MAX1218ECQ+TD - Dual 12-Bit 170Msps ADC, 100-TQFP | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1218ECQ+TD ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $38.5 | $38.50 |
| 10 | $34.8 | $348.00 |
| 100 | $30.25 | $3,025.00 |
| 500 | $26.95 | $13,475.00 |
| 1,000 | $23.4 | $23,400.00 |
MAX1218ECQ+TD Overview
What is a high-speed ADC: A high-speed analog-to-digital converter is a data-conversion integrated circuit that samples continuous analog signals at multi-megasample-per-second rates and produces a parallel or serial digital code, allowing wideband signals in the MHz to hundreds-of-MHz range to be digitized for downstream DSP, FPGA, or ASIC processing. High-speed ADCs sit in the converter branch of the data-converter IC hierarchy, which itself is a sub-category of signal-chain semiconductor products that also includes DACs and codecs. They enable software-defined radio, instrumentation, and broadband imaging systems that previously required discrete analog front ends.
Key features of the MAX1218ECQ+TD include 12-bit resolution across two simultaneously-sampling ADCs, a 170Msps maximum conversion rate, internal bandgap reference, and TTL/CMOS-compatible clock inputs. The dual architecture lets designers capture I/Q baseband or interleaved IF signals in a single chip, reducing board area and the phase-matching complexity of two discrete converters. The exposed-paddle HTFQFP package provides a low theta-JA path for the moderate heat generated when both channels are active at full sample rate.
The MAX1218 uses a pipelined conversion architecture with proprietary calibration to achieve low spurious content and good spurious-free dynamic range across its operating range. The device operates from a single 1.8V analog supply, with a separate digital I/O supply allowing direct interfacing to 1.8V to 3.3V logic families without external level shifters.
Typical applications include software-defined radio receivers, medical imaging front ends such as ultrasound beamformers, high-end instrumentation and oscilloscope front ends, and broadband IF sampling in communications infrastructure.
When laying out the PCB for the MAX1218ECQ+TD, dedicate a solid ground plane beneath the exposed paddle and use controlled-impedance differential routing for analog inputs; the digital outputs should be length-matched if both channels feed a parallel FPGA interface. Decouple each supply pin with 100nF ceramic placed as close as possible to the package.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, pin-compatible drop-in alternatives drawn from the same Maxim ADC family, and practical layout notes beyond what is reprinted in the manufacturer datasheet PDF.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1218ECQ+TD — 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 MAX1218ECQ+TD (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Architecture, Input Type, Number of Channels, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1217ECQ+TD
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$21.8 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1219
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1218ECQ+TD Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Function | Dual 12-bit analog-to-digital converter |
| Number of ADCs | 2 |
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate (max) | 170 Msps |
| Input Type | Differential analog inputs |
| Architecture | Pipelined, proprietary calibration |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 1.8 V (typical) |
| Digital I/O Supply | 1.8 V to 3.3 V |
| Clock Input | TTL/CMOS compatible |
| Reference | Internal bandgap |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C |
| Package | 100-pin HTFQFP with exposed paddle |
| Terminal Form | Gull Wing |
| Package Code | HTFQFP |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX1218ECQ+TD htfqfp Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX1218ECQ+TD (htfqfp 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 MAX1218ECQ+TD.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX1218ECQ+TD is suitable for 6 applications: Software-Defined Radio Receiver, Medical Ultrasound Beamformer, Digital Oscilloscope Front End, Broadband IF Sampling in Communications, Radar Signal Processing, Automated Test Equipment (ATE).
Software-Defined Radio Receiver
The MAX1218ECQ+TD digitizes the I and Q baseband outputs of a quadrature demodulator simultaneously, using the part's dual 12-bit 170Msps ADC channels and TTL/CMOS-compatible clock input. The 12-bit resolution and 170Msps per-channel rate provide enough dynamic range and Nyquist headroom for capturing wideband signals up to ~80MHz baseband, while the 100-pin HTFQFP exposed paddle keeps the dissipation manageable. The 1.8V analog rail with separate 1.8-3.3V digital I/O lets the ADC drive an FPGA sample memory directly, removing the level-translator stage typical of legacy 5V ADC parts.
Recommended
Medical Ultrasound Beamformer
Ultrasound front ends rely on multiple synchronized ADC channels to capture returning echoes at high sample rates. The MAX1218ECQ+TD integrates two 12-bit 170Msps converters per package, allowing a single chip per channel pair and reducing the channel-to-channel skew inherent to multi-chip ADC arrays. The exposed-paddle HTFQFP package provides the thermal headroom needed when both channels run continuously at full rate, and the industrial -40C-to-+85C temperature range supports the thermal environment of cart-based ultrasound machines.
Recommended
Digital Oscilloscope Front End
Bench and modular oscilloscopes in the 100-200MHz bandwidth class pair wideband front-end attenuators with high-speed ADCs. The MAX1218ECQ+TD delivers 12-bit resolution at 170Msps per channel, suiting 4- or 8-channel oscilloscope designs where two adjacent scope channels map to one ADC chip. The exposed-paddle 100-pin HTFQFP package simplifies board layout by allowing the analog inputs and clock to be routed close to the front-end amplifiers, with the digital outputs running into an FPGA capture buffer.
Recommended
Broadband IF Sampling in Communications
Modern radio receivers increasingly sample the intermediate frequency directly rather than using a final analog demodulator, a technique known as IF sampling. The MAX1218ECQ+TD's 170Msps rate supports IF frequencies well above 70MHz, and the dual channel lets designers capture I/Q IF simultaneously with matched latency. The industrial temperature range and exposed-paddle thermal path make the part suitable for outdoor base-station units where the ADC sits next to a hot upstream downconverter.
Recommended
Radar Signal Processing
Pulsed-Doppler and FMCW radar systems digitize returns from microwave mixers, requiring simultaneous high sample rate and good spurious-free dynamic range. The MAX1218ECQ+TD's pipelined architecture and 12-bit resolution fit short-range industrial radar modules such as level gauges and security sensors. The 100-pin HTFQFP exposed paddle package enables dense PCB layouts where the ADC sits between the radar mixer and the DSP/FPGA, keeping the analog input traces short and the digital outputs terminated close to the processor.
Recommended
Automated Test Equipment (ATE)
ATE platforms digitize multi-megasample waveforms from device-under-test pins with strict timing alignment. The MAX1218ECQ+TD's dual 170Msps channels capture two test channels per IC while the TTL/CMOS clock input allows direct drive from the tester timing generator, removing the need for an external clock buffer. Industrial -40C-to-+85C operation supports ATE placed in factory-floor cabinets, and the 12-bit resolution covers parametric measurement thresholds for mixed-signal ICs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1218ECQ+TD — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1217ECQ+TD | MAX1219 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 100-pin HTFQFP (exposed paddle) | 100-pin HTFQFP - same | 100-pin TQFP (exposed paddle) - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Number of Channels | 2 (dual) | 2 (dual) | 2 (dual) |
| Sampling Rate | 170 Msps | 125 Msps | 210 Msps |
| Analog Supply | 1.8 V | 1.8 V | 1.8 V |
| Digital I/O Supply | 1.8 V to 3.3 V | 1.8 V to 3.3 V | 1.8 V to 3.3 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C | -40C to +85C |
Key Differentiators
- Dual 12-bit 170Msps channels on one die (vs MAX1217ECQ+TD)
- Pin-compatible drop-in family spans 125-210Msps (vs MAX1219)
- Single 1.8V analog rail with adjustable digital I/O (vs MAX1217ECQ+TD)
Design Notes
Dedicate a continuous unbroken ground plane directly beneath the MAX1218ECQ+TD exposed paddle. Use 100nF X7R ceramic bypass capacitors within 2-3mm of each supply pin, supplemented by a bulk 10uF tantalum or polymer cap on the analog rail. Route the analog input pairs as 100-ohm differential traces with length-matched positive and negative legs to preserve common-mode rejection and balance.
Keep the analog input traces as short as possible and isolated from the digital outputs by routing them on opposite sides of the package or separated by a ground moat. The MAX1218ECQ+TD outputs a 12-bit parallel LVCMOS-style data bus; place a 33 ohm series damping resistor near each digital output if the run exceeds roughly 25mm to limit overshoot on the FPGA-side termination.
Solder the central exposed paddle to a copper pad with at least 1 square inch of copper on each internal PCB layer stitched with thermal vias. With both channels running at 170Msps the part dissipates noticeable power, so without the paddle soldered properly the junction temperature can exceed the 125C maximum even within the industrial ambient range.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Maxim Integrated product page. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a data-converter IC, not an automotive analog component. Halogen-free status not stated in the verified web data.
