Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX196BEWI

Overview

MAX196BEWI from Maxim Integrated is a multirange, single +5V-supply, 12-bit data-acquisition system (DAS) with six software-programmable analog input channels, ±10V input range capability, 100ksps throughput rate, and fault protection to ±16.5V. It integrates a 5MHz track/hold, internal/external clock selection, and 12-bit parallel interface-designed for industrial control systems interfacing ±12V/±15V sensors and 4mA–20mA loops without external level-shifting.

For engineers reviewing the MAX196BEWI datasheet, MAX196BEWI pinout, MAX196BEWI application, or MAX196BEWI equivalent, this page delivers verified technical context, exact pin functions, real-world use cases in sensor-conditioning and automated test equipment, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional trade-offs.

Technical Context

The MAX196BEWI employs successive-approximation architecture with integrated track/hold, supporting both internal (capacitor-timed) and external acquisition control modes. Its input multiplexer is fault-protected to ±16.5V, and conversion timing is synchronized to either an internal clock (1.56MHz typical with 100pF on CLK) or external clock (100kHz–2.0MHz).

It features dual power-down modes: STBYPD maintains reference buffer operation for zero start-up delay, while FULLPD reduces supply current to 6µA. Input ranges are selected via software-controlled control byte bits (RNG/BIP), enabling ±10V, ±5V, 0V–+10V, or 0V–+5V configurations with 12-bit twos-complement (bipolar) or binary (unipolar) output format.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

MAX196BEWI is housed in a 28-pin Wide SO (Small Outline) package with gull-wing leads, 300 mil body width, and standard JEDEC MS-013AC footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar multirange, 12-bit data-acquisition applications.

Compared with MAX196BEWI, MAX196AEWI offers identical packaging and interface but relaxed linearity specs, while ADS7816U trades multirange flexibility and ruggedness for smaller size and lower power-making MAX196BEWI the sole choice for fault-tolerant, wide-input-range industrial DAS.

Availability

MAX196BEWI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial process monitoring, automated test equipment, and medical patient monitoring requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for MAX196BEWI 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, automotive, and communications markets.

The MAX196BEWI belongs to Maxim's precision data-acquisition product line, engineered specifically for single-supply, multirange, fault-tolerant analog front-ends in harsh industrial environments where sensor interfacing reliability is critical.

FAQ

What is the operating temperature range for the MAX196BEWI?

The MAX196BEWI is rated for operation from 0°C to +70°C. This commercial-grade temperature specification aligns with its intended use in industrial control panels, benchtop test equipment, and non-military medical devices where ambient thermal management is controlled. The device maintains full performance-including ±10V input range accuracy and 100ksps throughput-across this entire range, as verified in the manufacturer's electrical characteristics tables.

Does the MAX196BEWI require an external reference, or does it include an internal one?

The MAX196BEWI includes an internal 4.096V reference with ±1.5% adjustability via the REFADJ pin, eliminating the need for an external reference in most applications. When higher precision is required, an external reference can be applied directly to the REF pin (with REFADJ tied to VDD) or to REFADJ (with internal buffer gain of 1.6384), supporting reference voltages from 2.4V to 4.18V. The internal reference is fully functional in both STBYPD and FULLPD power-down modes.

How does the fault protection on the MAX196BEWI inputs work, and what voltage levels are supported?

The MAX196BEWI provides ±16.5V fault protection on all six analog input channels (CH0–CH5), meaning each channel withstands continuous overvoltage up to ±16.5V relative to AGND-even when VDD = 0V. This protection remains active in all power-down modes and does not affect conversion accuracy on other channels during a fault event. The protection is implemented via internal resistive networks and clamping structures, requiring no external components.

Can the MAX196BEWI interface directly with a 16-bit microprocessor bus?

Yes, the MAX196BEWI features a 12-bit three-state parallel interface (D0–D11) with TTL/CMOS-compatible timing that interfaces directly with 16-bit microprocessors including Intel 80C86/80C88 and Motorola 68000 families. Control signals CS, WR, and RD follow standard I/O port timing, and the data bus automatically enters high-Z state when CS is high-requiring no additional bus transceivers or address decoding logic for basic integration.

What are the key differences between internal and external acquisition modes on the MAX196BEWI?

In internal acquisition mode (ACQMOD = 0), a single WR pulse initiates a fixed 6-clock-cycle acquisition interval (e.g., 3µs at 2MHz), after which conversion begins automatically. In external acquisition mode (ACQMOD = 1), the first WR pulse starts acquisition, and the second WR pulse (with ACQMOD = 0) ends acquisition and triggers conversion-enabling precise aperture timing control for undersampling or synchronized stimulus capture. Both modes support internal or external clock sources independently.