MAX1084BCSA+T - 10-Bit 400ksps Serial ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1084BCSA+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7.5 | $7.50 |
| 10 | $6.85 | $68.50 |
| 100 | $6.1 | $610.00 |
| 500 | $5.55 | $2,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.9 | $4,900.00 |
MAX1084BCSA+T Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a data-conversion integrated circuit that samples continuous analog voltages and outputs discrete binary codes suitable for microcontrollers, DSPs, or FPGAs. Within the converter family hierarchy, the MAX1084 belongs to the successive-approximation register (SAR) ADC category, which sits under precision ADCs, which in turn sit under data converters and signal-chain ICs. SAR ADCs are valued for deterministic latency, low power, and high accuracy at moderate sample rates, making them the workhorse choice for multiplexed sensor reading and industrial control.
Key electrical specifications include a 10-bit resolution, a 400 ksps maximum sample rate (when using an external clock), a single +5V analog supply, low power consumption suitable for battery-powered designs, an internal reference (eliminating an external reference IC), an SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface, and an integrated high-bandwidth track/hold. According to the Maxim datasheet family (MAX1084/MAX1085), these converters combine ease of use with small footprint for space-constrained boards.
Typical applications where the MAX1084BCSA+T fits well include remote-sensor and data-acquisition systems, portable and battery-powered instruments, process control loops, multiplexed analog input modules, and instrumentation where low quiescent current and small 8-pin SO packaging are required. The internal reference simplifies BOM (bill of materials) and PCB area, while the SPI-compatible serial interface minimizes microcontroller pin count.
When designing with this ADC, ensure that the analog input does not violate the absolute input range relative to the analog supply rail, and place the recommended 0.1µF supply bypass capacitor directly at the AVDD pin. The serial interface allows direct connection to microcontrollers without external glue logic.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric alternatives, and practical design notes not found on a single manufacturer datasheet page — a consolidated reference for engineers evaluating the MAX1084BCSA+T for new designs or as a drop-in replacement for MAX1242/MAX1243-series devices, which the datasheet notes are pin-compatible predecessors with lower sample rates.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1084BCSA+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 MAX1084BCSA+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Input Type, Package, Resolution, Number of Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1084BCSA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1085BCSA+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1085BCSA
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1242ACSA+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1243ACSA+T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1084BCSA+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 10 bits |
| Sample Rate | 400 ksps (MAX1084 family) |
| Number of Channels | 1 single-ended input |
| Architecture | Successive Approximation (SAR) |
| Input Type | Single-ended analog input |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V (single supply) |
| Reference | Internal |
| Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial |
| Package | 8-pin SO (SOIC) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 C to +70 C (commercial grade per B suffix) |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Terminal Position | Dual |
| Package Code | SOP (SOIC, 8-pin) |
| Packaging Type | Tape and Reel (+T suffix) |
| Pin Count | 8 |
MAX1084BCSA+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — +5V analog supply |
| Pin 2 | AIN — Analog input |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | DOUT — Serial data output (SPI MISO) |
| Pin 5 | SSTRB — Serial strobe / conversion complete |
| Pin 6 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 7 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 8 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
Typical Applications
MAX1084BCSA+T is suitable for 6 applications: Remote Sensor Data Acquisition, Battery-Powered Portable Instruments, Process Control Loop Monitoring, Multiplexed Analog Input Module, Precision Instrumentation Front End, Audio Signal Sampling / Measurement.
Remote Sensor Data Acquisition
The MAX1084BCSA+T is well suited for remote sensor data-acquisition systems that need 10-bit accuracy at moderate sample rates without exhausting battery budget. Its 400 ksps SAR architecture (per the MAX1084/MAX1085 datasheet) and integrated track/hold let designers digitize thermocouple, strain-gauge bridge, or 4-20 mA loop outputs directly. Because the converter runs from a single +5V supply and incorporates an internal reference (eliminating an extra reference IC), the complete front end fits on a tiny 8-pin SO footprint, ideal for distributed IoT sensor nodes where PCB real estate is at a premium. Compared to a 12-/14-bit sigma-delta ADC, the MAX1084 trades resolution for raw throughput, which matters when multiplexing many fast-changing analog channels. Recommended companion parts: a low-offset op-amp front end such as MAX4304 or similar to buffer the sensor signal before the ADC's input.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instruments
Battery-powered portable instruments benefit from the MAX1084BCSA+T's low quiescent current and single-supply operation, both called out on the Maxim datasheet. With a +5V analog rail and modest conversion energy per sample, handheld multimeters, medical point-of-care readers, and field data loggers can digitize sensor signals for many hours on a single battery pack. Unlike a continuous-conversion delta-sigma ADC, the SAR architecture powers down between conversions, allowing the host MCU to gate the supply and capture samples only when needed. The internal reference removes the need for a separate low-power reference IC, which is often a bigger quiescent-current contributor than the ADC itself. For multi-channel multiplexing in portable scopes or data loggers, designers can pair the MAX1084BCSA+T with a low-leakage analog MUX from Maxim's switch portfolio. Recommended companion parts: low-power MCU such as MAX32625 or any ARM Cortex-M0+ part that exposes SPI master peripheral.
Recommended
Process Control Loop Monitoring
Industrial process-control loops (4-20 mA, 0-10 V, RTD/thermocouple) typically require 10-12 bits of resolution at modest sample rates, making the MAX1084BCSA+T a strong fit when fast multiplexing is needed. Its SAR architecture delivers deterministic, single-cycle conversion latency per the datasheet, which simplifies digital-filter design in PLC (programmable logic controller) input modules. The internal reference is accurate enough for most closed-loop control accuracy requirements, and the 8-pin SO package survives standard industrial reflow profiles and conformal coating processes. Engineers should add a front-end instrumentation amp to reject common-mode noise on long analog runs before the ADC's input pin. Recommended companion parts: a precision op-amp input stage plus a digital isolator for module-to-bus isolation.
Recommended
Multiplexed Analog Input Module
Multiplexed analog input modules for PLCs or remote I/O racks sample many channels in sequence, and the SAR architecture of the MAX1084BCSA+T is well-matched to this use. Per the Maxim datasheet, the 400 ksps sample rate supports fast channel cycling when combined with an external analog mux, while the integrated track/hold absorbs mux settling transients. Each conversion is independent and deterministic, so channel-to-channel latency is predictable for control loops that step through inputs in fixed order. The 8-pin SO footprint plus internal reference keeps each channel card inexpensive, and the SPI-compatible interface daisy-chains cleanly with multiple Maxim 10-/12-bit ADC siblings when more channels are required. Recommended companion parts: MAX306 or similar low-leakage 16:1 analog mux on the input side, plus an SPI buffer for bus isolation.
Recommended
Precision Instrumentation Front End
Precision instrumentation front ends (bench DMMs, calibrators, bench-top data loggers) often use a 10-bit SAR ADC as a fast-acquisition channel alongside a slower, higher-resolution sigma-delta main ADC. The MAX1084BCSA+T plays that role well because, per the datasheet, its 400 ksps throughput captures transient events that a 10-Hz sigma-delta would miss. The single +5V supply simplifies the analog rail tree, and the small 8-pin SO outline lets the auxiliary SAR channel live next to the primary ADC without dominating board area. Engineers should provide a low-impedance input buffer to drive the MAX1084BCSA+T's input, since SAR converters draw brief charge bursts from the input at the start of each conversion; a wideband op-amp such as the MAX4304 is a common choice. Recommended companion parts: 16-/18-bit precision sigma-delta ADC for the high-accuracy main channel, plus a precision reference if upgrading from the internal one.
Recommended
Audio Signal Sampling / Measurement
Audio-band signal measurement (test gear, audio analyzers, controlled-feedback amplifiers) can leverage the MAX1084BCSA+T's 400 ksps throughput when 10-bit resolution is acceptable. Per the datasheet, the integrated track/hold provides full audio-bandwidth acquisition and the SAR conversion architecture avoids the latency and aliasing artifacts common to oversampled sigma-delta converters in measurement contexts. While dedicated audio ADCs offer higher dynamic range, the MAX1084BCSA+T is a cost-effective option for ancillary channels such as level metering, DC-bias monitoring, or test-tone amplitude measurement inside a larger mixed-signal system. The internal reference removes an external component and the 8-pin SO footprint keeps the auxiliary channel small. Recommended companion parts: anti-aliasing low-pass filter on the analog input, plus a precision op-amp such as MAX4304 to drive the ADC input cleanly.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1084BCSA+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1084BCSA | MAX1085BCSA+T | MAX1085BCSA | MAX1242ACSA+T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 8-pin SO (SOIC) | 8-pin SO (SOIC) - same | 8-pin SO (SOIC) - same | 8-pin SO (SOIC) - same | 8-pin SO (SOIC) - same |
| Resolution | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits | 10 bits |
| Sample Rate | 400 ksps | 400 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | ~73 ksps |
| Architecture | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR |
| Internal Reference | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Supply Voltage | +5V | +5V | +5V | +5V | +2.7V to +5V |
| Temperature Grade | Commercial (0 to +70 C) | Commercial (0 to +70 C) | Commercial (0 to +70 C) | Commercial (0 to +70 C) | Commercial |
| Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE |
Key Differentiators
- Pin-compatible high-speed upgrade for MAX1242/MAX1243 designs (vs MAX1242ACSA+T)
- Higher throughput within MAX1084/MAX1085 family (vs MAX1085BCSA+T)
- Internal reference eliminates external REF IC (vs MAX1242ACSA+T family)
Design Notes
Estimated: connect AVDD (pin 1) directly to a well-decoupled +5V rail and place a 0.1 µF ceramic bypass capacitor within 5 mm of the supply pin to suppress high-frequency switching noise from the SAR charge-redistribution DAC. Per the MAX1084/MAX1085 datasheet, supply ripple on AVDD directly degrades conversion accuracy, so a ferrite bead plus a 10 µF tantalum bulk capacitor upstream is recommended for noisy industrial rails. Estimated input values used: f_sample = 400 ksps, I_AVDD = approximately 1.2 mA typical, ESR_target = less than 0.1 ohm.
Route the analog input trace (pin 2 AIN) and digital return paths to minimize coupling: keep AIN short, surround it with a ground guard ring tied to analog GND, and avoid routing digital SPI lines (SCLK, DOUT, CS) parallel to AIN. The MAX1084/MAX1085 datasheet recommends separate analog and digital ground planes joined at a single point near the IC's GND pin. Place the 0.1 µF AVDD bypass between the IC and that ground-plane tie-in to maximize high-frequency isolation.
Estimated: SAR ADCs draw brief charge injections from the analog input at the start of each conversion (kickback); failing to buffer AIN with a low-output-impedance op-amp (such as the MAX4304) causes linearity errors especially at high source impedances. The MAX1084/MAX1085 datasheet recommends a wideband amplifier with an output impedance below 50 ohm to preserve 10-bit accuracy at 400 ksps. Estimated input values: input source impedance 10 kohm, sample capacitor 16 pF, kickback attenuation requirement is greater than 90%.
For SPI clock rates above 2 MHz, series-terminate the SCLK line with 33 ohm to dampen reflections on long PCB traces back to the host MCU. Per the MAX1084/MAX1085 datasheet, DOUT transitions on the falling edge of SCLK, so keep the MCU's SPI mode configured for CPHA = 0 (SCLK idles low, data sampled on rising edge) to ensure the host samples DOUT in the valid window. Add a 10 kohm pull-up on CS if the MCU does not drive it during reset, to prevent spurious conversions.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free compliance per distributor listing data; halogen-free status not explicitly stated in provided data, set to unknown. AEC-Q100 not applicable for commercial-grade part (B suffix, 0-70 C); automotive designers should look for /M or automotive-qualified variants.
