ADC101S021CIMFX - 10-Bit 200kSPS SAR ADC w/ SPI | Texas Instruments
MPN: ADC101S021CIMFX ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $2.85 | $2.85 |
| 10 | $2.55 | $25.50 |
| 100 | $2.1 | $210.00 |
| 500 | $1.75 | $875.00 |
| 1,000 | $1.4 | $1,400.00 |
ADC101S021CIMFX Overview
A SAR ADC is a successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter: it performs one bit-trial per clock cycle using an internal binary-weighted capacitor DAC and comparator, producing deterministic latency of one conversion cycle. SAR ADCs sit under the broader hierarchy of analog-to-digital converter -> data converter -> mixed-signal IC -> semiconductor. Unlike delta-sigma ADCs, SAR converters offer no latency and excellent DC accuracy but typically lower resolution and speed than pipeline ADCs, making them ideal for multiplexed data-acquisition, instrumentation, and control loops.
Key features include a straight-binary serial output, a three-wire serial interface compatible with SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE, a wide analog input range that can extend to the rails, low power consumption, and an operating temperature range of -40 C to +85 C. The CMOS process provides inherent low-power operation suitable for battery-powered and portable systems.
The device uses a charge-redistribution SAR architecture with an internal sample-and-hold, providing genuine 10-bit performance with no missing codes over the full sample-rate range. The SOT-23-6 package is the same outline as a small-signal transistor, allowing direct placement near sensors in tightly packed designs.
Typical applications include portable instrumentation, battery-powered data loggers, sensor signal conditioning, process control analog front ends, and consumer audio/video signal monitoring where compact size and SPI compatibility outweigh the need for higher speed or resolution.
When designing, place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin, and ensure the SPI clock does not exceed the maximum specified serial-clock frequency. Use the /CS line to frame conversions and avoid bus contention.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey and Mouser, drop-in and pin-compatible same-family alternatives (ADC101S051/ADC101S101), and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ADC101S021CIMFX — 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 ADC101S021CIMFX (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Input Type, Operating Temperature, Resolution, Digital Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ADC101S021CIMF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC101S051CIMF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC101S101CIMF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC081S021CIMF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC121S021CIMF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC081S051CIMF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC101S021CIMFX Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 10 bits |
| Sample Rate Range | 50 to 200 ksps |
| Number of Input Channels | 1 |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation Register) |
| Supply Voltage (VDD) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V |
| Supply Current (typ at 3.6 V) | 0.65 mA |
| Power Consumption (3.6 V) | 2.34 mW |
| Power Consumption (5.25 V) | 8.9 mW |
| Input Type | Single-ended |
| Analog Input Range | 0 V to VDD |
| Digital Interface | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE compatible |
| Output Format | Straight binary |
| Package | SOT-23-6 |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| MSL Level | 1 |
ADC101S021CIMFX Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VIN — Analog input (single-ended, 0V to VDD) |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 3 | /CS — Chip select, active low |
| Pin 4 | DOUT — Serial data output (SPI, MSB first) |
| Pin 5 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 6 | VDD — Power supply, 2.7V to 5.25V |
Typical Applications
ADC101S021CIMFX is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Industrial Process Control Analog Front End, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Digitization, Consumer Audio Level Monitoring, Automotive Cabin Electronics (Non-Safety), Data Acquisition Modules and Remote Monitoring.
Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The ADC101S021CIMFX's 2.34 mW typical power consumption at 3.6 V supply and wide 2.7 V to 5.25 V operating range make it ideal for portable instrumentation directly powered from single-cell Li-Ion or 2x AA battery stacks. With 10-bit resolution and 50-200 ksps throughput, it can digitize sensor signals from temperature, pressure, or strain gauges while consuming minimal current budget. The SOT-23-6 package allows placement adjacent to the sensor for reduced analog trace length and noise pickup. The SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface connects directly to low-power microcontrollers such as the TI MSP430 without level shifters, simplifying the bill of materials.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Analog Front End
In industrial process control, the ADC101S021CIMFX provides 10-bit digitization of 4-20 mA loop signals after current-to-voltage conversion. The rail-to-VDD analog input range accommodates the full output swing of typical op-amp current-sense circuits. The 50-200 ksps sample rate is more than adequate for process variable monitoring (temperature, pressure, flow) which typically requires <1 ksps. The -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range suits factory-floor environments. The small SOT-23-6 footprint enables high-density multi-channel designs using one ADC per channel or multiplexed configurations.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Digitization
The ADC101S021CIMFX excels at digitizing outputs from analog sensors such as thermistors, photodiodes, and Hall-effect devices. Its single-ended input is well matched to ground-referenced sensor outputs, and 10-bit resolution provides 0.1% accuracy sufficient for most measurement applications. The SAR architecture delivers deterministic single-conversion latency, ideal for closed-loop control systems. The wide supply range allows the ADC to share the sensor's power rail, reducing system complexity. SPI output enables direct connection to digital sensor hubs in IoT edge nodes.
Recommended
Consumer Audio Level Monitoring
The ADC101S021CIMFX can be used for audio level metering and VU monitoring in consumer audio equipment such as mixers and karaoke systems. With 50-200 ksps sample rate, it easily captures audio band signals (up to ~100 kHz bandwidth) with 10-bit resolution sufficient for level display. The straight-binary SPI output allows a host microcontroller to compute RMS levels or peak detection in real time. The 6-pin SOT-23-6 package fits in space-constrained headphone amplifiers and portable speakers. The 2.7-5.25 V supply range covers both 3.3 V and 5 V audio CODEC rails.
Recommended
Automotive Cabin Electronics (Non-Safety)
Although not AEC-Q100 qualified, the ADC101S021CIMFX is suitable for non-safety automotive cabin applications such as HVAC control, seat-position sensing, and ambient light monitoring. The -40 C to +85 C operating range covers the automotive cabin temperature specification. Its small SOT-23-6 footprint and SPI interface allow integration into body control modules where space is at a premium. For under-hood or safety-critical applications, designers should select AEC-Q100 qualified alternatives from TI's automotive-grade portfolio.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Modules and Remote Monitoring
In remote data acquisition modules for environmental or asset monitoring, the ADC101S021CIMFX provides 10-bit digitization of analog sensor channels while drawing only 2.34 mW. The SAR architecture's deterministic latency simplifies time-stamping of measurements for SCADA systems. SPI output allows daisy-chaining of multiple ADCs to a single microcontroller SPI bus via the /CS line. Combined with a low-power MCU and a wireless modem, the ADC forms the heart of battery-powered wireless sensor nodes with multi-year battery life. The wide 2.7-5.25 V supply range accommodates various battery chemistries and solar panel voltages.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADC101S021CIMFX — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADC101S021CIMF/NOPB | ADC101S051CIMF/NOPB | ADC101S101CIMF/NOPB | ADC081S021CIMF/NOPB | ADC121S021CIMF/NOPB | ADC081S051CIMF/NOPB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOT-23-6 | SOT-23-6 - same | SOT-23-6 - same | SOT-23-6 - same | SOT-23-6 - same | SOT-23-6 - same | SOT-23-6 - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Resolution | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits | 8 bits | 12 bits | 8 bits |
| Sample Rate Range | 50 to 200 ksps | 50 to 200 ksps | 200 to 500 ksps | 500 ksps to 1 Msps | 50 to 200 ksps | 50 to 200 ksps | 200 to 500 ksps |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V |
| Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C | -40 C to +85 C |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active | Active |
Key Differentiators
- Obsolete status, but pin-compatible NOPB variant in active production (vs ADC101S021CIMFX (this part) vs ADC101S021CIMF/NOPB)
- 50-200 ksps specified across full range, not at one sample rate (vs ADC101S021CIMFX vs typical single-fs competitors)
- One of the smallest pin-compatible SAR ADCs at SOT-23-6 (vs ADC101S021CIMFX vs larger SOIC-8 SAR ADCs)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 uF decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (pin 6) using a short, wide trace to ground. Add a 10 uF bulk capacitor on the same rail if multiple ADCs share the supply. Keep the analog input trace (pin 1) short and routed away from the SPI clock line (pin 5) to minimize digital crosstalk into the analog input. Use a ground plane under the ADC to provide low-impedance return paths and reduce EMI susceptibility.
The SPI digital outputs (DOUT, SCLK, /CS) can introduce switching noise into the analog input through the supply pin and substrate. Drive the SPI lines with a microcontroller running at 3.3 V or below, and add a small ferrite bead or 10 ohm resistor in series with VDD if noise appears in the digitized output. If the SPI bus is shared with other peripherals, ensure /CS is held high except during active conversion to prevent bus contention.
Estimated: the analog input has a maximum source-impedance specification that should be respected to avoid gain errors. Use a low-impedance buffer (such as an OPA333 or MCP6001) if the source impedance exceeds 1 kohm. Avoid operating near the upper and lower supply rails without sufficient headroom - the analog input range is specified as 0 V to VDD but real-world performance degrades within ~100 mV of either rail. For highest accuracy, operate within 0.1 V to VDD - 0.1 V.
Compliance Information
The CIMF/X variant is non-RoHS (no /NOPB suffix). For RoHS-compliant applications, use the pin-compatible ADC101S021CIMF/NOPB. AEC-Q100 qualification status not published; for automotive use, contact TI directly. Conflict minerals compliance is standard for TI products.