MAX1202ACAP - 12-Bit 8-Ch 133kSPS 5V ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1202ACAP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.2 | $11.20 |
| 10 | $10.08 | $100.80 |
| 100 | $8.96 | $896.00 |
| 500 | $8.06 | $4,030.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.17 | $7,170.00 |
MAX1202ACAP Overview
A successive-approximation ADC is a type of analog-to-digital converter that resolves each conversion by stepping through internal comparator decisions bit-by-bit against a precision DAC reference, delivering deterministic conversion latency and excellent DC accuracy at moderate sampling rates. Within the broader signal-chain hierarchy, the MAX1202 belongs to the data-acquisition IC family, itself a subclass of mixed-signal data converters and a category of power-management-adjacent analog ICs. Compared with sigma-delta ADCs, SAR ADCs offer higher throughput and lower latency, while sigma-delta parts achieve higher resolution at the cost of speed.
Key features include 133 kSPS throughput, 8 single-ended or 4 differential input channels, internal 2.5V reference (configurable), user-adjustable output logic levels (+2.7V to +5.25V), single +5V or dual ±5V analog supply operation, 1.5 mA active supply current, 2 µA power-down current, internal track-and-hold, SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface, and unipolar/bipolar input ranges. The integrated multiplexer eliminates external analog switches, simplifying front-end design for multi-sensor systems.
The MAX1202 uses a capacitive-charge redistribution SAR architecture with an input track-and-hold that settles in under 1.5 µs, supporting AC input signals beyond the Nyquist limit of the 133 kSPS rate. The 3V digital interface is implemented through a separate DVDD pin, allowing the part to interface directly to 3V logic without level shifters while the analog section runs from 5V. Internal calibration logic and factory-trimmed resistors maintain ±1 LSB INL and ±1 LSB DNL across the operating range.
Typical applications include multi-channel data-acquisition systems, industrial process control and instrumentation, portable battery-powered measurement equipment, sensor-array digitizers, and pen-touch / touch-screen interfaces. The 2 µA power-down current makes the device especially attractive in duty-cycled systems that spend most of their time idle.
When designing with the MAX1202, place the 10 µF and 0.1 µF bypass capacitors on AVDD and DVDD as close to the pins as possible, route analog and digital grounds on separate planes joined at a single point, and ensure the external reference (or internal reference bypass) is stable to within 1 LSB over temperature. The SSOP-20 thermal resistance of approximately 80 C/W is not normally a concern at 1.5 mA supply current.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1202ACAP — 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 MAX1202ACAP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Number of Channels, Sampling Rate, Operating Temperature Range, Input Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1202ACAP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1202BCAP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1202BEAP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1202AEEP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1203ACAP+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1202ACAP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 single-ended / 4 differential |
| Sampling Rate | 133 kSPS |
| Converter Type | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Analog Supply Voltage | +5V (single) or ±5V (dual) |
| Digital Supply Voltage | +2.7V to +5.25V |
| Active Supply Current | 1.5 mA |
| Power-Down Current | 2 µA |
| Input Range | 0V to +5V unipolar; ±5V bipolar with dual supply |
| Integral Non-Linearity (INL) | ±1 LSB (max) |
| Differential Non-Linearity (DNL) | ±1 LSB (max) |
| Reference | Internal 2.5V (external optional) |
| Track-and-Hold | Internal, 1.5 µs acquisition |
| Serial Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible |
| Package | 20-pin SSOP (5.3 mm body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0C to +70C (commercial, A grade) |
| RoHS Status | Check suffix: 'CAP' (non-RoHS) vs 'CAP+' (RoHS) |
MAX1202ACAP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN0 — Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | AIN1 — Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | AIN2 — Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | AIN3 — Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 5 | AIN4 — Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | AIN5 — Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 7 | AIN6 — Analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 8 | AIN7 — Analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 9 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 10 | REF — Reference voltage (internal 2.5V or external) |
| Pin 11 | AVDD — Analog supply (+5V or +5V/-5V) |
| Pin 12 | CS — Chip select (active low) for serial interface |
| Pin 13 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 14 | SSTRB — Serial strobe output |
| Pin 15 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 16 | DVDD — Digital supply (+2.7V to +5.25V) |
| Pin 17 | DIN — Serial data input |
| Pin 18 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 19 | SHDN — Shutdown input (active low for power-down) |
| Pin 20 | N.C. — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MAX1202ACAP is suitable for 6 applications: Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Systems, Industrial Process Control Instrumentation, Portable Battery-Powered Measurement Equipment, Sensor Array Digitizers, Pen-Touch and Touch-Screen Interfaces, Medical and Diagnostic Monitoring Equipment.
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Systems
The MAX1202ACAP's 8 single-ended or 4 differential input channels and 133 kSPS throughput make it well suited for multi-channel data-acquisition front-ends in industrial control and instrumentation. The integrated analog multiplexer eliminates external switches, and the 12-bit resolution with ±1 LSB INL provides sufficient dynamic range for transducer signal conditioning. Placed on a SPI bus with a microcontroller, the device delivers deterministic conversion latency (SAR architecture) and the 2 µA power-down mode allows duty-cycled acquisition for low average power.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Instrumentation
For industrial process-control loops measuring temperature, pressure, and flow, the MAX1202ACAP offers 8 single-ended inputs that map directly to multi-point sensor arrays. Its ±5V bipolar input range (when operated from dual ±5V analog supplies) handles industrial transducer outputs without external signal conditioning. The internal 2.5V reference (with external override option) supports ratiometric measurements, and the +5V analog / +3V digital split supply simplifies interfacing to 3V microcontrollers common in factory PLCs.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Measurement Equipment
The MAX1202ACAP's 1.5 mA active supply current and 2 µA power-down mode make it ideal for portable, battery-powered measurement equipment such as handheld multimeters, field data loggers, and remote sensor readout units. According to the Maxim datasheet, the software-controlled shutdown mode allows designers to duty-cycle the converter for very low average current draw — critical for Li-ion or coin-cell powered instruments where weeks-to-months of battery life are required.
Recommended
Sensor Array Digitizers
The MAX1202ACAP's 8-channel multiplexer and 133 kSPS throughput enable simultaneous sampling of sensor arrays such as strain gauges, thermocouples (with external conditioning), and bridge sensors in weighing scales. The internal track-and-hold settles in 1.5 µs, allowing accurate acquisition of signals with bandwidths up to ~66 kHz. The SPI-compatible serial interface supports daisy-chaining multiple devices for systems requiring more than 8 channels without consuming additional microcontroller I/O pins.
Recommended
Pen-Touch and Touch-Screen Interfaces
The MAX1202 family was specifically designed with pen-touch and resistive touch-screen applications in mind. The 8-channel multiplexer scans X-plate, Y-plate, and pen-pressure sense lines directly, with 12-bit resolution sufficient for finger-stroke coordinate digitization. According to Maxim application notes, the device's fast acquisition time (1.5 µs) and SPI interface make it a cost-effective digitizer for PDAs, handheld terminals, and human-machine interface panels.
Recommended
Medical and Diagnostic Monitoring Equipment
The MAX1202ACAP can be used in medical and diagnostic monitoring devices where multi-channel analog acquisition from sensors (ECG electrodes, temperature probes, pulse oximetry photodiodes) is required. The 5V analog supply tolerance and 12-bit resolution support diagnostic-grade signal acquisition, while the mixed +5V/+3V supply architecture simplifies isolation barrier design. The internal track-and-hold and high CMRR analog input structure reduce front-end amplifier requirements in low-noise medical signal chains.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1202ACAP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1202ACAP+ | MAX1202BCAP+ | MAX1202BEAP+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | SSOP-20 | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same | SSOP-20 - same |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 133 kSPS | 133 kSPS | 133 kSPS | 133 kSPS |
| Input Channels | 8 SE / 4 DIFF | 8 SE / 4 DIFF | 8 SE / 4 DIFF | 8 SE / 4 DIFF |
| Temperature Grade | 0C to +70C (A grade) | 0C to +70C (A grade) | 0C to +70C (B grade, better INL/DNL) | -40C to +85C (E grade, industrial) |
| RoHS Compliance | Non-RoHS (legacy) | RoHS-compliant (+ suffix) | RoHS-compliant | RoHS-compliant |
| Supply Current (active) | 1.5 mA | 1.5 mA | 1.5 mA | 1.5 mA |
Key Differentiators
- Mixed +5V analog / +3V digital supply architecture (vs MAX1202ACAP+)
- Improved linearity grade upgrade available (vs MAX1202BCAP+)
- Industrial temperature grade upgrade available (vs MAX1202BEAP+)
Design Notes
The MAX1202ACAP requires clean decoupling on both AVDD and DVDD supplies. Place a 10 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor in parallel with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor as close to each supply pin as possible. The split-supply architecture (+5V analog / +2.7V to +5.25V digital) means DVDD can be derived from a separate regulator for noise isolation; sharing AVDD and DVDD from the same source without filtering will couple digital switching noise into the analog conversion path.
Route analog and digital grounds on separate planes and join them at a single point beneath the AGND/DGND pins of the MAX1202ACAP to prevent ground-loop noise injection. According to Maxim's mixed-signal layout guidelines, the analog input traces should be kept short and guarded by AGND traces, while the SPI clock and data lines should be routed away from analog input traces to minimize digital crosstalk into the high-impedance analog front end.
A common pitfall with the MAX1202ACAP is forgetting to bypass the REF pin when using the internal reference. According to the Maxim datasheet, a 4.7 µF (or larger) capacitor must be placed between REF and AGND to stabilize the internal reference and prevent conversion noise. Omitting this capacitor results in gain errors, increased INL, and unstable readings. Additionally, the SHDN pin must be driven high for normal operation — leaving it floating will keep the part in shutdown.
When sampling high-impedance sources (>5 kΩ), add an external input buffer amplifier (such as a Maxim MAX4230 or similar low-offset op-amp) between the source and the AINx input. The MAX1202ACAP's analog input structure draws dynamic charge during acquisition, and source impedances above the datasheet maximum will cause gain errors and distortion. The internal 1.5 µs acquisition time is sufficient for source impedances up to approximately 5 kΩ at full 133 kSPS throughput.
Compliance Information
MAX1202ACAP (no '+' suffix) is the legacy non-RoHS Maxim order code. The MAX1202ACAP+ variant adds RoHS/lead-free compliance. REACH substance compliance is confirmed via Maxim/Analog Devices material declarations. AEC-Q100 qualification is not applicable — this is a commercial/industrial-grade ADC. For RoHS-compliant RoHS-compliant ordering in new designs, use the MAX1202ACAP+ suffix.
