MAX11164ETC+T - 16-Bit 500ksps SAR ADC, 5ppm/°C Internal Ref | Maxim
MPN: MAX11164ETC+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $8.65 | $8.65 |
| 10 | $7.78 | $77.80 |
| 100 | $6.91 | $691.00 |
| 500 | $6.21 | $3,105.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.54 | $5,540.00 |
MAX11164ETC+T Overview
An SAR ADC is a successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter that resolves one bit per clock cycle by comparing the sampled input against a binary-weighted internal DAC. SAR ADCs combine deterministic latency (a single conversion cycle) with low power consumption and excellent DC accuracy, which is why they dominate precision industrial, instrumentation, and motor-control signal chains where both throughput and AC performance matter.
Key features include an internal 4.096 V low-drift reference (5 ppm/°C max), a high-impedance input that does not require an external buffer, an SPI-/QSPI-/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface, and an external REF input option. The TDFN-12 3x3 mm package combines low thermal resistance with a small PCB footprint, while the part operates over the -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range.
The MAX11164ETC+T architecture is built around a charge-distribution capacitive DAC, an on-chip low-drift bandgap reference, and a high-speed comparator, with input signal acquisition and conversion phases gated by an external CNVST. The integrated reference and input scaling network accept true bipolar or unipolar signals up to ±5 V when driven through the REF pin, simplifying front-end signal conditioning.
Typical applications include industrial process control and PLC analog input modules, multi-channel data-acquisition systems, weigh scales, battery-powered instrumentation, and portable measurement front ends. The internal reference and small footprint also suit it to factory-automation loop calibrators and medical sensor signal chains.
When designing with this device, place the 10 µF reference bypass capacitor as close as possible to pin 6 (REF) and the 0.1 µF VDD bypass cap at pin 12 to keep digital switching transients out of the analog input path. Choosing the -T suffix (tape-and-reel) versus the standard +T extension affects packaging only - both share the same 12-pin TDFN footprint.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the standalone Maxim datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX11164ETC+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 MAX11164ETC+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Number of Channels, Resolution, Input Type, Sampling Rate.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX11164ETC+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX11163ETB+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX11120ATI+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.18 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX11164ETC+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 16 bit |
| Sample Rate | 500 ksps |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation Register) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Input Type | Single-Ended, Unipolar (0 V to 5 V) |
| Input Range | 0 V to 5 V (unipolar); up to ±5 V with bipolar front-end |
| Internal Reference | 4.096 V, 5 ppm/°C max drift |
| External Reference Input | Yes (REF pin) |
| Data Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial |
| SNR | 92 dB (typ) |
| INL | ±1 LSB (max) |
| DNL | ±1 LSB (max, no missing codes) |
| Power Supply | 5 V (single analog/digital supply) |
| Supply Current | 3.4 mA (typ at 500 ksps) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| Package | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX11164ETC+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | REF — Reference input/output (internal 4.096V reference) |
| Pin 2 | AIN — Analog input (0-5V unipolar) |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | CNVST — Convert start (active low) |
| Pin 5 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 6 | REF — Reference bypass / external reference input |
| Pin 7 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 8 | SCK/SHDN — Serial clock / shutdown control |
| Pin 9 | DOUT/DRDY — Serial data output / data ready |
| Pin 10 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 11 | GND — Ground (exposed pad) |
| Pin 12 | AVDD — Analog supply (5V) |
Typical Applications
MAX11164ETC+T is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control / PLC Analog Input Module, Multi-Channel Data Acquisition System, Weigh Scale / Precision Weighing Front End, Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation, Factory Automation Loop Calibrator, Medical Sensor Signal Chain / Patient Monitoring.
Industrial Process Control / PLC Analog Input Module
The MAX11164ETC+T's 16-bit 500 ksps throughput with 92 dB SNR suits it to PLC analog input modules reading 4-20 mA or 0-10 V field signals. Its integrated 4.096 V reference and 5 ppm/°C drift keep system gain error below 0.1% across -40 °C to +85 °C industrial environments. The SAR architecture gives deterministic latency, simplifying IEC 61131-3 control loop synchronization. Compared with integrating ADCs, the MAX11164ETC+T handles multiplexed multi-channel inputs at much higher throughput while maintaining DC accuracy. Place a 10 µF reference bypass cap at pin 6 and use the device's SPI output to feed a host MCU or FPGA for real-time control.
Recommended
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition System
Multi-channel data acquisition systems require deterministic sampling and AC performance. The MAX11164ETC+T's 500 ksps throughput and single-cycle SAR latency make it suitable for systems with an external analog multiplexer (MUX) feeding a single ADC. The 92 dB SNR supports 16-bit dynamic range for vibration, acoustic, or strain-gauge measurements. The internal reference eliminates board-level reference noise concerns, while the SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible interface enables direct connection to FPGAs or DSPs at high clock rates. The 12-pin TDFN 3x3 mm package allows compact front-end analog boards where multiple channels are arrayed side-by-side.
Recommended
Weigh Scale / Precision Weighing Front End
Weigh scales and precision load-cell amplifiers demand high DC accuracy and low noise. The MAX11164ETC+T's ±1 LSB INL/DNL and 92 dB SNR deliver the dynamic range needed for 6-digit display resolution from a single 5 V supply. The internal 5 ppm/°C reference keeps calibration stable across ambient temperature swings in factory and laboratory environments. SAR latency determinism simplifies software averaging and digital filtering. The TDFN-12 3x3 mm package fits compact bench-top instrument form factors. Engineers should ground the exposed pad (EP) and keep digital switching away from the AIN trace to preserve CMRR above 90 dB.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Instrumentation
Battery-powered portable instruments benefit from the MAX11164ETC+T's 3.4 mA supply current and integrated reference that eliminates a separate reference IC's quiescent draw. Single 5 V supply operation allows direct connection to a USB or lithium-ion-derived rail, while power-down current drops low enough for sleep-mode duty cycling in handheld meters. The 16-bit 500 ksps capability supports fast transient capture in oscilloscope-style portable tools. The 12-pin TDFN package fits the tight board geometries typical of handheld form factors.
Recommended
Factory Automation Loop Calibrator
Field calibrators for 4-20 mA loops and 0-10 V actuators require a precision ADC reference with sub-LSB repeatability. The MAX11164ETC+T's no-missing-codes 16-bit performance and 5 ppm/°C internal reference make it well matched to HART and Foundation Fieldbus calibrator test sets. SAR single-cycle conversion means a calibrator can sample a current loop at deterministic intervals for noise and step-response tests. The 3.4 mA supply current allows battery-powered calibrators to run a full day on a single charge. Use the REF pin to apply an external high-stability reference during calibration self-test for traceable accuracy.
Recommended
Medical Sensor Signal Chain / Patient Monitoring
Patient monitoring front ends for ECG, SpO2, and temperature sensors demand 16-bit resolution at modest sample rates with low power. The MAX11164ETC+T's 500 ksps capability, 92 dB SNR, and integrated reference fit low-channel medical signal conditioning where deterministic latency aids R-wave detection algorithms. The 12-pin TDFN 3x3 mm package suits compact wearable or bedside-monitor layouts. Its -40 °C to +85 °C operating range accommodates medical environment thermal specs. Note that this part is not AEC-Q100 qualified - for automotive or life-critical medical devices requiring ISO 13485 traceability audits, choose parts with explicit medical-grade screening.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX11164ETC+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX11164ETC+ | MAX11163ETB+T | MAX11120ATI+T |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) - same | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) - same | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated - same | Maxim Integrated - same | Maxim Integrated - same |
| Resolution | 16 bit | 16 bit | 12 bit | 12/14 bit (configurable) |
| Sample Rate | 500 ksps | 500 ksps | 500 ksps | 1 Msps |
| Input Range | 0-5 V unipolar | 0-5 V unipolar | 0-3.6 V unipolar | 0-VDD or 0-REF |
| Internal Reference | 4.096 V, 5 ppm/°C | 4.096 V, 5 ppm/°C | 2.5 V internal | External only |
| Supply Voltage | 5 V single | 5 V single | 3.3 V single | 3.3-5 V single |
| Packaging | Tape & Reel (+T) | Tube (+) | Tape & Reel (+T) | Tape & Reel (+T) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 5 ppm/°C reference eliminates external reference IC (vs MAX11120ATI+T)
- Single 5 V supply operation simplifies power tree (vs MAX11163ETB+T)
- Higher 16-bit resolution vs 12/14-bit alternatives (vs MAX11120ATI+T)
Design Notes
The MAX11164ETC+T requires a clean 5 V analog supply at pin 12 (AVDD). Place a 1 µF ceramic capacitor as close as possible to the AVDD pin and a 10 µF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor at the regulator output. Star-ground the analog and digital ground returns to pin 11 to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the SAR comparator.
Route the AIN trace (pin 2) with a ground guard on both sides and keep digital lines (CNVST, SCK, DOUT) routed away from the analog input. The exposed pad on the bottom of the TDFN package is the primary thermal and electrical ground; solder it directly to a continuous ground plane using multiple thermal vias for best noise performance.
Do not apply input voltages beyond ±15 V without external protection; the absolute maximum on AIN is VDD + 0.3 V. The internal reference requires a 10 µF low-ESR bypass cap at pin 6 - omitting this cap degrades noise performance by 10-15 dB. For multi-MUX applications, ensure the input settles to within 1 LSB before CNVST falls to avoid sampling transients.
Estimated: at 5 V supply and 3.4 mA supply current, internal dissipation is ~17 mW - well within the TDFN-12 thermal limits (θJA ~45 °C/W typical). No heatsink is required for normal operation. However, in sealed enclosures above 60 °C ambient, ensure the exposed pad connects to at least 50 mm² of copper pour to keep junction temperature below 125 °C.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Maxim product page. Lead-free reflow compatible per JEDEC J-STD-020. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is an industrial-grade part.
