ADC12038CIWM/NOPB - 12-Bit+Sign SAR ADC, 8-Ch MUX | TI
MPN: ADC12038CIWM/NOPB ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.2 | $14.20 |
| 10 | $12.78 | $127.80 |
| 100 | $11.35 | $1,135.00 |
| 500 | $10.21 | $5,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $9.4 | $9,400.00 |
ADC12038CIWM/NOPB Overview
A SAR ADC is a type of analog-to-digital converter that performs a binary search across an internal capacitive DAC to resolve the input voltage in one conversion cycle per bit, trading conversion speed for excellent DC accuracy and low latency. As a member of the data converter (ADC) class, it sits within the hierarchy: SAR ADC -> ADC -> data converter -> signal chain IC -> mixed-signal semiconductor. Self-calibration architecture automatically corrects internal capacitor mismatch and zero-scale/gain errors at power-up or on demand, achieving the 12-bit specified accuracy without user adjustments.
Key features include 12-bit plus sign resolution, an internal configurable MUX (8 single-ended or 4 differential inputs), self-calibration, a serial interface compatible with SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE, a 28-pin SOIC wide-body (IWM) industrial-temperature package, and an operating range of -40 C to +85 C. The device runs from a single +5 V analog supply with low power consumption, making it appropriate for portable and distributed data acquisition nodes.
The serial I/O reduces pin count versus parallel-output ADCs and simplifies board routing in dense multi-channel designs. Built-in sample/hold eliminates the need for an external track-and-hold amplifier, and the sign bit plus bipolar input capability allow direct measurement of signals swinging around ground without level shifting.
Typical applications include multi-channel industrial process control, portable instrumentation, weigh scales, temperature monitoring with thermocouple/RTD front ends, and battery management telemetry. The 8-input MUX enables one ADC to scan multiple sensor channels, reducing system cost and PCB area.
When designing with this part, provide a clean +5 V analog supply and a low-impedance reference. Decouple the analog supply pin close to the IC with a 0.1 uF ceramic in parallel with a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor, and keep the reference pin similarly bypassed. Maintain analog and digital grounds with a single-point tie to avoid coupling digital switching noise into the converter's reference.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives drawn from the TI ADC12030/ADC12H030 family, and practical design notes that complement the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for ADC12038CIWM/NOPB — 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 ADC12038CIWM/NOPB (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Number of Input Channels, Package, Architecture, Data Interface, Input Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ADC12030CIWM/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC12034CIWM/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC12H038CIWM/NOPB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC12L038CIWM/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC12038CIWMX/NOPB
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC10158CIWMX/NOPB
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADC12038CIWM/NOPB Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit + sign |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) with self-calibration |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 single-ended or 4 differential (configurable MUX) |
| Input Type | Single-ended / differential, bipolar |
| Sample/Hold | On-chip |
| Interface | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE compatible) |
| Analog Supply Voltage | +5 V nominal |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 28-SOIC wide-body (IWM) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ADC12038CIWM/NOPB Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VIN0 — Analog input channel 0 (MUX input) |
| Pin 2 | VIN1 — Analog input channel 1 (MUX input) |
| Pin 3 | VIN2 — Analog input channel 2 (MUX input) |
| Pin 4 | VIN3 — Analog input channel 3 (MUX input) |
| Pin 5 | VIN4 — Analog input channel 4 (MUX input) |
| Pin 6 | VIN5 — Analog input channel 5 (MUX input) |
| Pin 7 | VIN6 — Analog input channel 6 (MUX input) |
| Pin 8 | VIN7 — Analog input channel 7 (MUX input) |
| Pin 9 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 10 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 11 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 12 | DIN — Serial data input (MUX channel select) |
| Pin 13 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 14 | EOC — End of conversion output |
| Pin 15 | CAL — Calibration control input |
| Pin 16 | MODE — Mode select (MUX configuration) |
| Pin 17 | PD — Power down input |
| Pin 18 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 19 | VA+ — Analog supply (+5V) |
| Pin 20 | VREF+ — Reference voltage positive input |
| Pin 21 | VREF- — Reference voltage negative input |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
ADC12038CIWM/NOPB is suitable for 6 applications: Multi-Channel Industrial Process Control, Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Weigh Scale and Load Cell Measurement, Thermocouple Temperature Monitoring, Battery Cell Monitoring and Telemetry, Medical Patient Monitoring Front End.
Multi-Channel Industrial Process Control
The ADC12038CIWM/NOPB is well suited for multi-channel industrial process control because its 8-input MUX scans up to 8 sensor channels with a single converter, its 12-bit+sign resolution captures both unipolar and bipolar process signals, and its -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range handles factory-floor environments. Placed near the analog front end, the ADC accepts signals from 4-20 mA loop shunts, RTDs, or pressure transducers, while its self-calibration corrects drift caused by long-term component aging. According to TI application guidance, the on-chip sample/hold eliminates an external track/hold stage, reducing BOM cost. The 28-SOIC IWM wide-body footprint simplifies hand-solder rework during field service, and the serial I/O minimizes MCU pin count, freeing GPIO for digital I/O.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The ADC12038CIWM/NOPB fits portable battery-powered instrumentation because it operates from a single +5 V analog supply, draws modest quiescent current, and its serial I/O reduces pin count and MCU wakeup overhead. The 8-channel MUX allows a handheld multimeter or data logger to scan voltage, current, and temperature channels through one converter, reducing PCB area and BOM cost. The 12-bit+sign resolution provides adequate dynamic range for sensor bridges and bipolar measurements, while self-calibration maintains accuracy across battery discharge. According to the TI datasheet, the wide-body 28-SOIC package is easy to handle during low-volume prototype builds, and the industrial temperature range supports outdoor field-instrument use cases.
Recommended
Weigh Scale and Load Cell Measurement
The ADC12038CIWM/NOPB is appropriate for weigh scale and load cell measurement because its bipolar input with sign bit can directly digitize bridge outputs that swing above and below ground, while its 12-bit resolution and on-chip MUX allow scanning up to 8 load cells. The self-calibration routine runs on power-up or on demand, eliminating zero-scale drift in the strain-gauge front end. According to the TI datasheet, the differential input mode rejects common-mode noise from motor-driven scale platforms, improving measurement stability. The serial I/O streams conversion data to a host MCU with minimal wiring, and the 28-SOIC IWM wide-body package is suitable for the mechanical stress profile of a scale base.
Recommended
Thermocouple Temperature Monitoring
The ADC12038CIWM/NOPB works well for thermocouple temperature monitoring because its 12-bit+sign resolution captures the small bipolar thermocouple voltages (typically 10's of microvolts per C) and its 8-channel MUX scans multiple thermocouple junctions with one converter. According to TI application guidance, pair the ADC with a low-offset front-end amplifier for sub-C accuracy and use one MUX channel for a cold-junction compensation sensor such as a silicon diode. The self-calibration routine maintains accuracy across the industrial -40 C to +85 C range, critical for outdoor and process-control installations. The serial interface minimizes wiring back to the controller, simplifying multi-zone thermal monitoring panels.
Recommended
Battery Cell Monitoring and Telemetry
The ADC12038CIWM/NOPB is suitable for battery cell monitoring and telemetry because its 8-input MUX can scan up to 8 cell voltages in a battery management system, while its 12-bit+sign resolution provides adequate dynamic range for both cell voltage and pack current measurements. The serial I/O simplifies the wiring harness between the battery monitor board and the host BMS controller, and the -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range covers automotive and stationary storage environments. According to the TI datasheet, the wide-body SOIC package is robust for vibration-prone battery enclosures, and the on-chip sample/hold removes the need for an external track/hold IC, reducing the BOM in cost-sensitive battery packs.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring Front End
The ADC12038CIWM/NOPB is used in medical patient monitoring front ends because its 8-channel MUX supports multi-parameter monitoring (ECG, temperature, respiration, SpO2) and its 12-bit+sign resolution captures bipolar bioelectric signals. The self-calibration maintains accuracy required for diagnostic-grade measurements, and the serial interface keeps the patient-isolation barrier compact. According to the TI datasheet, the 28-SOIC IWM wide-body package simplifies assembly for low-volume medical device production, while the -40 C to +85 C industrial range covers the thermal envelope of clinical equipment. For higher-resolution channels such as ECG, pair with a 16-bit or 24-bit companion ADC and use the ADC12038 for auxiliary parameters.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADC12038CIWM/NOPB — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADC12030CIWM/NOPB | ADC12034CIWM/NOPB | ADC12H038CIWM/NOPB | ADC12L038CIWM/NOPB | ADC12038CIWMX/NOPB | ADC10158CIWMX/NOPB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 28-SOIC (IWM) | 28-SOIC (IWM) - same | 28-SOIC (IWM) - same | 28-SOIC (IWM) - same | 28-SOIC (IWM) - same | 28-SOIC (IWM) - same | 28-SOIC (IWM) - same |
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Resolution | 12 bit + sign | 12 bit + sign | 12 bit + sign | 12 bit + sign | 12 bit + sign | 12 bit + sign | 10 bit + sign |
| MUX Input Channels | 8 SE / 4 Diff | 2 SE / 1 Diff | 4 SE / 2 Diff | 8 SE / 4 Diff | 8 SE / 4 Diff | 8 SE / 4 Diff | 8 SE / 4 Diff |
| Architecture | SAR + self-calibration | SAR + self-calibration | SAR + self-calibration | SAR + self-calibration (higher speed) | SAR + self-calibration (lower power) | SAR + self-calibration | SAR + self-calibration |
| Interface | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE) | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE) | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE) | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE) | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE) | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE) | Serial (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 |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant | Compliant |
Key Differentiators
- 8-channel integrated MUX with on-chip sample/hold (vs ADC12030CIWM/NOPB)
- Standard-speed variant with self-calibration (vs ADC12H038CIWM/NOPB)
- 12-bit+sign resolution in the same package (vs ADC10158CIWMX/NOPB)
Design Notes
Decouple the VA+ analog supply pin (pin 19) close to the IC with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic in parallel with a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor. Reference datasheet suggests keeping the analog and digital grounds as separate planes tied at a single point near the IC to prevent digital switching noise from coupling into the ADC reference.
Route the VREF+ and VREF- traces symmetrically and keep them away from digital switching signals (SCLK, DOUT, CS). Place the external reference bypass capacitors (typically 0.1 uF + 10 uF) as close to the VREF pins as possible. Symmetric reference routing is critical for low-noise 12-bit accuracy, especially in multi-channel scanning applications.
Do not exceed the VA+ maximum rating (typically 6V); operation above this destroys the device. Avoid applying analog input voltages outside the specified common-mode range with respect to VREF+/VREF-, or the input ESD diodes will forward-bias and corrupt the conversion. Always run the on-chip self-calibration routine (assert CAL) at power-up or after a reference change for specified accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per /NOPB suffix in TI ordering nomenclature. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this part targets industrial/commercial instrumentation, not automotive under-hood applications.
