ADS4129IRGZ25 - 12-Bit 250MSPS Ultra-Low-Power ADC | Texas Instruments
MPN: ADS4129IRGZ25 ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.5 | $32.50 |
| 10 | $29.25 | $292.50 |
| 100 | $26.1 | $2,610.00 |
| 500 | $22.8 | $11,400.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.45 | $19,450.00 |
ADS4129IRGZ25 Overview
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a semiconductor device that converts continuous-time analog signals into discrete digital codes for downstream processing by FPGAs, DSPs, microcontrollers, or ASICs. The pipelined ADC architecture the ADS4129IRGZ25 uses breaks the conversion into multiple low-resolution stages, each driving a residue that is amplified and quantized by the next stage. Pipelined ADCs sit in the hierarchy: pipelined ADC -> successive-approximation (SAR) and flash alternatives -> data converter -> signal chain IC -> semiconductor. They are the dominant architecture for sample rates from 50 MSPS to 500 MSPS, where SAR converters are too slow and flash converters consume excessive power.
Key features of the ADS4129IRGZ25 include 12-bit resolution, 250 MSPS maximum sampling rate, LVDS-based DDR (double data rate) or CMOS digital output interfaces, integrated internal reference (with the option to drive an external reference), programmable analog input full-scale range, and a serial control interface (SPI) for register configuration. The device supports both single-ended and differential analog inputs, with input bandwidth typically exceeding 700 MHz. Power consumption scales with sample rate, allowing designers to trade speed for power in the same hardware.
Typical applications include high-speed instrumentation, communications test equipment, cable-headend downstream receivers, software-defined radio (SDR), radar signal processing front ends, medical imaging front ends (ultrasound beamforming), and industrial high-speed data acquisition. The combination of 250 MSPS, 12 bits, low power, and small 7x7 mm package makes it well suited to size-constrained, thermally limited designs.
When designing with the ADS4129IRGZ25, ensure the analog input network uses a properly terminated, bandwidth-matched differential transformer or differential amplifier - poor input matching will directly degrade SNR. Decouple AVDD and DRVDD with a 1 uF plus 0.1 uF capacitor pair placed within 2 mm of each supply pin, and provide an isolated ground plane for the digital return currents to avoid coupling switching noise back into the analog front end.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from the same TI family and pin-compatible cross-brand parts, application companion chips, and practical design notes that go beyond what the manufacturer datasheet alone provides.
Drop-in alternatives for ADS4129IRGZ25 — 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 ADS4129IRGZ25 (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Analog Supply Voltage, Input Type, Package, Resolution.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
ADS4128IRGZR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADS4149IRGZ25
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADS4142IRGZ25
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADS6129IRGZ25
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$23.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADS6149IRGZ25
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$20.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →ADS4148IRGZR
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADS4129IRGZ25 Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Architecture | Pipelined |
| Sample Rate (max) | 250 MSPS |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 1.8 V |
| Digital Supply Voltage | 1.8 V to 3.3 V |
| Input Type | Differential / Single-ended |
| Digital Output Interface | LVDS DDR / Parallel CMOS |
| Reference Type | Internal (external optional) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
ADS4129IRGZ25 Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AVDD — Analog supply, 1.8 V |
| Pin 2 | AVDD — Analog supply, 1.8 V |
| Pin 3 | INP — Differential analog input positive |
| Pin 4 | INM — Differential analog input negative |
| Pin 5 | AVDD — Analog supply, 1.8 V |
| Pin 6 | VCM — Common-mode voltage output for input biasing |
| Pin 7 | REXT — External resistor for internal reference current setting |
| Pin 8 | REFP — Internal reference voltage positive decoupling |
| Pin 9 | REFM — Internal reference voltage negative decoupling |
| Pin 10 | AVDD — Analog supply, 1.8 V |
| Pin 11 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 12 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 13 | CLKP — Differential sampling clock input positive |
| Pin 14 | CLKM — Differential sampling clock input negative |
| Pin 15 | AVDD — Analog supply, 1.8 V |
| Pin 16 | AVSS — Analog ground |
| Pin 17 | SCLK — SPI serial clock for register access |
| Pin 18 | SDATA — SPI serial data input |
| Pin 19 | SEN — SPI enable, active low |
| Pin 20 | RESET — Hardware reset, active low |
| Pin 21 | PDN — Power-down mode, active high |
| Pin 22 | AVDD — Analog supply, 1.8 V |
| Pin 23 | DRVDD — Digital output supply, 1.8 V to 3.3 V |
| Pin 24 | DRVDD — Digital output supply, 1.8 V to 3.3 V |
| Pin 25 | DRVSS — Digital ground |
| Pin 26 | D0_P — LVDS data output bit 0 positive |
| Pin 27 | D0_M — LVDS data output bit 0 negative |
| Pin 28 | D1_P — LVDS data output bit 1 positive |
| Pin 29 | D1_M — LVDS data output bit 1 negative |
| Pin 30 | D2_P — LVDS data output bit 2 positive |
| Pin 31 | D2_M — LVDS data output bit 2 negative |
| Pin 32 | D3_P — LVDS data output bit 3 positive |
| Pin 33 | D3_M — LVDS data output bit 3 negative |
| Pin 34 | D4_P — LVDS data output bit 4 positive |
| Pin 35 | D4_M — LVDS data output bit 4 negative |
| Pin 36 | D5_P — LVDS data output bit 5 positive |
| Pin 37 | D5_M — LVDS data output bit 5 negative |
| Pin 38 | D6_P — LVDS data output bit 6 positive |
| Pin 39 | D6_M — LVDS data output bit 6 negative |
| Pin 40 | D7_P — LVDS data output bit 7 positive |
| Pin 41 | D7_M — LVDS data output bit 7 negative |
| Pin 42 | D8_P — LVDS data output bit 8 positive |
| Pin 43 | D8_M — LVDS data output bit 8 negative |
| Pin 44 | D9_P — LVDS data output bit 9 positive |
| Pin 45 | D9_M — LVDS data output bit 9 negative |
| Pin 46 | D10_P — LVDS data output bit 10 positive |
| Pin 47 | D10_M — LVDS data output bit 10 negative |
| Pin 48 | DCLK_P — LVDS data clock output positive |
| Pin EP | EP — Exposed thermal pad - connect to analog ground plane |
Typical Applications
ADS4129IRGZ25 is suitable for 6 applications: Wideband Communications Test Equipment, Software Defined Radio (SDR) Receiver, Medical Ultrasound Beamforming Front End, Cable Headend Downstream Receiver, Radar Signal Processing Front End, Industrial High-Speed Data Acquisition.
Wideband Communications Test Equipment
The ADS4129IRGZ25's 12-bit, 250 MSPS performance makes it well suited for wideband communications test equipment that digitizes IF signals from cable, wireless, and backhaul systems. With LVDS DDR outputs, it can stream 12-bit samples at 250 MSPS into an FPGA for real-time FFT analysis, modulation analysis, and bit-error-rate testing without data loss. The 1.8 V analog supply reduces thermal load in dense multi-channel test rigs, while the VQFN-48 footprint allows tight placement of multiple ADCs on a single board. Designers can pair it with a low-noise LDO such as TPS7A4701 for the analog rail and an LMK04803 clock jitter cleaner for the sampling clock. Compared with general-purpose oscilloscope ADCs, the ADS4129IRGZ25's pipelined architecture provides the throughput needed for production-line tester throughput.
Recommended
Software Defined Radio (SDR) Receiver
In software-defined radio receivers, the ADS4129IRGZ25 digitizes IF signals up to 250 MSPS, allowing downstream FPGAs to perform channelization, demodulation, and channel filtering in software rather than analog hardware. Its wide analog input bandwidth supports direct IF sampling of signals in the 70-200 MHz range, eliminating an analog downconversion stage and reducing BOM. The LVDS DDR interface streamlines capture into FPGAs such as Xilinx Kintex or Artix, while the small 7x7 mm VQFN package simplifies dense multi-channel SDR designs like MIMO or phased-array front ends. Pair the ADS4129IRGZ25 with a wideband transformer like the Mini-Circuits ADT1-1WT and an LNA such as MGA-62563 for a complete receive chain.
Recommended
Medical Ultrasound Beamforming Front End
The ADS4129IRGZ25 is frequently used in portable and mid-tier ultrasound systems where each channel of a phased-array transducer must be digitized at high speed. At 250 MSPS with 12-bit resolution, it captures RF echoes across the full ultrasound band (typically 1-15 MHz), while the small VQFN-48 package supports dense 32, 64, or 128-channel arrays required for real-time imaging. Its low power consumption keeps total system heat within portable-cart thermal budgets, and the LVDS outputs cleanly fan into downstream FPGAs that perform beamforming and envelope detection. Designers commonly pair it with an LMH6624 low-noise front-end amplifier and an LMK04031 clock distribution IC. Compared with older 10-bit ultrasound ADCs, the ADS4129IRGZ25's extra 2 bits directly improve dynamic range and penetration depth in B-mode imaging.
Recommended
Cable Headend Downstream Receiver
In DOCSIS 3.1 cable headend equipment, the ADS4129IRGZ25 digitizes downstream IF signals from the QAM demodulator path, providing the high SNR needed for high-order modulation. Its 250 MSPS throughput captures multi-channel bonded downstream blocks without aliasing, while the LVDS DDR interface streams data into demodulation ASICs or FPGAs. The 1.8 V analog supply simplifies thermal design in sealed headend chassis, and the small 7x7 mm package supports dense multi-channel receiver cards. Pair it with a Ti DOCSIS tuner front end and a TPS7A4701 LDO for clean analog rail. The 12-bit resolution comfortably meets DOCSIS 3.1 SNR margin requirements at downstream carrier frequencies up to 1 GHz.
Recommended
Radar Signal Processing Front End
In short-range radar and automotive driver-assistance (ADAS) front ends, the ADS4129IRGZ25 digitizes IF outputs from radar mixers operating at 40-77 GHz carrier, then downconverted to baseband or low-IF. Its 250 MSPS throughput supports the wide instantaneous bandwidth needed for high-range-resolution radar, while the LVDS outputs simplify interface to radar signal processing FPGAs. The 7x7 mm VQFN-48 package is small enough to fit multiple ADC channels in a tight radar module, and the industrial -40 to +85 C temperature grade suits automotive under-hood environments. Pair with a low-noise amplifier and an AWR1642 radar transceiver SoC for a complete FMCW radar front end.
Recommended
Industrial High-Speed Data Acquisition
The ADS4129IRGZ25 is well suited to industrial data acquisition systems that need to digitize multiple high-speed analog sensors such as vibration, acoustic emission, or partial-discharge signals. Its 250 MSPS sample rate allows simultaneous capture of multiple sensors through a multiplexer, or single-channel capture at very high time resolution for transient analysis. The LVDS DDR interface enables reliable transfer over longer board traces to a host FPGA or processor, which is critical in electrically noisy industrial environments. Designers commonly pair it with an ISO224 isolation amplifier on the front end and a TMS320C6678 DSP for downstream signal processing. Compared with integrating dual-slope ADCs, the ADS4129IRGZ25 provides 4-5 orders of magnitude higher throughput for time-domain analysis.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for ADS4129IRGZ25 — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | ADS4128IRGZR | ADS4149IRGZ25 | ADS4142IRGZ25 | ADS6129IRGZ25 | ADS6149IRGZ25 | ADS4148IRGZR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments | Texas Instruments |
| Package | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm - same | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm - same | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm - same | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm - same | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm - same | 48-VQFN (RGZ) 7x7 mm - same |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 14 bit | 14 bit | 12 bit | 14 bit | 14 bit |
| Max Sample Rate | 250 MSPS | 200 MSPS | 250 MSPS | 160 MSPS | 105 MSPS | 105 MSPS | 200 MSPS |
| Analog Supply | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 1.8 V |
| Digital Output | LVDS DDR / CMOS | LVDS DDR / CMOS | LVDS DDR / CMOS | LVDS DDR / CMOS | LVDS DDR / CMOS | LVDS DDR / CMOS | LVDS DDR / CMOS |
| Pinout Compatible | Yes (baseline) | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in | Yes - drop-in (different supply) | Yes - drop-in (different supply) | Yes - drop-in |
| 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 |
Key Differentiators
- Balanced combination of speed, resolution, and low power (vs ADS4128IRGZR)
- Lower power consumption than 14-bit same-speed ADCs (vs ADS4149IRGZ25)
- Smaller and lower-cost than higher-end JEDEC ADC families (vs AD9629 (ADI))
Design Notes
Place a 1 uF X7R ceramic plus a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic within 2 mm of every AVDD and DRVDD pin pair, with vias to the dedicated ground plane. Keep the analog input traces a controlled-impedance differential pair (typically 100 ohms differential) and route them with continuous reference ground on the layer below. The exposed thermal pad must be soldered to a contiguous ground copper pour with multiple thermal vias to keep junction temperature within the industrial range.
Drive the sampling clock with a low-jitter differential source such as the LMK04803 or LMX2491. Jitter on CLKP/CLKM directly translates to SNR degradation: estimated SNR limit = 20*log10(1 / (2*pi*fIN*TJ)), so at 170 MHz IF a 1 ps RMS jitter degrades SNR by ~10 dB compared to the datasheet figure. Route the clock differential pair with 100 ohm controlled impedance, length-matched to within 1 mm, and keep clock traces away from LVDS data outputs.
Do not leave the PDN pin floating - tie it low through a 10 kohm resistor, or the ADC may enter power-down mode unpredictably. The RESET pin also requires a defined logic level at power-up; a 10 kohm pull-up to DRVDD is recommended. Avoid driving the analog input as a single-ended signal; the ADC is designed for differential drive and single-ended input will substantially reduce SNR and may damage the input ESD structure. Finally, ensure the SPI SDATA, SCLK, and SEN traces do not cross or run parallel to LVDS data outputs.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Texas Instruments product page; lead-free (Pb-free) reflow profile per JEDEC J-STD-020. AEC-Q100 qualification not applicable - the part is not marketed as automotive grade. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data.
