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX188CEPP

Overview

MAX188CEPP 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 serial interface. It operates from a single +5V or dual ±5V supply, delivers 133ksps sampling rate, and achieves ±1.0 LSB relative accuracy and 70dB SINAD - used in portable data loggers and battery-powered medical instruments.

For engineers reviewing the MAX188CEPP datasheet, MAX188CEPP pinout, MAX188CEPP application, or MAX188CEPP equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, real-world design meaning for key specs, validated pin functions, confirmed alternative parts with documented differences, and supply support for industrial embedded and low-power measurement systems.

Technical Context

The MAX188CEPP uses successive-approximation architecture with integrated track/hold and 12-bit capacitive DAC. Its analog input multiplexer supports eight single-ended or four pseudo-differential channels, with IN+/IN− switching controlled by SEL2–SEL0 and SGL/DIF bits in the 8-bit control byte.

It features two clock modes: external serial clock (up to 4MHz operation with 15-cycle conversion) or internal clock (1.7–10MHz range), and includes three power-down states (full, fast, and operating) managed via PD1/PD0 bits and SHDN pin - enabling sub-10µA quiescent current between conversions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX188CEPP is housed in a 20-pin plastic DIP (PDIP) package with 0.3-inch body width and through-hole mounting. Pin spacing is 0.1 inch, compatible with standard prototyping and production PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with ADS7822U and MAX11131ETE+, the MAX188CEPP uniquely supports dual ±5V supplies, true bipolar input configuration, and three-tier power-down - making it optimal for portable, battery-sensitive, and wide-dynamic-range measurement systems requiring field recalibration.

Availability

MAX188CEPP is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for portable data logging, medical instrumentation, and battery-powered test equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term manufacturability.

Supply support for MAX188CEPP 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) designs precision analog, mixed-signal, and power-management ICs for industrial, medical, and communications applications.

The MAX186/MAX188 product line was engineered specifically for low-power, multi-channel data-acquisition systems requiring high accuracy, flexible input configuration, and minimal external components - targeting portable and embedded measurement platforms.

FAQ

What is the reference voltage requirement for MAX188CEPP?

The MAX188CEPP requires an external reference voltage applied to the VREF pin, typically 4.096V. Unlike the MAX186, it does not include an internal reference. The reference-buffer amplifier accepts voltage at REFADJ (gain = 1.638 × REFADJ), and VREF serves as both reference input and buffered output. A 4.7µF capacitor is recommended at VREF for external compensation stability. This design allows system-level precision calibration using a high-accuracy external reference source.

Does MAX188CEPP support differential input mode?

Yes, MAX188CEPP supports pseudo-differential input mode via software configuration. Setting SGL/DIF = 0 in the control byte selects differential operation, enabling four differential pairs: CH0/CH1, CH2/CH3, CH4/CH5, and CH6/CH7. In this mode, the ADC samples the voltage difference between the selected IN+ and IN− channels, with IN− required to remain stable within ±0.5LSB of AGND during conversion. A 0.1µF capacitor from the IN− channel to AGND is recommended to maintain stability.

What are the power-down options available on MAX188CEPP?

MAX188CEPP offers three distinct power-down states 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). Additionally, the SHDN pin provides hardware-level shutdown: pulling it low reduces current to ≤10µA. The device automatically powers up upon serial interface access, and quick turn-on time enables powering down between individual conversions - a technique that cuts average supply current to under 10µA at reduced sampling rates.

Which microcontroller interfaces are compatible with MAX188CEPP?

MAX188CEPP is natively compatible with SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE serial interfaces, and supports direct connection to TMS320-family DSPs via its SSTRB output. For SPI, configure CPOL = 0 and CPHA = 0. The 4-wire interface (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT) requires no external logic or level shifting when interfaced with 5V-tolerant microcontrollers. SSTRB provides synchronous timing feedback, eliminating the need for polling or fixed delays during conversion readback.

What is the maximum sampling rate achievable with MAX188CEPP?

The MAX188CEPP achieves a maximum sampling rate of 133ksps when using a 2.0MHz external clock and 15 clock cycles per conversion. In internal clock mode, conversion time is fixed at ≤10µs, allowing effective sampling rates up to 100ksps depending on host readout timing. The device's 4.5MHz small-signal bandwidth and 1.5µs track/hold acquisition time support accurate digitization of signals well above the Nyquist frequency, enabling undersampling techniques for RF or transient capture applications.