MAX117EPI - 8-Bit 4-Channel 400ksps ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX117EPI ✓ ActiveMAX117EPI Overview
An ADC is an interface IC that converts an analog voltage into a digital code for measurement, control, or display systems. The MAX117EPI belongs to the hierarchy ADC, data-converter IC, interface IC, and semiconductor. Its four inputs allow a microcontroller or microprocessor to monitor several sensors or control signals without operating four separate converter packages. The flash-conversion architecture supports successive approximation-style acquisition while avoiding the latency of a continuous ramp converter.
Key characteristics include 8-bit resolution, four analog input channels, a 400ksps conversion rate, and operation from a single 3V supply. The half-flash conversion technique produces a 1.8µs conversion time, making the converter suitable for rapidly changing control signals. A 1µA power-down mode reduces consumption when measurements are intermittent, while the processor-compatible interface supports integration with embedded control systems.
The device is specified as an 8-bit ADC with four channels and a 400ksps throughput rate. Its input architecture and converter throughput are intended for industrial monitoring, digital panel meters, process-control loops, and embedded data acquisition. Because it accepts several analog signals, it can reduce component count and simplify routing on a board that must monitor multiple transducers or potentiometer positions.
Package and environmental details distinguish this industrial-grade, through-hole ordering code. The MAX117EPI is packaged in a rectangular 28-pin DIP and is identified as industrial temperature grade. Its 762mW maximum power dissipation and single-supply architecture make it most appropriate for conventional 3V embedded systems rather than ultra-low-power battery products.
Use the manufacturer datasheet pin-description table when assigning analog inputs, reference connections, digital outputs, and control pins on the 28-pin DIP. Confirm the input-voltage range, reference configuration, acquisition timing, and absolute maximum ratings against the specific operating conditions. Place suitable bypass capacitance near the supply and reference pins, and route analog inputs away from fast digital switching nodes.
This page combines the device specifications, package information, practical application guidance, verified lifecycle listings, and drop-in replacement analysis. It also identifies the electrical and pin-level checks required before substituting an ADC, helping engineers compare converters without treating superficially similar resolution and sampling specifications as proof of board-level compatibility.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX117EPI — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
MAX117EPI+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX117EPEI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX117CPEI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX117CPEI+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX113EPI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX117EPI Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Converter Type | Flash-method ADC |
| Resolution | 8 bit |
| Number of Input Channels | 4 channels |
| Sampling Rate | 400ksps |
| Conversion Time | 1.8 us |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V |
| Maximum Supply Voltage | 3.6 V |
| Power-Down Current | 1 uA |
| Interface Type | Microprocessor-compatible |
| Power Dissipation | 762 mW |
| Package Type | 28-pin DIP |
| Package Code | DIP |
| Package Shape | Rectangular |
| Terminal Form | Through-hole |
| Number of Terminals | 28 |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Lead-Free Status | Lead-free |
MAX117EPI rectangular Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX117EPI (rectangular package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for MAX117EPI.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX117EPI is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Monitoring, Digital Panel Meter, Embedded Data Acquisition, Programmable Logic Controller, Battery-Powered Sensor Interface, Feedback Control Loops.
Industrial Process Monitoring
The MAX117EPI suits industrial monitoring systems that must acquire four analog process signals with a 3V controller. Its 8-bit resolution provides 256 levels across the usable input range, while the 400ksps rate and 1.8µs conversion time permit rapid sequential sampling. Connect pressure, level, or position transducers through suitable conditioning circuits, then capture the four channels with a microprocessor-compatible interface. Because 8-bit quantization may limit accuracy for demanding measurements, use gain conditioning to scale each signal into the converter's useful range. Keep analog traces short, separate them from switching nodes, and reference every layout decision to the manufacturer's acquisition and grounding guidance.
Recommended
Digital Panel Meter
The MAX117EPI can digitize several sensor inputs in a digital panel meter while operating from a single 3V supply. Four channels support readings such as temperature, pressure, level, and status through scaled analog interfaces, and the 400ksps throughput is more than adequate for human-paced display updates. The 8-bit result supports coarse bar graphs, threshold indication, or basic process readouts where finer resolution is unnecessary. Use the low-power shutdown state between refresh cycles where average current matters, and provide local supply bypassing to keep the reference and conversion circuitry stable. Front-end resistance and capacitor values should follow the source-impedance and acquisition requirements in the datasheet.
Recommended
Embedded Data Acquisition
The MAX117EPI is useful in compact embedded data-acquisition modules that need four analog inputs, a simple digital interface, and low supply complexity. A 3V microcontroller can issue conversion commands, read the resulting 8-bit codes, and process the measurements locally. The 400ksps maximum rate supports burst sampling, although the host must observe acquisition and conversion timing. For low-energy designs, place the converter in its 1µA power-down mode during idle intervals and account for wake-up settling before the next valid sample. Keep the analog section close to the sensor connectors and isolate it from switching regulators, clocks, and high-current return paths.
Recommended
Programmable Logic Controller
The MAX117EPI can provide a compact analog input module for a programmable logic controller or small industrial controller monitoring four analog conditions. Its 1.8µs conversion time and 400ksps throughput allow sequential measurements to be refreshed quickly, while the 8-bit output is appropriate for limit detection and coarse closed-loop control. Use the microprocessor-compatible control interface to initiate acquisition and retrieve each channel. Analog isolation, scaling, and filtering depend on the transducer output and must not reduce the available headroom below the converter's input limits. Validate the complete signal chain under worst-case noise, temperature, and supply variation before using the readings for safety-critical decisions.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Interface
The MAX117EPI can serve as the sensing element in a duty-cycled battery-powered instrument because its 1µA power-down mode supports low standby consumption. Four channels allow several sensor outputs to share one converter, and operation from a single 3V rail simplifies the power tree. The active conversion rate of 400ksps can be much higher than required, so the system should avoid continuous conversion when sampling only occasionally. Use a regulator or battery range that remains within the 3V to 3.6V operating limit under all conditions, and include local bypassing. Confirm wake-up timing and reference settling before capturing the first sample after leaving power-down.
Recommended
Feedback Control Loops
The MAX117EPI is appropriate for low-resolution feedback loops where a controller must monitor four analog variables and react to measured values. Its 400ksps conversion capability and 1.8µs conversion time give the digital controller ample sampling opportunity, although system latency also includes command, processing, and output-update time. The 8-bit converter is best suited to coarse control, saturation detection, or threshold adjustment rather than precision servo loops. Condition each feedback signal to use the ADC range effectively and verify acquisition behavior with realistic source impedance. Stable reference bypassing and careful grounding are essential because supply or reference disturbance can translate directly into control error.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX117EPI — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX117EPI+ | MAX117EPEI | MAX117CPEI | MAX117CPEI+ | MAX113EPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 28-pin DIP | 28-pin DIP | 28-pin DIP | 28-pin DIP | 28-pin DIP | 28-pin DIP |
| Resolution | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit | 8 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 400ksps | 400ksps | 400ksps | 400ksps | 400ksps | 400ksps |
| Supply Voltage | 3 V | 3 V | 3 V | 3 V | 3 V | 3 V |
| Conversion Time | 1.8 us | 1.8 us | 1.8 us | 1.8 us | 1.8 us | 1.8 us |
| Power-Down Current | 1 uA | 1 uA | 1 uA | 1 uA | 1 uA | 1 uA |
| Conversion Method | Flash method | Flash method | Flash method | Flash method | Flash method | Flash method |
Key Differentiators
- Four-channel integration reduces separate converter count (vs MAX113EPI)
- 400ksps throughput supports rapid sequential acquisition (vs MAX117EPI+)
- Single 3V operation simplifies the power architecture (vs MAX113EPI)
- Low-power shutdown supports intermittent acquisition (vs MAX117EPI+)
Design Notes
Use the manufacturer pin-description table and package drawing before assigning signals to the 28-pin DIP. The available component records confirm the package and pin count but do not expose the complete numbered pin list. Route analog inputs away from digital outputs, clock lines, inductors, and high-current switching nodes. Maintain a continuous ground reference under the converter where practical, and place supply and reference bypass components adjacent to their respective pins to minimize trace inductance.
Design the analog front end around the converter's acquisition time and source impedance. The 1.8µs conversion time is a device timing specification, but it does not guarantee accurate sampling of a high-impedance sensor without suitable charge-transfer capacitance and buffering. Use low-noise, stable conditioning components, avoid excessive input attenuation with inadequate drive strength, and test acquisition settling with the worst-case sensor impedance and signal frequency. Reference the manufacturer timing diagrams for the required acquisition sequence.
Operate the MAX117EPI from a regulated single 3V rail that remains between the documented operating limits, with 3.6V as the stated maximum supply voltage. Add local high-frequency bypass and adequate bulk capacitance at the power entry points. If the ADC is powered from a noisy converter, filter the rail and keep the switching loop physically separate from the analog reference. A stable reference is particularly important because reference variation can appear directly as gain and offset error in every converted channel.
Do not treat the MAX117EPI and related family members as interchangeable solely because they share the MAX113/MAX117 description. Verify channel count, temperature grade, package suffix, lead-free status, control pins, and analog pin mapping against the manufacturer datasheet for each exact ordering code. For MAX117EPI, the 8-bit result represents only 256 levels, so avoid precision measurements that require finer quantization. Confirm power-down wake-up behavior before sampling immediately after shutdown.
Compliance Information
The chipdocs record identifies a lead-free MAX117EPI+ datasheet. No explicit RoHS, REACH, halogen-free, conflict-minerals, or automotive qualification statement is available for the exact MAX117EPI ordering code.
