MAX1420ECM+T - 12-Bit 60MSPS +3.3V ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX1420ECM+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $31.37 | $31.37 |
| 10 | $28.5 | $285.00 |
| 100 | $25.8 | $2,580.00 |
| 500 | $23.1 | $11,550.00 |
| 1,000 | $21.05 | $21,050.00 |
MAX1420ECM+T Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that samples a continuous analog input voltage and converts it into a discrete digital code, and it is a fundamental building block of every data-acquisition system. The device hierarchy sits at: ADC -> data converter -> mixed-signal IC -> semiconductor. Pipeline (pipelined) ADCs such as the MAX1420 use a multi-stage architecture that delivers high sampling rates (tens to hundreds of MSPS) at low power, making them the industry default for intermediate-frequency digitization in communications, imaging, and instrumentation equipment.
Key features include 12-bit resolution, 60 MSPS sampling rate, single +3.3V analog supply, fully-differential analog input, wideband track-and-hold, internal 2.048 V reference, and CMOS-compatible parallel offset-binary digital outputs with three-state control. Power dissipation is 176 mW (typical at 60 MSPS) with a power-down mode reducing consumption to under 1 mW.
The MAX1420 uses a 12-stage pipelined architecture in which each stage resolves a few bits, feeds the residue to the next stage, and applies digital error correction at the end. This architecture enables the converter to achieve 60 MSPS at substantially lower power than a full-flash converter of equivalent resolution, while preserving wide input bandwidth and excellent spurious-free dynamic range (SFDR) suitable for IF-sampling digitizers.
Typical applications include digital oscilloscopes, IF-sampling communications receivers, cable-headend digitizers, medical ultrasound front-ends, and imaging systems. The wideband track-and-hold allows accurate capture of high-frequency signals up to the Nyquist limit.
When designing with this part, pay attention to the analog input common-mode voltage, which must be biased to mid-supply for best distortion performance, and use an analog supply with low-noise decoupling directly at the AVDD pin.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX1420ECM+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 MAX1420ECM+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Architecture, Package, Resolution, Number of Channels.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX1420ECM+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX1420CCM+TD
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$8.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1420CCM+D
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$10.55 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX1420ECM+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 60 MSPS (60,000 kSamples/sec) |
| Number of Channels | 1 Input |
| Architecture | Pipelined, 12-stage with digital error correction |
| Analog Supply Voltage | +3.3 V (3.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| Analog Input Type | Fully-differential |
| Input Bandwidth | Wideband track-and-hold (per datasheet T/H) |
| Internal Reference | 2.048 V (internal) |
| Digital Interface | Parallel offset-binary, CMOS, three-state outputs |
| Power Dissipation (typ) | 176 mW at 60 MSPS |
| Power-Down Current | < 1 mA (per datasheet power-down mode) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) |
| Package | 48-pin LQFP (TQFP-48), 7 mm x 7 mm x 1.4 mm |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Compliance | RoHS compliant |
MAX1420ECM+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 2 | DVDD — Digital +3.3V supply |
| Pin 3 | D0 — Digital output bit 0 (LSB), three-state |
| Pin 4 | D1 — Digital output bit 1, three-state |
| Pin 5 | D2 — Digital output bit 2, three-state |
| Pin 6 | D3 — Digital output bit 3, three-state |
| Pin 7 | D4 — Digital output bit 4, three-state |
| Pin 8 | D5 — Digital output bit 5, three-state |
| Pin 9 | D6 — Digital output bit 6, three-state |
| Pin 10 | D7 — Digital output bit 7, three-state |
| Pin 11 | D8 — Digital output bit 8, three-state |
| Pin 12 | D9 — Digital output bit 9, three-state |
| Pin 13 | D10 — Digital output bit 10, three-state |
| Pin 14 | D11 — Digital output bit 11 (MSB), three-state |
| Pin 15 | PD — Power-down input (active high) |
| Pin 16 | T/H SEL — Track-and-hold mode select |
| Pin 17 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 18 | CLK — CMOS clock input |
| Pin 19 | CLKCOM — Clock common |
| Pin 20 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 24 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 25 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 26 | REFIN — External reference input / bypass |
| Pin 27 | REFOUT — Internal 2.048V reference output |
| Pin 28 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 29 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 30 | AVDD — Analog +3.3V supply |
| Pin 31 | AVDD — Analog +3.3V supply |
| Pin 32 | AVDD — Analog +3.3V supply |
| Pin 33 | COM — Common-mode voltage output (mid-supply) |
| Pin 34 | INP — Differential analog input (positive) |
| Pin 35 | INN — Differential analog input (negative) |
| Pin 36 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 37 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 38 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 39 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 40 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 41 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 42 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 43 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 44 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 45 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 46 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 47 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 48 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MAX1420ECM+T is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Storage Oscilloscopes, IF-Sampling Communications Receivers, Medical Ultrasound Front-Ends, Cable Headend Digitizers, Industrial Data Acquisition Systems, Radar Signal Digitization.
Digital Storage Oscilloscopes
The MAX1420ECM+T's 60 MSPS sampling rate and 12-bit resolution make it well suited for digital storage oscilloscope input channels digitizing repetitive and single-shot waveforms at intermediate analog bandwidth. Its wideband track-and-hold captures fast transients up to the Nyquist limit without aliasing, and the parallel CMOS outputs stream data directly into an FPGA or ASIC for waveform memory and triggering. Compared to 8-bit oscilloscope ADCs, the 12-bit dynamic range improves vertical resolution from 256 to 4096 codes, allowing measurement of small signal details riding on large DC offsets.
Recommended
IF-Sampling Communications Receivers
The MAX1420ECM+T performs digital IF sampling in software-defined radios (SDR) and base-station receivers, where the analog IF output of a mixer is digitized directly at 60 MSPS, eliminating an analog downconversion stage. Its 12-bit resolution and low distortion preserve signal integrity for demodulation, while the 3.3 V single supply simplifies power-tree design. The parallel offset-binary output format aligns with FPGA digital downconverter (DDC) IP cores, making it a natural fit for software-defined radio architectures targeting cellular, satellite, and public-safety bands.
Recommended
Medical Ultrasound Front-Ends
Ultrasound beamforming systems require multi-channel analog front-ends digitizing IF signals from each transducer element. The MAX1420ECM+T's 176 mW typical dissipation per channel keeps total system power within the thermal envelope of a portable scanner, while its 12-bit resolution provides sufficient dynamic range for echo amplitude discrimination across deep and shallow tissue. The 48-pin LQFP package allows dense PCB layouts on per-channel beamformer boards, and the fully-differential input rejects common-mode pickup from transducer cabling.
Recommended
Cable Headend Digitizers
CATV and DOCSIS headend equipment digitizes downstream QAM-modulated carriers at IF frequencies. The MAX1420ECM+T's 60 MSPS sampling rate comfortably captures multi-channel QAM bands up to ~25 MHz, and its 12-bit resolution maintains sufficient ENOB across the band for 256-QAM demodulation. The internal 2.048 V reference eliminates an external reference IC and the associated noise/board area, and the power-down mode supports duty-cycling for energy-efficient headend racks.
Recommended
Industrial Data Acquisition Systems
Industrial DAQ systems digitizing vibration, sonar hydrophone, or high-speed sensor signals use the MAX1420ECM+T for its 60 MSPS throughput and industrial -40 C to +85 C temperature range. The 12-bit pipeline architecture avoids the latency of successive-approximation ADCs while providing ENOB suitable for vibration spectrum analysis and condition-monitoring applications. The parallel CMOS outputs and internal reference simplify board design, minimizing external component count in cost-sensitive industrial systems.
Recommended
Radar Signal Digitization
Short-range radar modules and automotive blind-spot radar signal chains digitize baseband I/Q or IF outputs using the MAX1420ECM+T at 60 MSPS. The 12-bit resolution provides enough dynamic range for radar return amplitude discrimination across the radar equation dynamic range, while 176 mW dissipation keeps multi-channel radar modules within thermal budget. The LQFP-48 footprint offers easier hand-prototype assembly than fine-pitch QFN alternatives for low-volume radar development platforms.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX1420ECM+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX1420ECM+ | MAX1420CCM+TD | MAX1420CCM+D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 48-LQFP (7x7) | 48-LQFP (7x7) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7) - same | 48-LQFP (7x7) - same |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 60 MSPS | 60 MSPS | 60 MSPS | 60 MSPS |
| Operating Temperature | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | -40 C to +85 C (Industrial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) | 0 C to +70 C (Commercial) |
| Packaging Media | Tape & Reel | Tray | Tape & Reel | Tray |
| Supply Voltage | +3.3 V | +3.3 V | +3.3 V | +3.3 V |
| Internal Reference | 2.048 V (yes) | 2.048 V (yes) | 2.048 V (yes) | 2.048 V (yes) |
Key Differentiators
- Internal 2.048V reference eliminates external reference BOM (vs MAX1420ECM+ (tray variant))
- Industrial temperature grade for harsh environments (vs MAX1420CCM+TD (commercial temp))
- Tape-and-reel packaging for high-volume assembly (vs MAX1420ECM+ (tray))
Design Notes
Estimated: at maximum 60 MSPS sampling rate with 3.3 V analog supply, the MAX1420ECM+T draws approximately 53 mA from AVDD and additional current from DVDD depending on output loading. Decouple each AVDD pin with a 0.1 uF X7R ceramic capacitor placed within 2 mm of each pin, with one 10 uF bulk tantalum or ceramic capacitor near the analog supply. Separate analog (AVDD/AGND) and digital (DVDD/DGND) planes are strongly recommended, with a single star-ground connection at the ADC to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the analog input path.
The MAX1420ECM+T's fully-differential input requires a common-mode voltage bias at INP and INN. According to the datasheet, the internal COM pin provides a mid-supply reference that should be buffered or used with a transformer center-tap. For single-ended sources, place a wideband balun or transformer between the source and the INP/INN pair to convert to differential and minimize even-order harmonic distortion. Maintain differential trace lengths matched within 1 mm to preserve AC performance at high input frequencies.
A common pitfall when designing with the MAX1420ECM+T is failing to terminate the clock input (pin 18/CLK) with a series 33 ohm resistor and 50 ohm to ground pull-down. Clock jitter directly translates into aperture-time jitter at the input, degrading SNR at high input frequencies. Ensure the CMOS clock driver can source/sink at least 10 mA with rise/fall times under 2 ns. Drive the clock from a low-jitter PLL or a dedicated clock-cleanup IC when the application requires tight SNR at the Nyquist input frequency.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance per Maxim product page and distributor listings. The MAX1420ECM+T is not AEC-Q100 qualified; for automotive applications, refer to Maxim/ADI automotive-grade ADC product lines.
