MAX1230ACEG+T - 12-Bit 300ksps SAR ADC w/ FIFO & Temp Sensor | ADI
MPN: MAX1230ACEG+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.2 | $14.20 |
| 10 | $12.74 | $127.40 |
| 100 | $10.49 | $1,049.00 |
| 500 | $9.45 | $4,725.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.1 | $8,100.00 |
MAX1230ACEG+T Overview
An SAR (Successive Approximation Register) ADC is a type of analog-to-digital converter that converts an analog input signal into a digital output code through a binary search algorithm using an internal DAC and comparator. SAR ADCs sit in the data-converter hierarchy alongside sigma-delta and pipeline ADCs, offering an attractive trade-off between sample rate, resolution, and power consumption. The MAX1230 belongs to the data-acquisition IC family, used wherever multiple analog channels must be digitized at moderate speeds with deterministic latency.
Key features of the MAX1230ACEG+T include a 300 ksps maximum sample rate through its SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible serial interface, true-differential analog multiplexer with software-configurable input ranges (unipolar 0-VREF or bipolar +/-VREF), 16-entry FIFO for reducing host-processor interrupt overhead, and an internal temperature sensor that removes the need for an external thermal-monitoring part. The integrated 4.096 V reference simplifies BOM and the AutoShutdown feature drops supply current to microampere levels between conversions to extend battery life in portable equipment.
Typical applications include 4-20 mA industrial sensor digitizers, multi-channel data-acquisition front-ends for process control, portable battery-powered instrumentation, system-health monitoring using the on-die temperature sensor, and distributed I/O modules. The 16-entry FIFO enables the host microcontroller to sleep between bursts of conversions, making the part well suited to power-constrained IoT edge devices.
When designing with this device, ensure the input common-mode voltage stays within the analog multiplexer ratings and place the 1 nF reference bypass capacitor as close as possible to the REF pin. The internal temperature sensor is calibrated at 25 degree C, so thermal-proximity to external heat sources will degrade accuracy; isolate the die thermally for high-precision measurements.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1230ACEG+T — 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+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature Range, Package, Supply Voltage.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1230ACEG+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.95 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1230ACEG-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1230BCEG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1230BCEG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1228BCEG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1226BCEG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1230ACEG+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Sample Rate | 300 ksps |
| Number of Inputs | 8 single-ended / 16 pseudo-differential |
| Number of ADC Channels | 1 (SAR core) |
| Architecture | Successive Approximation (SAR) |
| Input Configuration | Single-Ended / pseudo-differential multiplexer |
| Data Interface | SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE compatible, serial |
| Internal Reference Voltage | 4.096 V |
| External Reference Support | Yes (optional, overrides internal) |
| FIFO Depth | 16 entries |
| Internal Temperature Sensor Accuracy | +/- 1 degree C |
| Scan Mode | Yes (hardware / software selectable) |
| Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V (single +5 V) |
| Analog Input Voltage Range | 0 to VREF (unipolar) or +/- VREF (bipolar) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 degree C to +70 degree C (commercial, A grade) |
| Package | 24-pin QSOP (0.154 inch / 3.90 mm width) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| MSL Level | 1 |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX1230ACEG+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN0 — Analog Input 0 |
| Pin 2 | AIN1 — Analog Input 1 |
| Pin 3 | AIN2 — Analog Input 2 |
| Pin 4 | AIN3 — Analog Input 3 |
| Pin 5 | AIN4 — Analog Input 4 |
| Pin 6 | AIN5 — Analog Input 5 |
| Pin 7 | AIN6 — Analog Input 6 |
| Pin 8 | AIN7 — Analog Input 7 |
| Pin 9 | AIN8 — Analog Input 8 |
| Pin 10 | AIN9 — Analog Input 9 |
| Pin 11 | AIN10 — Analog Input 10 |
| Pin 12 | AIN11 — Analog Input 11 |
| Pin 13 | REF — Reference I/O (4.096V internal / external override) |
| Pin 14 | REFADJ — Reference Adjust / External reference select |
| Pin 15 | GND — Analog Ground |
| Pin 16 | VDD — +5 V Supply |
| Pin 17 | SCLK — Serial Clock Input |
| Pin 18 | CS — Chip Select (active low) |
| Pin 19 | DIN — Serial Data Input (MOSI) |
| Pin 20 | DOUT — Serial Data Output (MISO) |
| Pin 21 | SSTRB — Strobe Output |
| Pin 22 | CNVST — Convert Start (active low) |
| Pin 23 | AVDD — Analog +5 V Supply |
| Pin 24 | DGND — Digital Ground |
Typical Applications
MAX1230ACEG+T is suitable for 6 applications: Multi-Channel Process Control Data Acquisition, Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Industrial 4-20 mA Sensor Digitizer, System Health Monitoring with Internal Temperature Sensor, Distributed Remote I/O Modules, Data Logger / Field Recorder Front End.
Multi-Channel Process Control Data Acquisition
The MAX1230ACEG+T fits multi-channel process-control DAQ front-ends because of its 12-input multiplexer (8 single-ended / 16 pseudo-differential), 12-bit 300 ksps SAR core, and SPI-compatible serial interface. The 12-bit resolution is adequate for thermocouple, RTD, and 4-20 mA current-loop-derived voltages after signal conditioning, and the 300 ksps burst rate supports per-channel sampling rates above 10 ksps when channels are time-multiplexed. The integrated 16-entry FIFO lets the host PLC processor sleep between bursts, reducing overall system power. The internal +/-1 degree C temperature sensor can also monitor PCB or chassis temperature in the same I/O card without a dedicated thermal IC.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The MAX1230ACEG+T's AutoShutdown supply-current reduction between conversions makes it ideal for battery-powered handheld instruments such as digital multimeters and field data loggers. The internal 4.096 V reference eliminates the need for an external reference IC and saves board space and BOM cost. The 12-bit / 300 ksps spec supports digitizing sensor and battery-current-sense signals in a single multi-channel IC. The internal temperature sensor (plus +/-1 degree C accuracy) adds system-health monitoring without extra parts, and the +5 V single-supply operation simplifies power-tree design.
Recommended
Industrial 4-20 mA Sensor Digitizer
For 4-20 mA current-loop sensor digitizer modules, the MAX1230ACEG+T's 12-bit 300 ksps SAR core handles up to 12 sensor inputs in a single IC, dramatically reducing board area versus discrete single-channel ADCs. The 0 to 4.096 V input range (unipolar) directly matches the output of a 250 ohm current-loop sense resistor after scaling. The wide common-mode range of the analog multiplexer handles ground-shift between remote sensor nodes. The integrated FIFO buffers samples so the module host CPU can be interrupted only every 16 conversions, simplifying the firmware scheduler in industrial IoT nodes.
Recommended
System Health Monitoring with Internal Temperature Sensor
The MAX1230ACEG+T is well-suited for embedded system-health monitoring because it combines analog channel digitizing with an on-die +/-1 degree C temperature sensor. Engineers can read PCB temperature, supply-rail voltages (via resistor dividers), and external analog sensors using the same SPI bus and ADC core, eliminating a dedicated thermal sensor. The SAR architecture delivers deterministic temperature readings without the input-filter delays of sigma-delta modulators, which is critical for over-temperature fault detection. This part is widely used in telecom base-station controller boards and industrial PLCs.
Recommended
Distributed Remote I/O Modules
Remote I/O modules for industrial automation and building-management systems can use the MAX1230ACEG+T to digitize 8-12 analog field signals in a single surface-mount 24-QSOP. The 300 ksps sample rate provides ample per-channel bandwidth for thermocouples, pressure transducers, and analog actuator feedback. The integrated FIFO reduces the interrupt rate of the host microcontroller, an important consideration when the remote module runs a real-time Ethernet or RS-485 protocol stack. The +5 V single-supply design is directly compatible with industrial 24 V bus-powered architectures after regulation.
Recommended
Data Logger / Field Recorder Front End
Battery-powered data loggers and field recorders benefit from the MAX1230ACEG+T's 12-channel multiplexer, internal reference, internal temperature sensor, and AutoShutdown feature. The combination removes the need for external reference, external thermal sensor, and external analog switches while minimizing quiescent current between bursts. The SPI-compatible serial interface fits easily onto a low-pin-count host microcontroller. The QSOP-24 package is small enough for handheld form factors and is RoHS compliant for global shipment.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1230ACEG+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1230ACEG+ | MAX1230BCEG+T | MAX1228BCEG+T | MAX1226BCEG+T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices (formerly Maxim) | Analog Devices (formerly Maxim) | Analog Devices (formerly Maxim) | Analog Devices (formerly Maxim) | Analog Devices (formerly Maxim) |
| Package | 24-QSOP | 24-QSOP - same | 24-QSOP - same | 24-QSOP - same | 24-QSOP - same |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Sample Rate | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps | 300 ksps |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 12 (8 SE / 16 pseudo-diff) | 12 (8 SE / 16 pseudo-diff) | 12 (8 SE / 16 pseudo-diff) | 8 (6 SE / 12 pseudo-diff) | 4 (3 SE / 6 pseudo-diff) |
| Internal Reference | 4.096 V | 4.096 V | 4.096 V | 4.096 V | 4.096 V |
| FIFO Depth | 16 entries | 16 entries | 16 entries | 16 entries | 16 entries |
| Internal Temperature Sensor | Yes (+/-1 degree C) | Yes (+/-1 degree C) | Yes (+/-1 degree C) | Yes (+/-1 degree C) | Yes (+/-1 degree C) |
Key Differentiators
- Highest channel count in MAX1226/1228/1230 family (vs MAX1228BCEG+T)
- Drop-in compatible across A/B and T&R variants (vs MAX1230BCEG+T)
- Same family channel scaling via pin-compatible parts (vs MAX1226BCEG+T)
Design Notes
The MAX1230ACEG+T operates from a single +5 V supply (4.75 V to 5.25 V). Decouple AVDD and VDD separately with a 10 uF bulk capacitor plus a 0.1 uF ceramic bypass placed within 5 mm of the supply pins. Use a star-ground topology separating AGND (pin 1) and DGND (pin 24), tied together only at the IC ground pad, to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the analog multiplexer.
Place the 1 nF reference bypass capacitor directly between REF (pin 13) and REFADJ (pin 14), or between REF and AGND, exactly as shown in the datasheet typical operating circuit. Keep analog input traces short and guarded with ground to minimize crosstalk between channels; route the digital interface (SCLK, DOUT, DIN, CS) away from the analog input traces to preserve the 12-bit SNR.
The internal temperature sensor is calibrated at +25 degree C and is influenced by self-heating from the analog supply current plus nearby heat-generating components. Place the MAX1230ACEG+T away from power components (LDO regulators, MOSFETs) when using the temperature sensor for high-accuracy thermal monitoring. AutoShutdown reduces but does not eliminate self-heating; for sub-degree C accuracy the part must be in shutdown for several seconds before measurement.
Drive SCLK with a clean 50% duty-cycle clock source to avoid timing-margin issues on the serial interface. The SPI-compatible interface supports mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and mode 3 (CPHA=1); CNVST falling edge initiates conversion, and the result appears on DOUT on subsequent SCLK rising edges. Do not idle SCLK continuously - use burst mode and let the part AutoShutdown between conversions to save power.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor listings. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial-grade part. Automotive alternatives from the family should be sought if automotive qualification is required.
