MAX1079CTC+ - 10-Bit 1.5Msps Differential ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1079CTC+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.92 | $7.92 |
| 10 | $7.18 | $71.80 |
| 100 | $6.41 | $641.00 |
| 500 | $5.62 | $2,810.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.78 | $4,780.00 |
MAX1079CTC+ Overview
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a data acquisition component that converts continuous analog signals into discrete digital codes, forming the front-end of nearly every measurement, instrumentation, and sensor-interface system. Successive-approximation register (SAR) ADCs like the MAX1079 balance speed and resolution for multiplexed industrial channels. In the broader taxonomy, the MAX1079 sits under ADC -> data converter -> signal chain IC -> semiconductor.
Key features include a 1.5Msps sampling rate, 10-bit resolution with no missing codes, a true-differential analog input with ±VREF common-mode range, an internal +2.5V precision reference, and SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface. The part also offers an external reference option for applications requiring ratiometric measurements, plus a low-power shutdown mode that reduces supply current to < 1 µA for battery-powered designs.
The MAX1079 uses a charge-redistribution SAR architecture with an input T/H, achieving excellent AC and DC performance at low power. A dedicated REF pin allows either the internal 2.5V reference or an external reference, giving designers flexibility between absolute and ratiometric conversions. The serial interface shifts out data MSB-first, simplifying firmware on most microcontrollers.
Typical applications include industrial process control, data acquisition systems, portable instrumentation, medical instrumentation, and sensor signal conditioning. The wide input common-mode range makes it ideal for bridge sensors and thermocouple interfaces where ground offsets are common.
When designing with this device, decouple AVDD and DVDD close to the IC with 0.1µF ceramic capacitors, and add a 10µF bulk capacitor at the supply pins. Maintain a clean analog ground return; digital return currents must not cross the analog ground plane under the ADC.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1079CTC+ — 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 MAX1079CTC+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Number of Channels, Resolution, Architecture, Analog Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1077CTC+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1079CTC+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1071CTC+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.31 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1070CTC+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1079CTC+ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 10 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 1.5 Msps |
| Number of Channels | 1 (true-differential) |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation Register) |
| Analog Supply Voltage (AVDD) | +2.7 V to +3.6 V |
| Digital Supply Voltage (DVDD) | +1.8 V to AVDD |
| Analog Input Type | True Differential |
| Internal Reference Voltage | +2.5 V |
| External Reference Option | Yes (REF pin) |
| Digital Interface | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE compatible (serial) |
| Shutdown Current | < 1 µA |
| Package / Case | 12-TQFN (HVQCCN) 4x4 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX1079CTC+ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (+2.7V to +3.6V) |
| Pin 2 | IN+ — Positive differential analog input |
| Pin 3 | IN- — Negative differential analog input |
| Pin 4 | REF — Reference voltage input/output (internal +2.5V or external) |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | SHDN — Shutdown input (active low) |
| Pin 7 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 8 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 9 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 10 | DIN — Serial data input |
| Pin 11 | DVDD — Digital supply voltage (+1.8V to AVDD) |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground (digital) |
Typical Applications
MAX1079CTC+ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control & Data Acquisition, Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Medical Signal Acquisition Front End, Sensor Signal Conditioning (Bridge / Thermocouple), Motor Control & Current Sensing, Audio Bandwidth Signal Digitization.
Industrial Process Control & Data Acquisition
The MAX1079CTC+ fits industrial process control front ends thanks to its 1.5 Msps sampling rate and true-differential inputs. Its differential input stage rejects common-mode noise from long cable runs in factory-floor installations, while the internal 2.5V reference eliminates the need for an external reference IC, reducing BOM cost. The wide AVDD range (2.7V-3.6V) supports common 3.3V industrial rails. Compared to lower-speed ADCs in this class, the MAX1079 delivers 7.5x faster throughput for multiplexed multi-channel scanning applications, making it ideal for PLC analog input modules and 4-20mA loop converters with parallel resistance termination.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The MAX1079CTC+ suits portable instrumentation such as handheld multimeters and field data loggers where low power and small footprint are critical. Its sub-1µA shutdown current extends battery life between measurements, while the 12-TQFN (4x4 mm) package fits compact handheld enclosures. The 1.5 Msps burst-mode sampling captures transient signals during triggered acquisition windows. Designers can use the shutdown pin to duty-cycle the ADC - power it up briefly to take a sample, then return to < 1 µA standby - achieving effective system currents well below continuous-operation values.
Recommended
Medical Signal Acquisition Front End
The MAX1079CTC+ works well in medical instrumentation front ends such as patient monitoring and diagnostic equipment. The true-differential input rejects 50/60 Hz mains hum picked up by long patient-lead cables, while the 10-bit resolution provides adequate dynamic range for physiological signal levels (typically mV range after front-end amplification). The internal reference with low drift supports measurement repeatability required by medical device standards. Combined with appropriate front-end amplifiers and isolation barriers, the MAX1079 forms a compact, low-power analog front end for portable medical devices.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning (Bridge / Thermocouple)
The MAX1079CTC+ handles bridge sensor and thermocouple interfaces where small differential signals sit on top of large common-mode voltages. The wide ±VREF input common-mode range accommodates thermocouple output voltages relative to the cold-junction compensation voltage. For load cells and strain gauges, the internal 2.5V reference provides excitation or ratio-metric measurement with the bridge supply. At 1.5 Msps, the ADC oversamples sensor bandwidth, allowing digital averaging to improve effective resolution by 2-3 bits beyond the native 10-bit spec.
Recommended
Motor Control & Current Sensing
The MAX1079CTC+ suits digital motor control loops where phase current must be sampled at high speed. The 1.5 Msps sampling rate captures PWM-edge current transients in field-oriented control (FOC) schemes, while the true-differential input directly digitizes shunt-resistor voltages without an instrumentation amplifier. The SPI-compatible serial interface connects directly to motor-control DSPs and microcontrollers. Designers can synchronize multiple MAX1079 devices for three-phase current sensing by sharing CS and SCLK lines.
Recommended
Audio Bandwidth Signal Digitization
The MAX1079CTC+ supports audio-bandwidth applications such as balanced audio line receivers and digital audio mixing consoles. The true-differential input is natively compatible with professional balanced audio (+4 dBu) lines, eliminating the need for input transformers in some designs. While the 10-bit resolution is modest for studio-grade audio, it is sufficient for intercom, paging, and announcement systems. The internal 2.5V reference provides a stable conversion scaling factor. For higher-fidelity applications, consider the 12-bit MAX1067BCEE upgrade path.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1079CTC+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1077CTC+ | MAX1079CTC+T | MAX1071CTC+T | MAX1070CTC+ | MAX1067BCEE | MAX1069AEUD+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 12-TQFN (HVQCCN) | 12-TQFN (HVQCCN) - same | 12-TQFN (HVQCCN) - same | 12-TQFN (HVQCCN) - same | 12-TQFN (HVQCCN) - same | 16-QSOP - different | 14-TSSOP - different |
| Resolution | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 1.5 Msps | 1.5 Msps | 1.5 Msps | 200 ksps | 200 ksps | 200 ksps | 200 ksps |
| Input Type | True Differential | Pseudo-Differential | True Differential | True Differential | True Differential | Pseudo-Differential (multi-channel) | True Differential (multi-channel) |
| Number of Channels | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4/8 (multi-channel) | 4/8 (multi-channel) |
| Internal Reference | +2.5 V | +2.5 V | +2.5 V | +2.5 V | +2.5 V | +2.5 V | +2.5 V |
| Interface | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE | I2C / SPI |
Key Differentiators
- True-differential input in a single-channel 12-TQFN (vs MAX1077CTC+)
- 1.5 Msps throughput exceeds lower-speed family members (vs MAX1071CTC+T)
- Single-channel focus simplifies firmware (vs MAX1067BCEE)
Design Notes
Decouple AVDD and DVDD close to the IC pins with 0.1µF ceramic capacitors, plus a 10µF bulk capacitor at each supply pin. AVDD and DVDD can share a common +3.3V rail, but place the ferrite bead or filter between them to isolate digital switching noise from the analog supply. The shutdown pin (SHDN) toggles the ADC into < 1µA standby; ensure SHDN is driven by a clean logic signal - a floating SHDN pin leaves the part in an undefined state.
Route the analog input traces (IN+, IN-) as a true differential pair - matched length and impedance, with ground plane underneath. Avoid routing digital signals (SCLK, DOUT, CS) directly above or parallel to the analog input traces; keep them on the opposite side of the PCB. The exposed thermal pad (EP) on the TQFN package must be soldered to a ground pad for thermal dissipation and electrical reference. Place input RC anti-aliasing filters directly at the IC pins, not at the connector.
Do not leave the REF pin floating when using the internal reference - the internal reference requires the REF pin to be bypassed with at least a 0.1µF capacitor (preferably a 4.7µF tantalum in parallel). When driving an external reference, ensure the source can sink/source the REF pin dynamic current during conversion (typically several mA). Do not exceed AVDD + 0.3V on any analog input pin, or the input ESD structure may latch up. Verify SCLK frequency does not exceed the maximum - higher frequencies degrade conversion accuracy.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Maxim product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - the MAX1079CTC+ is commercial grade (0°C to +70°C). Lead-free and halogen-free per Maxim product specifications.
