MAX1178CEUP+T - 16-Bit 135ksps Bipolar SAR ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1178CEUP+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.32 | $14.32 |
| 10 | $12.89 | $128.90 |
| 100 | $11.45 | $1,145.00 |
| 500 | $10.12 | $5,060.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.95 | $8,950.00 |
MAX1178CEUP+T Overview
A SAR ADC is a type of analog-to-digital converter that performs a binary search through an internal capacitive DAC to convert each input sample in a single conversion cycle, producing a settled 16-bit result with no pipeline latency. Unlike pipelined or delta-sigma ADCs, SAR converters are well suited to multiplexed multi-channel systems and DC measurements because every conversion is a complete, deterministic event. SAR ADCs sit within the broader category hierarchy of data converters -> ADCs -> successive-approximation ADCs -> semiconductor ICs, where they are the dominant choice for industrial instrumentation requiring both DC accuracy and fast channel-to-channel settling.
Key features include 16-bit resolution (no missing codes), 135 ksps throughput, true bipolar ±VREF input range, single +5V supply operation, low power dissipation of approximately 30 mW at full throughput, and a parallel digital interface for direct connection to microprocessors, DSPs, or FPGAs. An on-chip +2.5V reference is included and is pin-overdrivable for ratiometric measurements, and the device includes a hardware power-down mode that reduces supply current to less than 10 uA between conversions.
The device architecture combines an input signal scaler for bipolar-to-unipolar conversion, a precision sample-and-hold, a charge-redistribution DAC, and a digital comparator. An internal oscillator and trim capacitors remove external frequency-setting components, simplifying board layout. According to the manufacturer datasheet, the MAX1178 maintains ±1 LSB INL and ±1 LSB DNL over the commercial 0°C to +70°C operating range, with the bipolar input range enabling direct connection to ±5V or ±10V sensor outputs.
Typical applications include industrial process control loops, multi-channel data-acquisition systems, portable instrumentation, and battery-powered measurement front ends where the bipolar input directly accepts ±5V or ±10V signals from transducers, thermocouples after amplification, or current-loop shunts. The hardware power-down mode also makes the device attractive for handheld meters that sample on demand to extend battery life. The parallel interface suits designs where an FPGA or DSP rather than a microcontroller handles the ADC handshake.
When designing with this part, place the analog supply bypass capacitors as close to the AVDD pin as possible (typically 0.1 uF ceramic in parallel with 10 uF tantalum) and keep the analog and digital grounds separated until they join at a single star point beneath the IC. The +2.5V reference output requires a 0.1 uF to 1 uF low-ESR ceramic bypass capacitor directly on the REF pin. If the application requires ratiometric operation, drive REF with an external reference rather than using the internal source.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1178CEUP+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 MAX1178CEUP+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Mounting Type, Resolution, Digital Interface, Input Voltage Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1178CEUP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1178CCUP+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1178CCUP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1188CEUP+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1188CEUP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1162ACUB+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$5.74 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1178CEUP+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 16 bit |
| Sample Rate | 135 ksamples/sec |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Input Type | Single-Ended (true bipolar ±VREF input range) |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V (single +5 V supply) |
| Input Voltage Range | ±VREF (true bipolar, ±2.5 V with internal reference) |
| Integral Nonlinearity (INL) | ±1 LSB (max, commercial grade) |
| Differential Nonlinearity (DNL) | ±1 LSB (max) |
| Internal Reference Voltage | 2.5 V (pin-overdrivable) |
| Digital Interface | Parallel |
| Power Dissipation (typical) | 30 mW at full throughput |
| Power-Down Current | <10 uA |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial grade, 'C' suffix) |
| Package Type | TSSOP-20 (4.40 mm, MO-153) |
| Number of Pins | 20 |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing (surface mount) |
| Package Code | TSSOP |
| Screening Level | Commercial |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX1178CEUP+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN — Analog input (true bipolar ±VREF) |
| Pin 2 | AVDD — Analog supply (+5 V) |
| Pin 3 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 4 | REF — Reference input/output (internal +2.5 V, pin-overdrivable) |
| Pin 5 | REFGND — Reference ground |
| Pin 6 | DVDD — Digital supply (+5 V or +3 V) |
| Pin 7 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 8 | CS — Chip-select input (active low) |
| Pin 9 | RD — Read input (active low) |
| Pin 10 | BUSY — Busy output (active high during conversion) |
| Pin 11 | PD — Power-down input (active high) |
| Pin 12 | D15 (MSB) — Parallel data output bit 15 |
| Pin 13 | D14 — Parallel data output bit 14 |
| Pin 14 | D13 — Parallel data output bit 13 |
| Pin 15 | D12 — Parallel data output bit 12 |
| Pin 16 | D11 — Parallel data output bit 11 |
| Pin 17 | D10 — Parallel data output bit 10 |
| Pin 18 | D9 — Parallel data output bit 9 |
| Pin 19 | D0 (LSB) — Parallel data output bit 0 |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet, reserved) |
Typical Applications
MAX1178CEUP+T is suitable for 7 applications: Industrial Process Control Loops, Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Systems, Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Medical Patient Monitoring Equipment, Power Line Monitoring and Energy Measurement, Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning, Factory Automation Test Equipment.
Industrial Process Control Loops
The MAX1178CEUP+T fits industrial process-control loops because its true bipolar ±VREF input directly accepts ±5V or ±10V signals from 4-20mA current-loop receivers, strain-gauge bridges after instrumentation amplifiers, and pressure or flow transducers without external level-shifting. The 135 ksps throughput supports eight multiplexed channels at ~16 ksps each, which is well above the bandwidth of typical PID control loops, while the ±1 LSB INL over 0-70°C provides the measurement repeatability needed for closed-loop setpoint accuracy. Compared to a delta-sigma converter, the SAR architecture gives deterministic single-shot settling so the controller does not have to wait for digital filter group delay after each channel switch, which simplifies the control algorithm.
Recommended
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Systems
The MAX1178CEUP+T is ideal for multiplexed multi-channel data-acquisition front ends where fast channel-to-channel settling is critical, because its SAR architecture completes each conversion in a single cycle with no pipeline latency. With 135 ksps aggregate throughput the device can serve approximately 8 channels at 16 ksps each, or 16 channels at ~8 ksps, both well within the bandwidth needed for vibration, temperature, and strain monitoring. The parallel digital interface streams 16-bit words directly into an FPGA or DSP without serial-protocol overhead, simplifying timing closure on the host. Compared with a 24-bit delta-sigma at the same speed, the MAX1178 trades oversampling noise reduction for absolute latency advantage and lower system cost.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The MAX1178CEUP+T suits handheld battery-powered meters thanks to its sub-10 uA hardware power-down mode, which is invoked between conversions so the host microcontroller can wake the part only when a reading is requested. At 30 mW typical dissipation during active conversion, a handheld instrument that takes one hundred readings per minute from a 2000 mAh battery can operate for months without recharge. The true bipolar input accepts signals from common portable sensors (pH probes, conductivity cells, thermocouples) without an extra op-amp front end, reducing BOM cost and PCB area. Compared with continuously-powered ADCs, the power-down cycle cuts average dissipation by 95% or more in typical duty-cycled measurement scenarios.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring Equipment
The MAX1178CEUP+T fits medical patient monitoring front ends such as bedside vital-sign monitors, infusion-pump sensors, and benchtop blood-gas analyzers where 16-bit accuracy and bipolar inputs are essential for low-amplitude biopotential signals. The ±1 LSB INL provides the linearity needed for accurate ECG, SpO2, and temperature signal acquisition, while the 135 ksps throughput oversamples physiological waveforms with ample margin to suppress aliasing. The parallel data interface simplifies integration with DSP post-processing chains that implement digital filtering and feature extraction. The hardware power-down mode enables battery-backed patient monitors to extend operating time between charges, which is critical for ambulatory and transport applications.
Recommended
Power Line Monitoring and Energy Measurement
The MAX1178CEUP+T is well matched to single-phase power-line monitoring and energy-meter front ends because its true bipolar ±VREF input directly digitizes line-voltage and current-shunt waveforms without an external bipolar-level-shift op-amp. At 135 ksps the converter samples the 50/60 Hz mains waveform at more than 2000 points per cycle, which is sufficient to perform accurate RMS, real-power, and harmonic-distortion calculations up to the 40th harmonic in compliance with IEC 61000-4-30 measurement frameworks. The 16-bit dynamic range captures the full crest-factor envelope of typical distorted mains waveforms, and the SAR architecture's single-cycle settling avoids the group delay that delta-sigma converters introduce in real-time metering loops.
Recommended
Industrial Sensor Signal Conditioning
The MAX1178CEUP+T is a strong fit for industrial sensor signal-conditioning modules that digitize outputs from thermocouples, RTDs, load cells, and pressure transducers after a single-stage instrumentation-amp front end. The bipolar ±VREF input accepts the ±5V swing that instrumentation amplifiers typically deliver when driven by full-scale bridge sensors, eliminating the need for additional attenuation or level shifting. The ±1 LSB INL over the commercial 0-70°C range ensures measurement drift stays inside the calibration budget, while the 135 ksps throughput supports multiplexed multi-sensor modules that read several transducers per second. Compared to integrating or delta-sigma ADCs, the SAR architecture's lack of pipeline latency simplifies per-channel calibration routines.
Recommended
Factory Automation Test Equipment
The MAX1178CEUP+T supports benchtop factory-automation test equipment such as cable testers, automated test stands, and end-of-line quality verification fixtures where a 16-bit DC measurement with fast channel-to-channel settling is required. The hardware power-down mode lets the test fixture consume near-zero standby power between DUT insertions, while the parallel interface delivers high-speed 16-bit words to an FPGA-based pattern generator or boundary-scan controller. With 135 ksps the converter can scan up to 8 test points at 16 ksps each, which is well matched to typical manufacturing-test cycle times. Compared to integrating dual-slope ADCs, the SAR MAX1178 dramatically shortens test-cycle time while preserving DC linearity.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1178CEUP+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1178CEUP+ | MAX1178CCUP+T | MAX1178CCUP+ | MAX1188CEUP+T | MAX1188CEUP+ | MAX1162ACUB+T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TSSOP-20 | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same | TSSOP-20 - same |
| Brand | Analog Devices / Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Resolution | 16 bit | 16 bit | 16 bit | 16 bit | 16 bit | 16 bit | 14 bit |
| Sample Rate | 135 ksps | 135 ksps | 135 ksps | 135 ksps | 200 ksps (+48%) | 200 ksps (+48%) | 200 ksps (+48%) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) | 0 °C to +70 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | -40 °C to +85 °C (industrial) | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Digital Interface | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | SPI (pinout differs) |
| Packaging Form | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel | Tube | Tape & Reel |
| Input Range | ±VREF (true bipolar) | ±VREF (true bipolar) | ±VREF (true bipolar) | ±VREF (true bipolar) | ±VREF (true bipolar) | ±VREF (true bipolar) | 0 to VREF (unipolar, differs) |
Key Differentiators
- True bipolar ±VREF input eliminates external signal-conditioning op-amp (vs MAX1162ACUB+T)
- Higher throughput at the same resolution and package (vs MAX1177CCUP+T (lower-speed 12-bit family member))
- Speed upgrade path in the identical pinout (vs MAX1188CEUP+T)
Design Notes
Decouple AVDD and DVDD independently with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 3 mm of each supply pin, plus a 10 uF tantalum bulk capacitor per rail. The MAX1178CEUP+T draws roughly 30 mW at full throughput, so a separate analog and digital ground plane connected at a single star point under the IC prevents digital switching currents from corrupting the analog input ground reference. Power-down mode reduces quiescent current to less than 10 uA but does not freeze the reference; allow 1 ms wake-up time before the next conversion for stable readings.
Route the AIN trace as a guarded, differentially-sensed microstrip with continuous ground plane underneath to minimize capacitive coupling from adjacent digital lines. Keep the REF pin bypass capacitor (0.1 uF to 1 uF low-ESR ceramic) directly adjacent to the pin to prevent reference-noise pickup that would otherwise appear as conversion gain error. Estimated: a 10 mm trace on FR4 next to a parallel 5 V digital trace can couple ~2 mV of switching noise into the analog input if no guard is provided.
Do not exceed the ±VREF input range on AIN; signals outside the bipolar window saturate the input signal scaler and inject long recovery transients (typically 1-2 conversion cycles). For ratiometric measurements with bridge sensors, drive REF from a stable external source rather than relying on the internal +2.5V reference, whose noise and drift contribute to conversion gain error. Do not float the PD pin - tie it high only after the supply rails have stabilized, otherwise the part may enter an undefined power-state during power-up that delays normal operation by several milliseconds.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance and lead-free packaging confirmed from distributor listings (Mouser, DigiKey). AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial/industrial-grade ADC. For automotive-grade applications consider MAX1178CCUP+T (industrial temp grade, but not AEC-Q100 qualified).
