MAX150ACPP - 8-Bit 1.34μs Half-Flash ADC w/ 2.5V Ref | Maxim
MPN: MAX150ACPP ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $26.6 | $26.60 |
| 10 | $23.94 | $239.40 |
| 100 | $21.28 | $2,128.00 |
| 500 | $19.2 | $9,600.00 |
| 1,000 | $17.5 | $17,500.00 |
MAX150ACPP Overview
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that converts continuous-time, continuous-amplitude analog signals into discrete digital codes for processing by microprocessors, microcontrollers, or DSPs. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, an ADC sits between sensors (analog front-end) and digital logic; it is a member of the data-converter IC family (which also includes DACs and codecs) under the power management and signal-chain umbrella. The half-flash technique used by the MAX150ACPP is a compromise between the simplicity of successive-approximation and the speed of full-flash conversion, employing two 4-bit flash stages to deliver sub-2 µs conversion at lower power and cost than full flash.
Key features of the MAX150ACPP include 1.34 µs typical conversion time, an integrated 2.5V reference, on-chip track-and-hold, single +5V supply operation, an overflow output for cascading, and microprocessor-compatible interface logic. The half-flash architecture halves the comparator count of a full flash converter, reducing input drive to the load and improving noise immunity. The on-chip reference eliminates an external reference component, simplifying BOM and PCB area while maintaining specified accuracy over the commercial temperature range.
Typical applications for the MAX150ACPP include industrial process-control data acquisition, portable instrumentation, digital signal processor front-ends, and embedded control systems where a fast, low-component-count 8-bit ADC suffices. The overflow output allows two devices to be cascaded for higher-resolution systems, and the DIP-20 footprint is breadboard-friendly for prototyping.
When designing with this ADC, place 0.1 µF decoupling capacitors close to the VDD pin and observe the datasheet's input-bandwidth limit for full THA-less operation. The device is pin-compatible with the industry-standard MX7820 footprint, allowing easy migration between the bare MX7820 and the MAX150 reference-equipped variant.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives from same-brand and cross-brand sources, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX150ACPP — 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 MAX150ACPP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Resolution.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX150ACPP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX150BCPP+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MX7820KN+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC0820CCN+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
ADC0820BCN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD7820KNZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX150ACPP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 8 bits |
| Conversion Method | Half-flash (two-step flash) |
| Conversion Time | 1.34 µs typical |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Analog Input Range | 0 V to +5 V (unipolar) |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V single supply |
| Internal Reference Voltage | 2.5 V |
| Track-and-Hold | Built-in (on-chip) |
| Overflow Output | Yes (for cascading) |
| Microprocessor Interface | Yes (compatible) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (DIP-20) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Pin Compatibility | Industry-standard MX7820 pinout |
MAX150ACPP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VIN — Analog input (0V to +5V) |
| Pin 2 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 3 | VREF — 2.5V internal reference output |
| Pin 4 | REFOUT — Reference output |
| Pin 5 | VDD — +5V supply |
| Pin 6 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 7 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 8 | RD — Read strobe (active low) |
| Pin 9 | WR — Write/conversion start |
| Pin 10 | INT — Interrupt output (active low) |
| Pin 11 | OFL — Overflow output |
| Pin 12 | DB0 — Data bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 13 | DB1 — Data bit 1 |
| Pin 14 | DB2 — Data bit 2 |
| Pin 15 | DB3 — Data bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | DB4 — Data bit 4 |
| Pin 17 | DB5 — Data bit 5 |
| Pin 18 | DB6 — Data bit 6 |
| Pin 19 | DB7 — Data bit 7 (MSB) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MAX150ACPP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control Data Acquisition, Portable Instrumentation and Test Equipment, DSP and Microprocessor Analog Front-Ends, Embedded Control and Sensor Readout, Cascaded Higher-Resolution ADC Systems, Legacy Industrial Board Repair and Maintenance.
Industrial Process Control Data Acquisition
The MAX150ACPP's 1.34 µs conversion time and 8-bit resolution suit industrial PLC analog input modules sampling 4-20 mA or 0-5V transducer signals at multi-kHz rates. The on-chip 2.5V reference eliminates the need for an external precision reference, reducing BOM cost in multi-channel systems where each channel would otherwise require its own reference. The built-in track-and-hold handles multiplexed inputs from industrial sensors without external THA circuitry, while the overflow output supports cascading two devices for 9-bit equivalent resolution in higher-precision control loops. The PDIP-20 package is well suited to industrial through-hole PCB designs and conformal-coated assemblies.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation and Test Equipment
Battery-powered portable instruments benefit from the MAX150ACPP's single +5V supply operation and integrated reference, which simplify power-tree design and reduce quiescent drain. The 1.34 µs conversion enables real-time waveform capture in handheld oscilloscope front-ends, digital multimeters, and portable data loggers sampling at hundreds of kSPS. The DIP-20 through-hole package is breadboard-friendly for prototype instrumentation, and the on-chip track-and-hold captures transient signals without external sampling amplifiers. The 0°C to +70°C commercial temperature range covers most indoor and sheltered portable use cases.
Recommended
DSP and Microprocessor Analog Front-Ends
The MAX150ACPP's microprocessor-compatible interface simplifies connection to legacy 8-bit microcontrollers and DSP analog input ports. The RD, CS, and INT signals align with standard memory-mapped peripheral timing, allowing direct bus attachment without glue logic. The 8-bit resolution and 1.34 µs conversion suit audio-bandwidth sampling (up to ~370 kSPS effective) for DSP-based audio analyzers, motor-control feedback loops, and closed-loop servo systems. The integrated 2.5V reference anchors ADC scaling to a stable on-chip voltage, simplifying software calibration routines in resource-constrained embedded firmware.
Recommended
Embedded Control and Sensor Readout
The MAX150ACPP integrates cleanly into embedded microcontroller boards reading analog sensors (temperature, pressure, position) at moderate rates. The on-chip reference and track-and-hold eliminate two external ICs, reducing BOM count on space-constrained sensor hub boards. The half-flash conversion at 1.34 µs supports multi-channel scanning via external multiplexers with sample rates adequate for thermal management, HVAC control, and appliance electronics. The DIP-20 package suits hand-soldered prototyping and low-volume industrial embedded products.
Recommended
Cascaded Higher-Resolution ADC Systems
The MAX150ACPP's overflow (OFL) output enables cascading two devices to achieve 9-bit equivalent resolution, a rare feature in low-cost 8-bit ADCs. In a cascaded configuration, the second MAX150 measures the overflow residue of the first, extending dynamic range for precision weighing scales, digital potentiometer read-backs, and low-resolution instrumentation. The built-in track-and-hold and shared reference voltage simplify synchronization between cascaded devices. Designers can also cascade with the MX7820 family for mixed-resolution architectures, though matching propagation delays is critical for accurate residue measurement.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Board Repair and Maintenance
The MAX150ACPP remains in service across thousands of legacy industrial controllers, programmable logic peripherals, and factory-floor test fixtures deployed in the 1990s and early 2000s. Maintenance engineers rely on the obsolete MAX150ACPP and its active MAX150ACPP+ successor to repair aging equipment where PCB redesign is cost-prohibitive. The DIP-20 through-hole package is straightforward to hand-solder or socket for field replacement. Cross-brand equivalents like the ADC0820CCN+ and AD7820KNZ provide second-source options when Maxim stock is constrained, ensuring continued support for long-lifecycle industrial assets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX150ACPP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX150ACPP+ | MX7820KN+ | ADC0820CCN+ | AD7820KNZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Texas Instruments | Analog Devices |
| Package | PDIP-20 | PDIP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - same | PDIP-20 - same |
| Resolution | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Conversion Time | 1.34 µs | 1.34 µs | 1.34 µs | 1.4 µs | 1.34 µs |
| Internal Reference | 2.5V (yes) | 2.5V (yes) | No (external required) | No (external required) | No (external required) |
| Supply Voltage | +5V | +5V | +5V | +5V | +5V |
| Track-and-Hold | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Overflow Output | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lifecycle Status | Obsolete | Active | Obsolete | Obsolete | Obsolete |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated 2.5V reference eliminates external component (vs MX7820KN+)
- Same PDIP-20 footprint as industry-standard MX7820 (vs ADC0820CCM+)
- Overflow pin enables 9-bit cascading (vs AD7820KNZ)
- Maxim brand lineage and second-source ecosystem (vs TI ADC0820CCN+)
Design Notes
Decouple VDD with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor placed within 5 mm of the supply pin, and add a 10 µF tantalum or aluminum bulk capacitor on the supply rail. The MAX150ACPP draws transient current during conversion (typically 5-10 mA peaks); insufficient decoupling causes digital output corruption and reference instability. For cascaded configurations, provide local bulk capacitance at each device's VDD pin to prevent supply droop during simultaneous conversions.
Separate analog and digital ground planes, joining at a single point beneath the AGND pin to avoid digital switching noise coupling into the analog input or reference. Route analog input traces away from digital output bus lines (DB0-DB7) and clock/control lines (CS, RD, WR). Use a ground ring around the analog input pin and place the 0.1 µF VDD decoupling cap adjacent to the supply pin with short, wide traces. For cascaded designs, route overflow and clock traces with matched lengths to maintain synchronization.
Do not exceed the analog input voltage range of 0V to +5V; signals beyond this range cause input stage saturation and possible device damage. For bipolar inputs, add external signal-conditioning circuitry (op-amp level shifter) before the VIN pin. Note that the MAX150ACPP (without '+' suffix) is obsolete; for new designs use the MAX150ACPP+ lead-free variant to ensure long-term availability. Verify reference decoupling with a 0.1 µF cap on VREF if driving external loads.
The on-chip track-and-hold handles input slew rates up to the datasheet-specified limit (typically 100 mV/µs or higher), eliminating external sampling for most audio-bandwidth signals. For higher slew-rate inputs (video edges, fast transients), add an external buffer amplifier to drive the VIN pin. The reference output (VREF) can source limited current; if sharing the reference with external circuitry, buffer it with an op-amp to prevent loading-induced voltage drift.
Compliance Information
MAX150ACPP (without '+' suffix) is non-RoHS lead-bearing product, marked obsolete by Maxim Integrated. The MAX150ACPP+ lead-free variant is RoHS-compliant and is the recommended active alternative for new designs. AEC-Q100 not applicable for commercial-grade PDIP-20 ADC.
