MAX1209ETL+G3U - 12-Bit 80Msps IF-Sampling ADC | Analog Devices
MPN: MAX1209ETL+G3U ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.75 | $167.50 |
| 100 | $14.2 | $1,420.00 |
| 500 | $11.95 | $5,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $10.4 | $10,400.00 |
MAX1209ETL+G3U Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a data-conversion integrated circuit that samples a continuous analog voltage and quantizes it into a binary code word. The MAX1209ETL+G3U sits in the high-speed, moderate-resolution sub-family of ADCs (commonly called IF-sampling or pipelined ADCs) and is used in systems where analog signal chains must hand off to a digital signal processor or FPGA. Within the broader taxonomy, it is an ADC -> data converter -> mixed-signal IC -> integrated circuit -> semiconductor.
Key specifications include 80 Msps sampling rate, 12-bit resolution, 3.3V single-supply operation, and a fully differential input structure. The wideband T/H front end supports input bandwidths well above the Nyquist frequency for 80 Msps operation, enabling direct IF sampling of intermediate-frequency signals in radio receivers. The internal quantizer is optimized for low spurious content across the Nyquist band.
Architecturally, the MAX1209ETL uses a pipelined multi-stage topology, with each stage resolving a subset of bits and passing the residue to the next, while digital error correction restores full 12-bit accuracy. The wideband track-and-hold captures fast transients accurately so the quantizer sees a stable DC-like level, minimizing aperture-jitter-induced noise. LVTTL/CMOS-compatible digital outputs simplify interfacing to FPGAs and ASICs without external level translation.
Typical applications include cellular base-station IF digitizers, cable-modem downstream receivers, digital oscilloscopes, ultrasound front ends, and radar/electronic-warfare IF receivers. The 3.3V supply and 12-bit resolution strike a balance between dynamic range and power, making the part a workhorse in mid-tier wireless and test-and-measurement designs.
When designing with this device, place the analog input anti-alias filter before the T/H input, use a low-jitter sampling clock to preserve SNR, and provide a solid ground plane plus adequate decoupling on AVDD and DRVDD to avoid degrading the 12-bit noise floor. The exposed pad must be soldered to a sufficiently large copper pour for thermal dissipation and for low-impedance return paths to the analog ground.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1209ETL+G3U — 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 MAX1209ETL+G3U (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Operating Temperature, Resolution, Analog Supply Voltage, Input Configuration.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1209ETL+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1209ETL+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.85 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1208ETL+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1207ETL+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$12 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1209ETL+G3U Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 80 Msps |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Input Type | Fully Differential or Single-Ended |
| Architecture | Pipelined (FLASH method per industry listing) |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 3.3 V |
| Digital I/O Supply | 3.3 V (LVTTL/CMOS-compatible outputs) |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| Package Type | TQFN-40 (HVQCCN), 6 mm x 6 mm, 0.8 mm height |
| Package Outline | MO-220WJJD-2 |
| Exposed Pad | Yes (must be soldered for thermal/ground) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Lead-Free / RoHS | Lead-free, RoHS compliant (per +G3U tape suffix code) |
MAX1209ETL+G3U Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | GND — Ground reference (also tied to exposed pad) |
| Pin 2 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (3.3V nominal) |
| Pin 3 | INP — Positive analog differential input |
| Pin 4 | INN — Negative analog differential input |
| Pin 5 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 6 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (3.3V nominal) |
| Pin 7 | VCM — Common-mode voltage bypass |
| Pin 8 | REF — Reference voltage decoupling |
| Pin 9 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 10 | CLKP — Sampling clock positive input |
| Pin 11 | CLKN — Sampling clock negative input (or tied to GND for single-ended) |
| Pin 12 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 13 | DRVDD — Digital output supply (3.3V) |
| Pin 14 | D0 — CMOS data output bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 15 | D1 — CMOS data output bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | D2 — CMOS data output bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | D3 — CMOS data output bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | D4 — CMOS data output bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | D5 — CMOS data output bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | D6 — CMOS data output bit 6 |
| Pin 21 | D7 — CMOS data output bit 7 |
| Pin 22 | D8 — CMOS data output bit 8 |
| Pin 23 | D9 — CMOS data output bit 9 |
| Pin 24 | D10 — CMOS data output bit 10 |
| Pin 25 | D11 — CMOS data output bit 11 (MSB) |
| Pin 26 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 27 | DRVDD — Digital output supply (3.3V) |
| Pin 28 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 29 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 30 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 31 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 32 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (3.3V nominal) |
| Pin 33 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 34 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 35 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 36 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (3.3V nominal) |
| Pin 37 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | AVDD — Analog supply voltage (3.3V nominal) |
Typical Applications
MAX1209ETL+G3U is suitable for 6 applications: Cellular Base-Station IF Digitizer, Digital Oscilloscope Front End, Cable-Modem Downstream Receiver, Ultrasound Imaging Front End, Radar / Electronic-Warfare IF Receiver, Industrial Test & Measurement Instrumentation.
Cellular Base-Station IF Digitizer
The MAX1209ETL+G3U's 80 Msps sampling rate and wideband track-and-hold input enable direct digitization of IF signals at 35-70 MHz without an additional downconversion mixer, simplifying receiver architecture. Its 12-bit resolution provides sufficient dynamic range for UMTS/LTE IF channel power measurements, and the 3.3V single-supply operation reduces board complexity versus multi-rail ADC solutions. Compared to discrete mixer + baseband ADC chains, placing the MAX1209ETL+G3U directly at the IF stage eliminates analog image-reject filters and lowers total BOM cost.
Recommended
Digital Oscilloscope Front End
The MAX1209ETL+G3U delivers 80 Msps sampling on a single 3.3V supply, which is well suited to mid-tier 100-200 MHz bandwidth digital oscilloscope channels where four or more ADCs are needed per instrument. The wideband differential input accepts the attenuator/amplifier output directly, while 12-bit resolution captures enough vertical resolution for general-purpose measurements. Its TQFN-40 footprint allows dense multi-channel PCB layouts, and the exposed pad simplifies thermal management across multiple ADCs per board.
Recommended
Cable-Modem Downstream Receiver
The MAX1209ETL+G3U's 80 Msps sampling rate is sufficient to digitize downstream QAM channels in cable-modem receivers, where symbol rates plus Nyquist margin must be captured cleanly. The fully differential wideband input handles the modulated RF/IF output of the tuner block directly, and the 12-bit resolution gives adequate margin for downstream demodulation. Using this ADC removes a discrete AGC stage and simplifies the receiver signal chain while preserving the carrier-to-noise ratio required for 256-QAM.
Recommended
Ultrasound Imaging Front End
The MAX1209ETL+G3U's 80 Msps throughput and 12-bit vertical resolution suit ultrasound beamformer front ends, where each transducer channel requires an ADC running near 40-80 Msps to capture the RF echo at sufficient sample rate. The wideband differential input accepts the LNA output directly, and the single 3.3V supply simplifies the channel-board power tree. With multi-channel beamformer boards typically deploying 16-128 ADCs, the small TQFN-40 footprint maximizes channel density per square centimeter.
Recommended
Radar / Electronic-Warfare IF Receiver
The MAX1209ETL+G3U's wideband track-and-hold input supports direct IF sampling of radar and EW receivers at intermediate frequencies up to 70 MHz or more, eliminating a second downconversion stage and its associated image problems. Its 12-bit resolution captures return-signal dynamic range for surveillance and direction-finding applications, and the 3.3V supply makes it compatible with FPGA-based digital signal processing downstream. The exposed-pad TQFN package enables dense board layouts typical in multi-channel EW receiver cards.
Recommended
Industrial Test & Measurement Instrumentation
The MAX1209ETL+G3U is a good fit for industrial data-acquisition modules, spectrum analyzers, and signal analyzers that need 12-bit resolution and 80 Msps throughput. The single 3.3V supply simplifies the analog front-end power design, while the parallel CMOS outputs connect directly to FPGAs for real-time FFT and modulation analysis. The -40C to +85C industrial temperature range supports factory-floor and outdoor deployment where commercial-grade parts would fail.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1209ETL+G3U — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1209ETL+ | MAX1209ETL+T | MAX1208ETL+ | MAX1207ETL+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices (formerly Maxim Integrated) | Analog Devices (same) | Analog Devices (same) | Analog Devices (same family) | Analog Devices (same family) |
| Package | TQFN-40 (HVQCCN) 6x6 mm | TQFN-40 (HVQCCN) 6x6 mm - same | TQFN-40 (HVQCCN) 6x6 mm - same | TQFN-40 (HVQCCN) 6x6 mm - same | TQFN-40 (HVQCCN) 6x6 mm - same |
| Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits - same | 12 bits - same | 12 bits - same | 12 bits - same |
| Sampling Rate | 80 Msps | 80 Msps - same | 80 Msps - same | 65 Msps (-19%) | 40 Msps (-50%) |
| Supply Voltage | 3.3 V | 3.3 V - same | 3.3 V - same | 3.3 V - same | 3.3 V - same |
| Input Structure | Fully Differential Wideband T/H | Fully Differential Wideband T/H - same | Fully Differential Wideband T/H - same | Fully Differential Wideband T/H - same | Fully Differential Wideband T/H - same |
| Pin-to-Pin Compatible | Yes (reference part) | Yes - same die | Yes - same die | Yes - same package, lower sample rate | Yes - same package, lower sample rate |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (Industrial) | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same | -40C to +85C - same |
Key Differentiators
- Highest sample rate in the MAX120x TQFN-40 family (vs MAX1208ETL+)
- 2x sample rate over the entry-level MAX1207ETL+ (vs MAX1207ETL+)
- True 12-bit IF-sampling capability with wideband T/H input (vs MAX1209ETL+ (other suffixes))
Design Notes
Use a solid unbroken analog ground plane and stitch the TQFN exposed pad to that plane with at least 8 thermal vias. Separate the AVDD and DRVDD power islands to prevent digital switching noise from coupling into the analog front end, and place 0.1uF X7R ceramic bypass capacitors within 2 mm of every AVDD/DRVDD pin. Add a 10uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor adjacent to the analog supply input. Route the differential analog input traces (INP/INN) as a matched-length pair on the same layer, with ground-side shielding to reject common-mode noise.
The 80 Msps sampling clock must be sourced from a low-jitter oscillator (jitter below 1 ps RMS) to preserve SNR; every additional picosecond of clock jitter degrades SNR by approximately 0.5 dB at 70 MHz input. Route the clock trace on a different layer from the analog input, using a ground plane between them to minimize crosstalk. If the application requires a single-ended clock, AC-couple and bias CLKN per the datasheet timing diagrams.
Do not skip the input common-mode bias network on INP/INN - the MAX1209ETL+G3U requires the input common-mode voltage to be set within the datasheet-specified range, typically using a resistive divider or a dedicated VCM pin bypass. Driving the inputs outside this range reduces linearity and risks latch-up. Also ensure the exposed pad is soldered; an unsoldered exposed pad raises thermal resistance and degrades the ground-return path, which directly impacts SNR and SFDR.
Matched-length routing of INP/INN is essential - any length mismatch translates directly into a differential skew that the track-and-hold interprets as a phase error. Keep the analog input traces short (less than 25 mm where possible), and avoid routing them parallel to the parallel CMOS data outputs (D0-D11) which can couple switching noise back into the analog front end.
Compliance Information
Lead-free and RoHS compliant per Maxim +G3U tape suffix code. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations are not published in the verified data and are marked unknown.
