ADC101S051CIMF - 10-Bit 500kSPS 1-Ch SAR ADC | Texas Instruments
MPN: ADC101S051CIMF ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $1.85 | $1.85 |
| 10 | $1.62 | $16.20 |
| 100 | $1.28 | $128.00 |
| 500 | $1.05 | $525.00 |
| 1,000 | $0.86 | $860.00 |
ADC101S051CIMF Overview
A SAR ADC is a type of analog-to-digital converter that performs a binary search through successive approximation to digitize an input voltage in N clock cycles for N-bit precision. SAR ADCs sit at the bottom of the converter hierarchy as a precision-sampling architecture, distinct from sigma-delta and pipeline ADCs. They excel at low-latency, single-shot conversions with deterministic acquisition behavior, no pipeline delay, and inherent simplicity, which makes them ubiquitous in micro-controller-attached sensor digitization, battery-powered instrumentation, and space-constrained embedded designs.
Key features of the ADC101S051CIMF include its specified-over-range 200 ksps to 500 ksps sampling window, a low power consumption of approximately 2.7 mW at 3.6 V and 500 ksps, an external reference input for ratiometric or fixed-voltage conversions, and true-differential pseudo-differential single-ended analog input. The wide supply range (2.7 V to 5.25 V) makes the part compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V microcontroller systems, eliminating level shifters in many designs. The SOT-23-6 package measures roughly 2.9 mm by 1.6 mm, enabling placement adjacent to a sensor or potentiometer with minimum trace length.
The ADC101S051 uses a charge-redistribution DAC array driven by an internal clock, providing deterministic behavior independent of the SPI clock, which simplifies system timing. The device accepts an external reference voltage (VA / VREF) up to the supply rail and converts the difference between the analog input (CH1, pin 6) and the common-mode input (CH0, pin 5) typically tied to mid-supply. Output data are presented MSB-first over the DOUT pin in standard SPI mode 0/3.
Typical applications include portable battery-powered sensor signal chains, industrial process-control analog front ends, handheld test instruments, consumer audio front-end level metering, microcontroller-based data acquisition boards, and motor control feedback loops. The low pin count and small package make it ideal for retrofitting legacy designs that require a precision channel.
When designing with the ADC101S051, place the reference bypass capacitor (1 µF) as close as possible to pin 1 (VA) and provide a clean analog ground. Note that this non-NOPB part is non-RoHS; for new RoHS-compliant designs use the ADC101S051CIMF/NOPB which shares the same die and pinout.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible alternatives including the active RoHS NOPB variant, and practical layout guidance not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for ADC101S051CIMF — 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 ADC101S051CIMF (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Input Type, Analog Input Voltage Range, Digital Interface, MSL Level.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ADC101S051CIMF/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC101S051CIMFX/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC101S101CIMF
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC101S021CIMFX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC101S021CISDX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.32 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC101S021CIMFX
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$1.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC101S051CIMF Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 10 bits |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Sample Rate Range | 200 ksps to 500 ksps |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation Register) |
| Input Type | Single-Ended (pseudo-differential) |
| Supply Voltage (VA) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V |
| Digital I/O Supply (VD) | 2.7 V to VA V |
| Analog Input Voltage Range | 0 V to V GND V |
| External Reference Voltage | 2.5 V to VA V |
| Power Consumption (typ. at 3.6V, 500 ksps) | 2.7 mW |
| Interface | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE compatible (Mode 0/3) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C |
| Package | SOT-23-6 (DBV) |
| Number of Pins | 6 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status (this base part) | Non-compliant (use /NOPB suffix for RoHS) |
| MSL Level | 1 (Unlimited) |
ADC101S051CIMF Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VA — Analog supply voltage (2.7 V to 5.25 V) |
| Pin 2 | GND — Ground (analog and digital common) |
| Pin 3 | VD — Digital I/O supply voltage |
| Pin 4 | DOUT — Serial data output (SPI MOSI from ADC) |
| Pin 5 | COM — Common-mode input (pseudo-differential reference, typically tied to VA/2) |
| Pin 6 | CH1 — Analog input channel 1 (single-ended) |
Typical Applications
ADC101S051CIMF is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Battery-Powered Sensor Signal Chain, Industrial Process Control Analog Front End, Handheld Test & Measurement Instrumentation, Consumer Audio Front-End Level Metering, Microcontroller-Based Data Acquisition Modules, Motor Control Feedback Loops.
Portable Battery-Powered Sensor Signal Chain
The ADC101S051CIMF's 2.7 mW typical power consumption at 500 ksps and 2.7 V minimum supply make it ideal for digitizing sensors in single-cell Li-ion or 3.3 V regulated portable systems. Its SOT-23-6 footprint (2.9 x 1.6 mm) places the ADC directly adjacent to surface-mount temperature, pressure, or current sensors, minimizing analog trace length and noise pickup - critical for low-amplitude sensor outputs. The pseudo-differential input allows ground-referenced single-ended sensors to be digitized with a true ground reference at the COM pin tied to mid-supply. The 200-500 ksps specified throughput covers most industrial sensor sampling needs including thermistor bridges, load cells, and gas sensors. The wide 2.7-5.25 V supply range eliminates level shifters when paired with 5 V legacy microcontrollers. Reference decoupling with 1 µF low-ESR ceramic at pin 1 minimizes reference noise, ensuring the 10-bit output captures small sensor signal swings cleanly without losing codes.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Analog Front End
In industrial 4-20 mA loop transmitters and PLC analog input modules, the ADC101S051CIMF provides 10-bit precision at 200-500 ksps with true-differential pseudo-differential input, which rejects common-mode ground shifts common in factory floor installations. The wide 2.7-5.25 V supply enables direct connection to 24 V-to-5 V industrial bus rails. SPI compatibility allows daisy-chaining multiple ADCs from one microcontroller SPI port, scaling channel count without extra bus pins. The 10-bit resolution is sufficient for valve position feedback, flow-rate pulse counting, and thermocouple cold-junction compensation. The SOT-23-6 package survives high-vibration industrial environments when paired with proper board potting, and the industrial -40 C to +85 C operating range covers most factory floor temperature extremes. The deterministic SAR architecture delivers samples in fixed cycles with no pipeline delay, simplifying discrete-time feedback loop design for closed-loop valve or motor control.
Recommended
Handheld Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The ADC101S051CIMF is well suited to handheld DMMs, oscilloscope front-end digitizers, and bench multimeter designs where compact size, low power, and reliable 10-bit precision are required. The 500 ksps throughput is fast enough for audio-bandwidth signal capture and most general-purpose measurement tasks. Its 2.7 mW typical consumption extends battery life in portable instruments operating from 9 V or Li-ion packs via step-down regulators. The pseudo-differential input simplifies connection to floating or ground-referenced sources including current-measurement shunts. The SOT-23-6 package fits even on the densest handheld mainboards, often placed under display cables or near connector pins. SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE compatibility allows direct connection to ARM Cortex-M or MSP430 microcontrollers used in test instruments without glue chips. For higher-precision bench instruments, the same-family ADC121S051CIMF (12-bit) provides four times the resolution at the same throughput.
Recommended
Consumer Audio Front-End Level Metering
Audio mixers, equalizers, and home-theater receivers use the ADC101S051CIMF to digitize VU meter and level-detector signals where 10-bit resolution is sufficient for level display. The 500 ksps throughput easily captures 20 kHz audio band signals well within Nyquist. SPI compatibility allows direct connection to audio DSP processors like TAS3xxx and TPAxxxx families from TI without additional bus chips. The 2.7-5.25 V supply range accepts regulated audio rails from any standard 5 V or 3.3 V system. Pedometer conversion noise at -62 dB SNR is more than adequate for level-metering displays that don't require high-fidelity capture. The SOT-23-6 footprint allows dense PCB layouts typical of consumer audio where multiple channel ADCs are stacked near front-panel input connectors. Use the input at the pseudo-differential mode for ground-referenced line-level signals.
Recommended
Microcontroller-Based Data Acquisition Modules
Modular data acquisition boards built around microcontrollers use the ADC101S051CIMF to add precision analog input channels where the microcontroller's internal ADC lacks resolution or sample rate. The 10-bit, 500 ksps performance exceeds most MCU internal ADCs (typically 12-bit at 1 Msps with channel-sequencer overhead). SPI compatibility allows the ADC to share the microcontroller's SPI bus with flash memory, DACs, and sensors, using one CS pin per ADC. The pseudo-differential input allows connecting external instrumentation-amp outputs or current-shunt amplifiers for current-sensing applications. The wide 2.7-5.25 V supply is compatible with any USB-powered or industrial 24 V-to-5 V regulated data acquisition board. The SOT-23-6 package allows the ADC to be placed near terminal-block analog inputs, minimizing trace-induced noise. For multi-channel modules, multiple ADC101S051CIMFs can be paralleled with independent CS pins for simultaneous sampling.
Recommended
Motor Control Feedback Loops
The ADC101S051CIMF provides deterministic single-shot SAR conversion with no pipeline delay, making it well suited to BLDC motor current-sensing and position-feedback loops. The 200-500 ksps throughput captures current-sense amplifier outputs at PWM cycle rates up to 50 kHz with adequate oversampling. The 10-bit resolution is sufficient for FOC current control in cost-sensitive BLDC and PMSM drives. SPI compatibility with C2000 and TMS320F28xxx motor-control DSPs allows direct connection without glue logic. The pseudo-differential input allows ground-referenced shunt-resistor current sensing. The wide 2.7-5.25 V range accepts 3.3 V or 5 V motor-drive rails. The SOT-23-6 package withstands under-hood automotive environments at -40 C to +85 C in non-Q1 industrial grades, or upgrade to the ADC101S051CIMFX-Q1 for AEC-Q100-qualified automotive motor control. The deterministic latency simplifies discrete-time current-loop math.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADC101S051CIMF — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADC101S051CIMF/NOPB | ADC101S101CIMF | ADC101S021CIMF | ADC101S021CISDX |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOT-23-6 (DBV) | SOT-23-6 (DBV) - same | SOT-23-6 (DBV) - same | SOT-23-6 (DBV) - same | SOT-23-6 (DBV) - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Resolution | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits |
| Sample Rate (max) | 500 ksps | 500 ksps | 1000 ksps (+100%) | 200 ksps (-60%) | 200 ksps (-60%) |
| Number of Channels | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Supply Voltage (VA) | 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 |
| Architecture | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR |
| RoHS Status | Non-compliant (obsolete) | Compliant | Non-compliant (obsolete) | Non-compliant (check /NOPB variant) | Compliant |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Check variant | Check variant |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Only family member specified over 200-500 ksps range, not single-rate (vs Competitor single-rate 500 ksps ADCs)
- Available as RoHS-compliant drop-in /NOPB variant on active lifecycle (vs Other obsolete 10-bit SAR ADCs in SOT-23-6)
- SAR architecture with zero pipeline delay for real-time control (vs Pipelined 10-bit ADCs at the same throughput)
- SOT-23-6 package (2.9 x 1.6 mm) - smallest 10-bit SAR in this performance class (vs Larger MSOP-8 or SOIC-8 10-bit SAR ADCs)
Design Notes
Estimated: at VA=3.6 V and 500 ksps, total consumption is approximately 2.7 mW per the TI datasheet typical spec. Decouple VA (pin 1) with 1 µF low-ESR ceramic placed within 2 mm of the pin. Decouple VD (pin 3) with 100 nF ceramic. Star-ground the analog and digital grounds at a single point under the GND pin (pin 2) to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the analog input. Add a ferrite bead between VA and the upstream regulator if the supply also feeds switching circuitry.
Keep analog input traces (CH1 to pin 6, COM to pin 5) as short as possible and surrounded by a ground pour. Route the SPI bus (SCLK, DOUT, CS) perpendicular to analog traces to minimize digital-to-analog crosstalk. Place the external reference bypass capacitor (1 µF minimum) within 1 mm of the VA reference pin. Avoid routing high-current traces or PWM signals beneath the SOT-23-6 footprint. The exposed pad variant is not used on this 6-pin SOT-23; standard land pattern per IPC-7351 is sufficient.
Do not leave the COM pin (pin 5) floating - this degrades ADC accuracy as the pseudo-differential common-mode reference is undefined. Tie COM to VA/2 via a low-impedance divider, or directly to mid-supply. Do not exceed VA at the analog input CH1 (pin 6) or damage may occur. Do not drive SCLK during CS high transitions or the conversion result may be lost. For new designs, use the /NOPB RoHS-compliant suffix instead of the obsolete non-compliant base part. Use 1 MHz wire AES/MR mode 0 with CPOL=0, CPHA=0 to ensure compatibility with most microcontrollers.
The ADC101S051CIMF has a sample-and-hold bandwidth of approximately 10 MHz, adequate for 200-500 ksps Nyquist-limited signals. The pseudo-differential input rejects common-mode noise up to 50 dB at low frequencies. For high-noise industrial environments, add an external RC anti-alias filter (1 kOhm + 470 pF) at CH1, providing a 338 kHz -3 dB cutoff. Use a buffer op-amp like TI OPA369 or LMP7704 for high-impedance sources. The 1-wire SPI output DOUT should be series-terminated with 33 ohm if the trace length exceeds 50 mm, to dampen reflections from the controller strobe.
Compliance Information
The base ADC101S051CIMF is non-RoHS and obsolete. Per DigiKey listing, REACH SVHC exceeds threshold. For RoHS-compliant production designs, use the drop-in ADC101S051CIMF/NOPB which carries Pb-free finish and active lifecycle. AEC-Q100 automotive grade is NOT qualified for the base part; the ADC101S051-Q1 family is the automotive option.