MAX1230ACEG+ - 12-Bit 300ksps 16-Ch ADC with FIFO | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1230ACEG+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $11.2 | $11.20 |
| 10 | $10.05 | $100.50 |
| 100 | $8.92 | $892.00 |
| 500 | $7.84 | $3,920.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.95 | $6,950.00 |
MAX1230ACEG+ Overview
An ADC is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that converts real-world analog voltages into discrete digital codes. The MAX1230 belongs to the successive-approximation register (SAR) ADC family, which trades raw speed for high accuracy and low power consumption. Within the broader component taxonomy, SAR ADCs sit beneath data converters, which themselves are a subset of mixed-signal ICs and ultimately semiconductor devices used for precision instrumentation and embedded system design.
The MAX1230ACEG+ integrates several blocks normally external to a basic ADC: a true-differential input multiplexer (8 single-ended or 16 differential channels), a low-drift internal reference, a ±1°C internal temperature sensor, a 16-entry First-In/First-Out buffer, configurable scan-mode sequencing, internal averaging, and a power-saving AutoShutdown mode that drops supply current between conversions. The on-chip FIFO lets a host controller sleep while multiple conversions accumulate, easing firmware timing constraints. A 10MHz SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface streams data out without gluing logic to the host bus.
Typical applications span industrial process control loops, multi-channel data-acquisition front-ends, battery-cell monitoring and stack voltage measurement, portable and rack-mounted instrumentation, and embedded sensor hubs that also need on-board temperature compensation. The internal temperature sensor eliminates an external thermistor or remote diode in chassis-monitoring designs. For low-power systems, AutoShutdown and scan-mode combine to let the part sip quiescent current while sweeping many channels.
When designing with this device, budget for an external 0.1µF bypass capacitor close to the supply pin and a 10µF reservoir on the reference pin to preserve linearity at full 300ksps throughput. Choose between single-ended and differential input modes based on the common-mode range of the upstream signal conditioning; the integrated input mux is software-configurable, so no hardware changes are required to switch between 8 SE or 16 DIFF channels.
This page consolidates manufacturer datasheet specifications, current distributor pricing, drop-in same-package alternatives, and practical design notes that go beyond the datasheet to help engineers select and qualify the MAX1230ACEG+ quickly.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1230ACEG+ — 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 MAX1230ACEG+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1230BCEG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1230ACEG+T
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1230BCEG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1228BCEG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1226BCEG+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1230ACEG+ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 300 ksps |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 single-ended / 16 differential |
| Converter Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Number of ADCs | 1 |
| Input Type | Single-Ended / Differential |
| Supply Voltage | 5.25 V (max) |
| Internal Reference Voltage | 4.096 V |
| Internal Temperature Sensor | Yes (±1°C accuracy) |
| Internal FIFO | 16 entries |
| Serial Interface | SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible, 10 MHz |
| AutoShutdown | Yes |
| Scan Mode / Internal Averaging | Yes |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C (extended) |
| Package | 24-pin QSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX1230ACEG+ 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 | REF — Reference voltage input/output (4.096V internal) |
| Pin 10 | REFCAP — Reference bypass capacitor |
| Pin 11 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 12 | VDD — Analog supply voltage (+5V) |
| Pin 13 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 14 | DVDD — Digital supply voltage |
| Pin 15 | CS — Chip select (serial interface) |
| Pin 16 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 17 | DIN — Serial data input |
| Pin 18 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 19 | SSTRB — Serial-strobe output |
| Pin 20 | AIN15/AIN8- — Analog input (channel 15 or diff pair 8-) |
| Pin 21 | AIN14/AIN8+ — Analog input (channel 14 or diff pair 8+) |
| Pin 22 | AIN13/AIN9- — Analog input (channel 13 or diff pair 9-) |
| Pin 23 | AIN12/AIN9+ — Analog input (channel 12 or diff pair 9+) |
| Pin 24 | AIN11/AIN10+ — Analog input (channel 11 or diff pair 10+) |
Typical Applications
MAX1230ACEG+ is suitable for 6 applications: Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Systems, Industrial Process Control, Battery Cell Monitoring & Management, Portable Instrumentation & Test Equipment, Embedded Sensor Hubs with Temperature Compensation, Rack-Mounted Monitoring Systems.
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Systems
The MAX1230ACEG+ is designed for multi-channel data-acquisition front-ends where 12-bit resolution and 16 input channels are required. Its 300 ksps sampling rate supports aggregate throughput across the channel mux, while the internal 4.096V reference eliminates the need for an external reference IC. The 16-entry FIFO lets the host controller process conversions in bursts, reducing firmware overhead and enabling simultaneous sampling across multiple sensors in industrial DAQ boards.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
The MAX1230ACEG+ suits industrial process-control loops that monitor multiple analog variables such as temperature, pressure, and flow. Its 16-channel differential input multiplexer can connect directly to bridge-type sensors, while the internal ±1°C temperature sensor compensates for thermal drift in the front-end. The extended -40°C to +85°C operating range supports factory-floor deployments, and AutoShutdown reduces quiescent current during idle periods to ease thermal management in sealed enclosures.
Recommended
Battery Cell Monitoring & Management
The MAX1230ACEG+ excels in battery-cell monitoring applications such as multi-cell lithium-ion stacks, where each cell voltage must be measured individually. Its 12-bit resolution and differential input capability provide accurate cell voltage readings across the stack, while AutoShutdown minimizes quiescent current draw between scans. The internal FIFO can accumulate readings from all cells before waking the host MCU, which is critical for low-power battery-management designs.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation & Test Equipment
The MAX1230ACEG+ is well matched to portable and benchtop instrumentation where multi-channel analog inputs and on-board temperature compensation are required. The internal temperature sensor with ±1°C accuracy eliminates the need for an external thermistor, and the small QSOP-24 footprint enables compact handheld designs. AutoShutdown extends battery life in field-instruments, while the 10 MHz SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE interface connects to most ARM-based MCUs without glue logic.
Recommended
Embedded Sensor Hubs with Temperature Compensation
The MAX1230ACEG+ supports embedded sensor-hub designs that aggregate multiple analog sensors and require on-board temperature compensation. The integrated temperature sensor readings can be read through the same serial interface, allowing the host to apply temperature compensation to other sensor channels in firmware. The internal FIFO and scan-mode sequencing automate the sampling pattern, letting the host MCU wake only when a batch of readings is ready.
Recommended
Rack-Mounted Monitoring Systems
The MAX1230ACEG+ fits rack-mounted monitoring systems that supervise multiple analog rails, fans, and thermal zones simultaneously. With 16 differential inputs and a 12-bit ADC core, it can scan supply voltages, current-sense amplifier outputs, and temperature probes in rotation. The 24-pin QSOP package is easy to route on multi-layer backplanes, and the AutoShutdown feature minimizes heat dissipation in dense server-class chassis where many such ADCs operate in parallel.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1230ACEG+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1230BCEG+ | MAX1230ACEG+T | MAX1230BCEG+T | MAX1228BCEG+ | MAX1226BCEG+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 24-pin QSOP | 24-pin QSOP - same | 24-pin QSOP - same | 24-pin QSOP - same | 24-pin QSOP - same | 24-pin QSOP - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps |
| Input Channels | 8 SE / 16 DIFF | 8 SE / 16 DIFF | 8 SE / 16 DIFF | 8 SE / 16 DIFF | 4 SE / 8 DIFF | 4 SE / 8 DIFF |
| Accuracy Grade | A-grade | B-grade (lower accuracy) | A-grade | B-grade | B-grade | B-grade |
| Internal Temperature Sensor | Yes (±1°C) | Yes (±1°C) | Yes (±1°C) | Yes (±1°C) | Yes | Yes |
| Internal Reference | 4.096 V | 4.096 V | 4.096 V | 4.096 V | 4.096 V | 4.096 V |
Key Differentiators
- 16 differential input channels with 16-entry FIFO (vs MAX1228BCEG+)
- Tighter DC accuracy (A-grade) (vs MAX1230BCEG+)
- Integrated ±1°C temperature sensor eliminates external thermistor (vs Discrete ADC + external thermistor designs)
- AutoShutdown + scan mode for ultra-low quiescent current (vs Competitor 12-bit ADCs without AutoShutdown)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1µF ceramic bypass capacitor as close as possible to the VDD (analog supply) pin and a 10µF reservoir capacitor close to the REFCAP pin. This decoupling network stabilizes the internal 4.096V reference during the SAR conversion bursts, which draw transient currents that can otherwise inject noise into the analog input path. Without proper bypassing, INL and DNL performance degrades noticeably at full 300 ksps throughput.
Keep the analog input traces short and routed away from digital lines (CS, SCLK, DIN, DOUT, SSTRB) to minimize coupling noise. Use a star-ground topology that ties AGND and DGND at a single point under or near the IC, and place a ground plane on layer 2 if using a 4-layer PCB. The QSOP-24 lead pitch is 0.025" (0.635 mm), so take care with trace widths and clearances during layout.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum analog input voltage of VDD + 0.3V on any AIN pin, or latch-up may occur. When using differential input mode, ensure the common-mode voltage stays within the specified range — otherwise the multiplexer’s body diode can forward-bias. Also, verify that AutoShutdown is properly sequenced with the serial interface; otherwise the part may enter a low-power state mid-conversion and yield invalid data.
When sampling at the full 300 ksps rate, the source impedance of the driving amplifier matters significantly. The MAX1230ACEG+ has a finite input sampling capacitance (~30 pF typical), and high source impedance causes gain error and reduced linearity. Add an external buffer op-amp with low output impedance if driving the inputs directly from a high-impedance sensor such as a strain-gauge bridge.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliant per distributor listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified — not intended for automotive safety-critical applications. Lead-free (Pb-free) finish per Maxim Integrated manufacturing standards.
