MAX1297AEEG - 12-Bit 265ksps +3V 2-Ch ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1297AEEG ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.92 | $6.92 |
| 10 | $6.18 | $61.80 |
| 100 | $5.32 | $532.00 |
| 500 | $4.61 | $2,305.00 |
| 1,000 | $3.98 | $3,980.00 |
MAX1297AEEG Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that samples a continuous analog voltage and converts it into a discrete digital code for microcontrollers, DSPs, or FPGAs. SAR (successive-approximation register) ADCs such as the MAX1297 sit in the data-converter hierarchy below sigma-delta and pipelined ADCs and above flash ADCs, and are widely used where mid-speed (ksps to Msps) and low-power single-supply operation are required. They belong to the broader precision analog / signal-chain block that interfaces real-world sensors to digital processors. SAR ADCs deliver one conversion per N clock cycles and trade off speed for resolution without the latency of sigma-delta modulators.
Key specifications of the MAX1297AEEG include 12-bit resolution with ±0.5 LSB linearity, a +3V single-supply analog operation, an internal +2.5V reference (eliminating an external reference component), and software-configurable input multiplexing. The MAX1297 also provides a hardware-power-down mode and a high-speed parallel interface that simplifies connection to microcontrollers and FPGAs. The MAX1295 is the 6-channel/3-channel version of this family.
Architecture: the device uses a charge-distribution DAC and a precision comparator with auto-calibration to achieve ±0.5 LSB INL/DNL, with the internal bandgap reference trimmed to ±2.5V ±0.02% (4 mV). The integrated input mux and track-and-hold minimize external component count, while the parallel bus eliminates SPI/I2C protocol overhead in real-time control loops.
Typical applications include data acquisition systems, portable instrumentation, pen tablets and touch-screen controllers, and industrial process controls. The wide single-supply range and internal reference also make it well-suited to battery-powered portable measurement devices.
Design tip: provide a low-impedance 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor directly on AVDN and DVDD, and keep the analog input traces short and guarded. Power sequencing (AVDD before DVDD) is recommended when interfacing with mixed-voltage digital controllers.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, helping engineers evaluate sourcing options and PCB-reuse trade-offs across the MAX1295/MAX1296/MAX1297 family and pin-compatible ADI cross-references.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1297AEEG — 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 MAX1297AEEG (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Resolution, Architecture, Input Voltage Range, Number of Input Channels, Operating Temperature Range.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1297ACEG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1297AEEG-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1296AEEG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$6.05 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1092BEEG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$6.58 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1093BEEG
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$4.3 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1068AEEG+
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$7.48 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1297AEEG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bits |
| Sample Rate | 265 ksps |
| Number of Channels | 2 single-ended / 1 pseudo-differential |
| Supply Voltage (Analog/Digital) | +3 V single supply |
| Internal Reference | +2.5 V |
| Linearity (INL/DNL) | ±0.5 LSB |
| Input Multiplexer | Software-configurable |
| Interface | Parallel (12-bit + control) |
| Architecture | Successive-approximation (SAR) |
| Power-Down Mode | Hardware-controlled (active-low PWDN) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 C to +85 C (industrial) |
| Package | 24-pin QSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Family | MAX1295 / MAX1297 |
MAX1297AEEG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN0 — Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | AIN1 — Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | REF — Reference voltage input/output (+2.5V) |
| Pin 4 | REFADJ — Reference adjust |
| Pin 5 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 6 | AVDD — Analog supply (+3V) |
| Pin 7 | DVDD — Digital supply (+3V) |
| Pin 8 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 9 | PWDN — Power-down input (active low) |
| Pin 10 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 11 | RD — Read strobe (active low) |
| Pin 12 | WR — Write strobe (active low) |
| Pin 13 | INT — Interrupt output (active low) |
| Pin 14 | D0 — Data bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 15 | D1 — Data bit 1 |
| Pin 16 | D2 — Data bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | D3 — Data bit 3 |
| Pin 18 | D4 — Data bit 4 |
| Pin 19 | D5 — Data bit 5 |
| Pin 20 | D6 — Data bit 6 |
| Pin 21 | D7 — Data bit 7 |
| Pin 22 | D8 — Data bit 8 |
| Pin 23 | D9 — Data bit 9 |
| Pin 24 | D10 — Data bit 10 |
Typical Applications
MAX1297AEEG is suitable for 6 applications: Data Acquisition Systems, Portable Instrumentation, Industrial Process Control, Pen Tablet and Touch-Screen Controllers, Medical Monitoring Equipment, Battery-Powered Portable Measurement.
Data Acquisition Systems
The MAX1297AEEG's 265 ksps sample rate and 12-bit resolution make it well-suited for multi-channel data acquisition systems digitizing sensor outputs at moderate speeds. The 2-channel single-ended / 1-channel pseudo-differential input multiplexer handles a wide dynamic range of transducer signals including strain gauges, thermocouples via front-end amplifiers, and process-control 4-20 mA loops. The internal +2.5V reference eliminates an external reference IC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area, while the parallel interface simplifies connection to most DSPs and FPGAs. The hardware-controlled power-down mode enables duty-cycled operation for battery-powered portable data loggers where average current matters more than peak throughput.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation
The MAX1297AEEG's single +3V supply and integrated +2.5V reference make it ideal for battery-powered portable instruments such as handheld multimeters, medical diagnostic equipment, and field-test tools. The 265 ksps sample rate is sufficient for capturing audio-bandwidth signals and slow transient measurements, while the hardware-controlled power-down mode reduces quiescent current between conversions, extending battery life. The 24-pin QSOP package fits compact handheld form factors. Compared to sigma-delta ADCs, the SAR architecture offers near-instantaneous conversion with no latency, suitable for trigger-based measurements.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
The MAX1297AEEG operates over the -40 C to +85 C industrial temperature range and supports pseudo-differential inputs, making it suitable for industrial process-control applications including PLC analog input modules, motor control feedback, and 4-20 mA current-loop receivers. The parallel bus simplifies connection to industrial microcontrollers without requiring a serial protocol engine, while the SAR architecture provides deterministic conversion latency critical for closed-loop control. The 2-channel input multiplexer supports redundant sensor inputs for fault-tolerant designs, and the internal +2.5V reference simplifies calibration.
Recommended
Pen Tablet and Touch-Screen Controllers
The MAX1297AEEG's 265 ksps throughput and 12-bit resolution suit pen-tablet and touch-screen digitizer applications where stylus position must be sampled at high speed with adequate resolution. The 2-channel input multiplexer can digitize both X and Y axis position signals from a digitizer sensing surface, while the parallel interface enables low-latency position reporting to the host processor. The single +3V operation matches typical pen-tablet and touch-controller supply rails. The hardware power-down mode enables duty-cycled operation between pen-tip contacts.
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Equipment
The MAX1297AEEG is suitable for medical monitoring equipment such as patient monitors, pulse oximeters, and portable diagnostic devices where moderate-resolution ADC conversion of analog biosignals is required. The single +3V supply operation simplifies battery-powered medical device design, while the SAR architecture provides deterministic conversion latency critical for ECG and pulse-oximetry timing. The integrated +2.5V reference eliminates external reference components, reducing PCB area in compact handheld medical devices. The industrial temperature range supports clinical-environment operating conditions.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Measurement
The MAX1297AEEG's single +3V operation, integrated +2.5V reference, and hardware power-down mode make it ideal for battery-powered portable measurement devices including handheld environmental sensors, IoT edge nodes, and field data loggers. The 265 ksps sample rate captures sensor transients, while the parallel bus simplifies connection to low-power microcontrollers. The internal reference eliminates the need for an external reference IC, reducing quiescent current and BOM cost. The 24-pin QSOP package fits compact wearable and sensor-node designs.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1297AEEG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1297ACEG+T | MAX1297AEEG-T | MAX1296AEEG | MAX1092BEEG | MAX1093BEEG | MAX1068AEEG+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 24-pin QSOP | 24-pin QSOP | 24-pin QSOP | 24-pin QSOP | 24-pin QSOP | 24-pin QSOP | 24-pin QSOP |
| Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 14 bits |
| Sample Rate | 265 ksps | 265 ksps | 265 ksps | 250 ksps | 400 ksps | 250 ksps | 200 ksps |
| Supply Voltage | +3V single supply | +3V single supply | +3V single supply | +5V single supply | +5V single supply | +5V single supply | +5V single supply |
| Number of Channels | 2 SE / 1 PD | 2 SE / 1 PD | 2 SE / 1 PD | 6 SE / 3 PD | 4 SE / 2 PD | 8 SE / 4 PD | 8 SE / 4 PD |
| Internal Reference | +2.5V | +2.5V | +2.5V | +2.5V | +2.5V | +2.5V | +2.5V |
| Digital Interface | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel |
Key Differentiators
- Single +3V supply operation with integrated +2.5V reference (vs MAX1296AEEG)
- Compact 24-pin QSOP package for 2-channel applications (vs MAX1093BEEG)
- Higher sample rate than pin-compatible MAX1068AEEG (vs MAX1068AEEG+)
- Lower resolution than MAX1068AEEG+ (vs MAX1068AEEG+)
Design Notes
Power the AVDD and DVDD rails from a low-noise LDO (such as a 3.3 V LDO with sub-30 uVrms noise) and decouple each pin with a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin. Per Maxim datasheet recommendations, keep analog and digital grounds separate and join them at a single point near the AGNDG pin. AVDD must be present before or simultaneously with DVDD; reverse sequencing can latch the part and require a power cycle to recover.
Route analog input traces (AIN0, AIN1) as short, guarded microstrip with ground fill on both sides to minimize capacitive coupling from the parallel digital bus. The 12-bit parallel bus (D0-D11) is a significant noise source; route it on the opposite side of the PCB from the analog section and avoid crossing analog traces. Per Maxim layout guidelines, place the input RC anti-aliasing filter components within 5 mm of the AIN pins, and use a guard ring around the input traces tied to AGNDG.
Do not exceed AVDD of +3.6 V; the MAX1297AEEG is a +3V part and will be damaged at +5V supplies. For +5V systems, use the MAX1296ACEG instead. Ensure the REF pin is not loaded with more than 2 mA of external current when using internal reference mode. The PWDN pin must be driven high (logic high) for normal operation; leaving it floating can leave the part in an indeterminate state. The INT pin is active-low and is tri-stated when CS is deasserted.
Place a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor in parallel with a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor on each supply pin to provide low- and high-frequency decoupling. For the reference pin (REF), use a 0.1 uF ceramic bypass capacitor within 3 mm of the pin. Per typical ADC application notes, an input RC anti-aliasing filter (typically 100 ohm + 1 nF for 12-bit, 265 ksps Nyquist bandwidth) should be placed at each AIN pin to attenuate out-of-band noise and prevent aliasing.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per distributor product pages. Industrial temperature grade (-40 C to +85 C). Not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications, consult Maxim/Analog Devices automotive-grade portfolio.
