MAX1078CTC+T - 1.8Msps 10-Bit Differential ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1078CTC+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.42 | $8.42 |
| 10 | $7.58 | $75.80 |
| 100 | $6.74 | $674.00 |
| 500 | $5.91 | $2,955.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.1 | $5,100.00 |
MAX1078CTC+T Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that converts continuous analog voltages into discrete digital codes. The MAX1078 belongs to the successive-approximation register (SAR) ADC family, which uses a binary-search algorithm with an internal DAC to compare the input against successive reference voltages, settling in N clock cycles for an N-bit resolution. SAR ADCs are prized for their deterministic latency, low power consumption, and ease of use in multiplexed data-acquisition systems.
Key features of the MAX1078CTC+T include a 1.8 Msps maximum sampling rate, true-differential analog inputs capable of unipolar (0 to VREF) or bipolar (±VREF) operation, an internal 2.5 V precision reference, an external clock input, and a SPITM/QSPITM/MICROWIRETM-compatible serial interface. The device operates from a single +2.7 V to +3.6 V analog supply and draws a low quiescent current, making it suitable for battery-powered and portable instrumentation.
The MAX1078 employs a charge-distribution DAC architecture with an input track-and-hold, achieving excellent dynamic performance at high sampling rates. The internal reference eliminates the need for an external reference IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. Hardware and software shutdown modes reduce supply current to <1 µA between conversions for further power savings in duty-cycled applications.
Typical applications include portable instrumentation, data-acquisition systems, process-control monitoring, and digital sensor signal conditioning. The wide 2.7 V to 3.6 V supply range and small TQFN-12 footprint also suit space-constrained medical and industrial modules.
When designing with the MAX1078, place the 0.1 µF and 10 µF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the AVDD and DVDD pins and route the analog and digital ground planes separately, joining them at a single point beneath the exposed pad. The internal reference is bypassed with a 1 µF capacitor on REF.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in pin-compatible alternatives, and practical design guidance drawn directly from the manufacturer datasheet and Maxim Integrated application notes, giving engineers a one-stop reference that complements the official product documentation.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1078CTC+T — 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 MAX1078CTC+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Internal Reference, Input Type, Package, Number of Channels, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1076CTC+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1078CTC+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1078CTC-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1070CTC+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1071CTC+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1030BCEG+TG002
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.92 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1078CTC+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Resolution | 10 bits |
| Number of Channels | 1 (single-ended or true differential input) |
| Sampling Rate | 1.8 Msps |
| Input Type | True Differential (unipolar 0-VREF or bipolar ±VREF) |
| Supply Voltage (Analog/Digital) | 2.7 V to 3.6 V (single supply) |
| Internal Reference | 2.5 V (precision, internal) |
| External Reference Support | Yes (1.0 V to VAVDD) |
| Digital Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial |
| Output Format | Serial, 10-bit two's complement or unsigned |
| Shutdown Current | <1 µA (full power-down mode) |
| Package | 12-pin TQFN-EP (4x4 mm) - Code HVQCCN |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial grade; -40 to +85 °C industrial also offered) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Tape & Reel Qty (T suffix) | 2,500 |
MAX1078CTC+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN+ — Positive differential analog input |
| Pin 2 | AIN- — Negative differential analog input |
| Pin 3 | REF — Internal reference bypass (connect 1 µF to GND) |
| Pin 4 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (2.7 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground (analog and digital tie here) |
| Pin 6 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 7 | CS — Active-low chip select |
| Pin 8 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 9 | DVDD — Digital supply voltage (2.7 V to 3.6 V) |
| Pin 10 | SHDN — Active-low shutdown input |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin EP | GND (EP) — Exposed pad - must be soldered to GND plane for thermal/electrical performance |
Typical Applications
MAX1078CTC+T is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Data-Acquisition Modules, Process-Control Sensor Signal Conditioning, Medical Monitoring Equipment, Vibration and Condition Monitoring, Digital Audio Path Monitoring, Industrial Networking Sensor Nodes.
Portable Data-Acquisition Modules
The MAX1078CTC+T's 1.8 Msps sampling rate and <1 µA full-shutdown current make it well-suited for handheld and battery-powered data-acquisition modules. Engineers typically place the device between a sensor analog front-end and a microcontroller's SPI bus, where its 10-bit resolution captures vibration, strain-gauge, or temperature signals without draining the battery between conversions. The integrated 2.5 V reference removes the need for a separate reference IC, saving board area in compact form factors.
Recommended
Process-Control Sensor Signal Conditioning
In industrial process-control loops, the MAX1078CTC+T digitizes 4-20 mA-derived voltage signals, pressure-transducer outputs, and thermocouple-amplifier signals with true-differential inputs that reject common-mode noise on long cable runs. The internal 2.5 V reference provides 10-bit precision adequate for sub-1 °C temperature monitoring after linearization. The 12-pin TQFN-EP package tolerates the thermal environment of a DIN-rail enclosure when the exposed pad is soldered to a copper pour.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Equipment
Medical devices such as portable pulse-oximeters and patient-monitors use the MAX1078CTC+T to digitize photodiode-amplifier outputs and ECG front-end signals. The single 2.7 V to 3.6 V supply simplifies battery-management design, and the differential input rejects common-mode interference from nearby RF sources. Critical care equipment benefits from the MAX1078's deterministic 10-bit conversion latency, which simplifies safety-critical firmware timing.
Recommended
Vibration and Condition Monitoring
The 1.8 Msps sampling rate of the MAX1078CTC+T is well-matched to MEMS-accelerometer vibration analysis in predictive-maintenance systems. Engineers sample at 100 kHz+ per channel, allowing FFT-based spectral analysis of motor-bearing faults and rotor-imbalance signatures. The MAX1078's small TQFN package fits inside IP-67 vibration-sensor housings, while the internal reference removes drift across multiple sensor nodes in a wireless mesh.
Recommended
Digital Audio Path Monitoring
Consumer audio electronics use the MAX1078CTC+T to monitor amplifier-output voltage, supply-rail integrity, and speaker-current feedback. The 1.8 Msps throughput comfortably samples up to 50 kHz audio-bandwidth signals with 10-bit headroom for level-detection algorithms. The internal reference maintains calibration over the audio board's thermal cycles, while the TQFN-12 footprint keeps BOM cost low in mass-market products.
Recommended
Industrial Networking Sensor Nodes
In RS-485- and Industrial-Ethernet-connected sensor nodes, the MAX1078CTC+T digitizes analog inputs from instrumentation amplifiers and bridge sensors. Its true-differential input rejects ground potential differences across long industrial cable runs, while the SPI interface directly connects to low-cost industrial microcontrollers. The <1 µA shutdown current is critical for nodes that wake periodically to take measurements and return to sleep between transmissions.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1078CTC+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1076CTC+T | MAX1070CTC+ | MAX1071CTC+T | MAX1030BCEG+TG002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 12-pin TQFN-EP (4x4 mm) | 12-pin TQFN-EP (4x4 mm) - same | 12-pin TQFN-EP - same | 12-pin TQFN-EP - same | 12-pin TQFN-EP - same |
| Resolution | 10 bits | 10 bits | 12 bits (higher precision) | 12 bits | 10 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 1.8 Msps | 1.8 Msps (same) | ~200 ksps (much lower) | ~450 ksps (lower) | ~50 ksps (much lower) |
| Input Type | True differential | True differential (same family) | Single-ended | Single-ended | Single-ended |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 3.6 V | 2.7 V to 3.6 V (same) | 2.7 V to 3.6 V (same) | 2.7 V to 3.6 V (same) | 2.7 V to 5.5 V (wider) |
| Internal Reference | 2.5 V | 2.5 V internal (same) | 2.5 V internal (same) | 2.5 V internal (same) | 2.5 V internal (same) |
| Shutdown Current | <1 µA | <1 µA (same) | <2 µA (slightly higher) | <1 µA (same) | <1 µA (same) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) |
| Approx. Unit Price (qty-1) | $8.42 | $8.42 (same) | $6.10 (lower) | $7.20 (lower) | $5.95 (lower) |
Key Differentiators
- True differential input for superior common-mode rejection (vs MAX1070CTC+ (single-ended))
- Higher 1.8 Msps sampling rate for high-bandwidth signals (vs MAX1030BCEG+TG002 (~50 ksps))
- Same-package pin-compatible sibling with identical specs (vs MAX1076CTC+T)
- Single-supply 2.7 V operation with internal 2.5 V reference (vs External-reference competitors)
Design Notes
Estimated: AVDD and DVDD must each be bypassed with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor within 1 mm of the respective pin and a 10 µF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor at the supply entry. The internal 2.5 V reference requires a 1 µF ceramic bypass capacitor on REF to GND, per the Maxim datasheet. Star-ground topology with the ADC's GND pin as the central tie-point minimizes digital switching currents in the analog return path.
Place the TQFN-EP exposed pad on a continuous ground copper pour with at least 4 thermal vias to the inner ground plane, per the Maxim package handling notes. The vias stitch the top-side ground pour to internal ground planes and conduct heat from the exposed pad. The exposed pad is internally connected to GND, so the via pattern also serves as the low-impedance analog/digital ground return.
Route the SPI bus (SCLK, CS, DOUT) on a separate digital layer from the analog input traces to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the ADC's analog front-end. Keep AIN+/AIN- traces matched in length (within 5 mm) and surrounded by a ground guard trace tied to GND. Place a small RC filter (typically 100 Ω + 1 nF) at the analog input pins when the source impedance exceeds 1 kΩ to limit wideband noise.
Do not leave SHDN floating - tie the pin to DVDD through a 100 kΩ pull-up resistor if hardware shutdown is not used; a floating SHDN pin can intermittently wake the part and increase supply current. The REF bypass capacitor must be ceramic with low ESR; tantalum or electrolytic capacitors on REF cause reference instability and degraded AC performance. Finally, avoid driving AIN+ or AIN- beyond AVDD + 0.3 V or below GND - 0.3 V, as the input ESD diodes will clamp and inject current into the reference.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Maxim Integrated product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - choose automotive-grade alternates for AEC-Q100 needs. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in verified data; treat as unknown unless confirmed via manufacturer's certificate of compliance.
