MAX11166ETC+T - 16-Bit 500ksps SAR ADC ±5V Bipolar Input | Maxim
MPN: MAX11166ETC+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.5 | $9.50 |
| 10 | $8.55 | $85.50 |
| 100 | $7.6 | $760.00 |
| 500 | $6.84 | $3,420.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.08 | $6,080.00 |
MAX11166ETC+T Overview
What is a SAR ADC: A successive-approximation register ADC is a class of Nyquist-rate data converter that resolves one bit per internal clock cycle using a binary search across an internal capacitive DAC. SAR ADCs offer deterministic latency, no pipeline delay, excellent DC accuracy, and low power consumption compared to pipeline or delta-sigma architectures, making them the architecture of choice for multiplexed data acquisition, motor control feedback loops, and precision instrumentation.
The MAX11166ETC+T achieves 16-bit resolution with no missing codes, integrated an optional internal reference that eliminates an external reference IC, and a patented charge-pump input stage that allows direct sampling of high-impedance sources. AC performance includes better than 92 dB SNR and -100 dB THD at 10kHz input, while DC performance delivers ±1 LSB INL and ±0.5 LSB DNL typical. The device also includes a high-speed SPI-/QSPI-/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface for direct connection to microcontrollers and DSPs.
Typical applications include industrial process control (4-20mA loop digitization), vibration and acoustic analysis, multichannel data acquisition systems, medical instrumentation, and automated test equipment. The true bipolar input eliminates the need for level-shifting amplifiers and anti-alias filters, reducing BOM cost and PCB area in space-constrained designs.
When designing with the MAX11166ETC+T, place the 0.1µF and 10µF decoupling capacitors as close as possible to the AVDD pin and connect the exposed pad to a solid analog ground plane. Use the internal reference for compact designs, or disable REF and apply an external reference for higher accuracy or ratiometric measurements.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX11166ETC+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 MAX11166ETC+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Package, Resolution, SNR.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX11164ETC+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.54 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX11166ETC+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX11166ETC+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 16 bits |
| Sample Rate | 500 ksps |
| Input Channels | 1 |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Input Voltage Range | ±5 V (10 VP-P), true bipolar |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 5 V |
| Digital Supply Voltage | 3 V to 5 V |
| Reference | Internal 4.096 V (optional external) |
| SNR | 92 dB (typ at 10 kHz input) |
| THD | -100 dB (typ at 10 kHz input) |
| Interface | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE-compatible serial |
| Package | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) with exposed pad |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX11166ETC+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN — Analog input (true bipolar ±5 V) |
| Pin 2 | AVDD — 5 V analog supply |
| Pin 3 | GND — Analog ground |
| Pin 4 | REF — Reference input/output (internal 4.096 V) |
| Pin 5 | REFEN — Reference enable (active high) |
| Pin 6 | AVDD — 5 V analog supply (tied to pin 2) |
| Pin 7 | CNVST — Conversion start (active low) |
| Pin 8 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 9 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 10 | DVDD — Digital supply (3 V to 5 V) |
| Pin 11 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 12 | EP — Exposed pad, connect to analog ground |
Typical Applications
MAX11166ETC+T is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Control and 4-20mA Loop Digitization, Vibration and Acoustic Analysis Systems, Multichannel Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ), Medical Instrumentation and Patient Monitoring, Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and Instrumentation, Motor Control and Power-Inverter Feedback Loops, Power-Line Monitoring and Energy Metering.
Industrial Process Control and 4-20mA Loop Digitization
The MAX11166ETC+T is well suited to industrial process control and 4-20mA loop digitization because its true bipolar ±5V input range directly accepts the voltage developed across a current-sense resistor at the loop return, eliminating external level-shifting amplifiers that consume PCB area and add offset error. With 16-bit resolution and 500 ksps throughput, the converter simultaneously captures both the slow steady-state loop current and fast transient events such as valve actuation or pump surge. The integrated 4.096V reference avoids the cost of an external reference IC, while the SPI-compatible serial interface connects directly to industrial microcontrollers and PLCs. Operating temperature of -40C to +85C and RoHS compliance support harsh factory environments.
Recommended
Vibration and Acoustic Analysis Systems
The MAX11166ETC+T fits vibration and acoustic analysis systems where 92 dB SNR and -100 dB THD preserve signal integrity from MEMS accelerometers and microphone pre-amplifiers. The 500 ksps sample rate captures vibration signatures up to 200 kHz without aliasing when paired with a suitable anti-alias filter, while 16-bit resolution provides the dynamic range needed to resolve small-amplitude harmonics alongside large fundamental tones. The SAR architecture delivers deterministic latency suitable for synchronous multi-channel sampling when used with an external mux. A solid analog ground plane under the TDFN exposed pad and short AVDD traces keep digital switching noise out of the conversion.
Recommended
Multichannel Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ)
For multichannel data acquisition systems, the MAX11166ETC+T operates as a backend converter following an analog input multiplexer. Its true bipolar ±5V input range supports thermocouple, strain-gauge bridge, and 0-10V process signals without signal conditioning, while 500 ksps throughput enables rapid scanning of 8-16 channels at aggregate rates suitable for industrial DAQ. The 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) package keeps channel-card density high, leaving board space for protection circuits and isolation barriers. Designers often pair the MAX11166ETC+T with a low-noise LDO such as the MAX8881 or MAX6033 to power the analog supply rail from a shared 5V bus.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation and Patient Monitoring
Medical instrumentation such as patient monitors, ECG front-ends, and blood-gas analyzers benefits from the MAX11166ETC+T's 16-bit resolution, true bipolar input, and small TDFN-12 package. The bipolar input range digitizes ECG lead-off detection voltages and bio-impedance measurement signals directly, while 92 dB SNR preserves small-amplitude bioelectric events such as late-potential ECG features or fetal-heart signals. The internal reference reduces BOM complexity - a key concern for cost-sensitive medical designs - and the SPI interface connects cleanly to low-power ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers. Note that medical safety certification (IEC 60601) is the system integrator's responsibility, not the ADC's.
Recommended
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) and Instrumentation
The MAX11166ETC+T is a strong fit for automated test equipment (ATE) and laboratory instrumentation where 16-bit precision and 500 ksps throughput enable accurate measurement of analog outputs from devices under test. The true bipolar ±5V input supports parametric measurement units (PMUs) that source and measure both positive and negative compliance voltages without external signal inversion. The integrated reference and small package simplify multi-channel pin-electronics boards, while the SPI/QSPI interface allows high-speed readback to test controllers. Designers often combine the MAX11166ETC+T with precision op-amps such as the MAX4475 for input buffering and a low-noise reference for production-grade calibration.
Recommended
Motor Control and Power-Inverter Feedback Loops
The MAX11166ETC+T fits motor-control and power-inverter feedback loops where deterministic SAR latency is essential for digital current and voltage control loops. The 500 ksps throughput handles PWM frequencies typical of FOC motor drives (typically 10-50 kHz), while 16-bit resolution captures shunt-resistor current measurements with the dynamic range to span both light-load idle currents and peak torque transients. The true bipolar ±5V input simplifies current-sense signal chains that swing around 0V. The 12-pin TDFN package fits on compact integrated power modules alongside gate drivers and FOC microcontrollers such as the MAX1168 or third-party Cortex-M FOC parts.
Recommended
Power-Line Monitoring and Energy Metering
Power-line monitoring and energy-metering applications benefit from the MAX11166ETC+T's true bipolar ±5V input, which captures AC mains voltage and current waveforms directly through resistive dividers and current transformers. The 500 ksps sample rate supports accurate harmonic analysis up to the 50th harmonic of 50/60 Hz mains, while 16-bit resolution provides the dynamic range for both fundamental and distortion components. The integrated reference simplifies multi-phase meter designs, and the small TDFN-12 package supports compact meter form factors. Designers often pair the MAX11166ETC+T with a high-isolation analog front-end and a metrology DSP or microcontroller to compute RMS, harmonics, and power-quality metrics.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX11166ETC+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX11164ETC+T |
|---|---|---|
| Package | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) | 12-pin TDFN (3x3 mm) - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated - same |
| Resolution | 16 bits | 16 bits |
| Sample Rate | 500 ksps | 250 ksps |
| Input Voltage Range | ±5 V true bipolar | ±5 V true bipolar |
| Analog Supply | 5 V single | 5 V single |
| Internal Reference | 4.096 V yes | 4.096 V yes |
| SNR (typ 10 kHz) | 92 dB | 92 dB |
| THD (typ 10 kHz) | -100 dB | -100 dB |
| Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE |
Key Differentiators
- True bipolar ±5V input without external signal conditioning (vs MAX11164ETC+T)
- Integrated 4.096V reference eliminates external reference BOM (vs MAX11166ETC+)
- Patented charge-pump input supports high-impedance sources (vs MAX11058ECB+T)
Design Notes
Estimated layout recommendation: place 0.1µF and 10µF decoupling capacitors within 2 mm of the AVDD pin and connect the exposed pad (pin 12) to a solid analog ground plane with at least 8 thermal vias. A separate analog ground island connected to the system ground at a single point minimizes digital switching noise coupling into the analog reference and input stages.
Use a low-noise LDO such as the MAX8881 or MAX6033 to derive AVDD from a shared 5V rail. The MAX11166ETC+T draws only a few milliamps during conversion, so thermal dissipation is not a concern, but supply ripple must remain below 1 mV RMS to fully realize 16-bit performance. DVDD may be tied directly to AVDD if digital noise isolation is not required.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum analog input voltage of ±6V or damage to the input protection network may occur. The REFEN pin must be connected high to enable the internal reference; floating it disables the reference and leaves the REF pin in high-impedance state. Ground the CNVST pin with proper SPI timing to avoid spurious conversions; consult the datasheet timing diagram for t_CNVH and t_ACQ values.
When sampling high-impedance sources directly (no input buffer), respect the input bandwidth limit and acquisition-time specification from the datasheet. For sources above 1 kohm source impedance, add a precision input buffer such as the MAX4475AUA+ to avoid conversion-time-related gain error. The patented charge-pump input stage supports high-impedance sources, but source-impedance limits still apply at full throughput.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per Maxim Integrated / Analog Devices product page. AEC-Q100 qualification does not apply to this industrial-grade (-40C to +85C) part. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in retrieved web data.
