AD974ARZ - 16-Bit 200 kSPS 4-Channel ADC | Analog Devices
MPN: AD974ARZ ✗ End of LifeAD974ARZ Overview
An ADC is an analog-to-digital converter, a semiconductor that converts continuous voltage signals into numeric data for processing, measurement, or transmission. The AD974 combines a four-channel multiplexer and a 16-bit sampling ADC in one device, making it a data acquisition system rather than a standalone converter. Its serial interface reduces the number of interconnects compared with a parallel converter while preserving the resolution needed for precision measurements.
The AD974ARZ combines four single-ended analog input channels, a 200 kSPS maximum sampling rate, 16-bit resolution, and a 2.5 V internal reference. A single 5 V supply simplifies system power design. The device also provides a power-down mode, allowing its power consumption to be reduced when conversions are not required. These features suit multichannel industrial instrumentation, process control, sensor acquisition, laboratory measurement, and embedded data logging.
Internally, the four-channel input multiplexer routes the selected input to a high-speed switched-capacitor successive-approximation ADC. Conversion results are transferred through the serial interface. The architecture combines channel selection, conversion, and reference functions in a single IC, reducing the component count required for a multi-input measurement subsystem. Selection of the analog input range is handled by the device architecture rather than requiring four independent converter packages.
The AD974ARZ is appropriate when several analog sources must be digitized through one compact, low-power interface. It can be used in industrial process monitoring, factory automation, medical instrumentation, portable measurement equipment, and test systems. Its 16-bit resolution supports detailed signal representation, while the 200 kSPS throughput provides enough conversion bandwidth for many slowly varying or multiplexed measurements. System-level signal conditioning, grounding, and reference requirements still depend on the source impedance and measurement accuracy target.
For layout, place input and reference-related components close to their associated pins and preserve a quiet return path around the analog inputs. Because the converter uses switched-capacitor internal nodes, stable reference and supply bypassing are important. A multilayer board with a solid ground plane is generally preferable to relying on long analog traces. Designers must also verify acquisition timing, serial-interface timing, input settling, and the selected voltage range against the complete acquisition cycle.
This page combines verified manufacturer information, distributor listings, same-family package comparisons, and practical design guidance. It also distinguishes confirmed drop-in evidence from package variants and clearly identifies missing electrical details rather than estimating unverified specifications.
Drop-in alternatives for AD974ARZ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with AD974ARZ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Supply Voltage, Mounting Type, Input Type, Product Type.
AD974BRZ
✅ Drop-InContact for price
View Datasheet →AD974ARZ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| ADC Type | Successive-approximation switched-capacitor ADC |
| Resolution | 16 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 200 kSPS |
| Number of Analog Input Channels | 4 channels |
| Input Type | 4 single-ended analog inputs |
| Input Range 1 | 0 V to 4 V |
| Input Range 2 | 0 V to 5 V |
| Input Range 3 | -10 V to +10 V |
| Supply Voltage | Single +5 V |
| Internal Reference Voltage | +2.5 V |
| Interface | Serial |
| Integrated Functions | 4-channel input multiplexer, 16-bit sampling ADC, and +2.5 V reference |
| Power-Down Mode | Supported |
| Maximum Power Dissipation | 120 mW |
| Package | 28-pin SOIC, 7.50 mm width |
| Mounting Type | Surface mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead free |
AD974ARZ 28-pin soic, 7.50 mm width Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for AD974ARZ (28-pin soic, 7.50 mm width package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for AD974ARZ.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
AD974ARZ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Monitoring, Multichannel Sensor Acquisition, Laboratory Instrumentation, Factory Automation Controllers, Medical and Diagnostic Measurement, Portable Test and Measurement.
Industrial Process Monitoring
The AD974ARZ fits industrial process monitoring because it combines four single-ended analog inputs with a 16-bit, 200 kSPS converter in one 28-pin SOIC device. The input multiplexer can serve several pressure, temperature, level, or current-loop sensors in turn, while the serial interface limits board-space requirements compared with a parallel ADC. Operation from a single +5 V supply simplifies the converter supply section, and the internal +2.5 V reference reduces external reference complexity. Design engineers must still add input protection, amplification or attenuation, isolation as required, and verify that each source settles within the selected multiplexing interval.
Recommended
Multichannel Sensor Acquisition
The AD974ARZ is appropriate for compact multichannel sensor acquisition when four analog sources must be digitized behind a serial interface. Its 16-bit resolution preserves fine numerical detail, while the 200 kSPS maximum rate provides 50 microseconds per conversion at the stated peak throughput before accounting for acquisition overhead. The integrated multiplexer avoids four separate converter packages, and the single +5 V operating requirement simplifies supply planning. For low-level sensor outputs, external low-noise amplifiers and passive anti-alias networks may be necessary because the verified data does not specify input impedance, common-mode range, or signal-to-noise ratio.
Recommended
Laboratory Instrumentation
The AD974ARZ can serve as the conversion element in laboratory instrumentation that accepts up to four single-ended channels. Its 16-bit resolution and 200 kSPS sampling capability are useful for slowly varying or periodically multiplexed measurements, while the serial interface reduces the pin burden on the instrument's controller or FPGA. The integrated +2.5 V reference and single +5 V operation simplify the analog power architecture for compact bench equipment. Calibration remains a system-level requirement: the reference accuracy, input gain, offset, noise, and drift specifications must be obtained from the complete manufacturer datasheet before defining measurement uncertainty.
Recommended
Factory Automation Controllers
The AD974ARZ fits factory automation controllers that must acquire several analog process variables while communicating through a serial data path. Four multiplexed inputs can represent pressure, displacement, current, or position feedback, and the 16-bit conversion format is appropriate for controllers requiring more resolution than conventional low-bit measurement converters. The 200 kSPS rate supports sampled process monitoring, although continuous-time control loops may require a faster converter. Its single +5 V supply and power-down mode are useful in compact systems, but industrial designs also need surge protection, isolation, grounding, and calibration appropriate to the plant environment.
Recommended
Medical and Diagnostic Measurement
The AD974ARZ can be used in modular medical or diagnostic equipment that needs several low-bandwidth analog measurements. Its 16-bit resolution can support detailed representation of selected sensor outputs, and the four-channel multiplexer permits sharing one converter among multiple transducers. The serial interface is useful when the acquisition subsystem must interface with an embedded processor, while power-down mode can reduce consumption during inactive intervals. These attributes do not by themselves make the device suitable for a clinical measurement path: the designer must verify accuracy, noise, leakage, isolation, patient-safety requirements, and applicable regulatory evidence for the complete instrument.
Recommended
Portable Test and Measurement
The AD974ARZ is useful in portable test and measurement equipment that captures several analog channels through a compact serial interface. Its low-power 120 mW maximum dissipation figure is relevant to battery-powered or thermally constrained products, and the single +5 V supply reduces the number of converter-specific rails. The 200 kSPS throughput is suitable for many periodic waveform samples rather than high-bandwidth oscilloscope acquisition. Power-down mode can further reduce energy use when measurements are intermittent. A practical implementation should include input protection, stable reference bypassing, a grounded analog plane, and calibration data because no verified battery-life or absolute accuracy figures were supplied.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for AD974ARZ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | AD974BRZ |
|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC | 28-SOIC |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Resolution | 16 bit | 16 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 200 kSPS | 200 kSPS |
| Analog Input Channels | 4 single-ended channels | 4 channels |
| ADC Architecture | Successive-approximation switched-capacitor ADC | High-speed sampling ADC |
| Interface | Serial | Serial |
| Supply Voltage | Single +5 V | Single +5 V |
| Internal Reference | +2.5 V | +2.5 V |
| Supported Input Ranges | 0 V to +4 V, 0 V to +5 V, or ±10 V | 0 V to +4 V, 0 V to +5 V, or ±10 V |
| Power-Down Mode | Supported | Supported |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated four-channel acquisition front end (vs AD974BRZ)
- Single +5 V operation with integrated reference (vs AD974BRZ)
- Compact 28-SOIC footprint (vs AD974BRZ)
Design Notes
Use a continuous ground plane and place analog input routing away from the serial clock and data traces. The verified data confirms a switched-capacitor ADC and internal 2.5 V reference, but it does not provide a complete reference-layout drawing in the supplied snippets. Follow the Analog Devices datasheet's recommended decoupling and grounding arrangement exactly, and preserve short return paths from input circuitry to the converter.
Treat the serial interface as a timing-sensitive digital subsystem. The AD974ARZ supports 200 kSPS conversion throughput, but the available data does not state the maximum serial clock, setup time, or hold time. Derive the allowable controller or FPGA clock from the complete datasheet and provide adequate settling between conversion commands and acquisition events. Account for board skew and ringing if the interface is long or heavily loaded.
Do not substitute a package variant based only on the AD974 family name. The manufacturer page states that AD974 options include DIP, SOIC, and SSOP packages, while the supplied comparison data confirms AD974BRZ in the 28-SOIC form. Before using it as a replacement for AD974ARZ, compare every pin name, input range, power-down behavior, timing parameter, and ordering qualifier between the official datasheets.
Budget the converter rail for its 120 mW maximum dissipation and use local supply bypassing to prevent acquisition transients from disturbing the measurement. The verified maximum is a device-level limit, not a system power figure. Confirm startup current, supply tolerance, shutdown current, and regulator stability from the full datasheet, and provide power sequencing compatible with any external analog front end.
Compliance Information
The verified distributor data identifies AD974ARZ as RoHS compliant and lead free. No verified REACH, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive-qualification evidence was supplied.
