MAX150ACWP+T - 8-Bit 1.3µs Flash ADC w/ Reference | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX150ACWP+T ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.85 | $9.85 |
| 10 | $8.92 | $89.20 |
| 100 | $7.45 | $745.00 |
| 500 | $6.3 | $3,150.00 |
| 1,000 | $5.55 | $5,550.00 |
MAX150ACWP+T Overview
A flash ADC is a converter architecture that uses 2^N - 1 parallel comparators to digitize an analog input in a single clock cycle, achieving the highest sample rate among ADC topologies. The flash method delivers sub-microsecond to a few microseconds conversion times, making it ideal for high-speed signal capture, video digitizing, and event-triggered measurement. Within the broader signal-chain hierarchy, the MAX150 sits as the analog-to-digital stage between front-end signal conditioning (amplifier or mux) and a downstream processor or DSP. Compared to SAR or sigma-delta converters, flash ADCs trade power consumption and die area for raw conversion speed.
Key specifications include a 1.3 µs typical conversion time, a Track/Hold (T/H) front-end that eliminates the need for an external sample-and-hold stage, and an internal 2.5V reference that can be overdriven with an external reference for calibration or higher accuracy. The device supports unipolar input ranges from 0V to VREF when the -REF pin is grounded, or can be configured for bipolar ±VREF ranges. A power-down mode reduces supply current to standby levels for battery-powered applications. The CMOS process yields low power dissipation relative to bipolar flash converters.
The MAX150 employs a fully decoded flash architecture with 255 parallel latched comparators feeding a priority encoder, producing an 8-bit parallel output with three-state enable for direct microprocessor bus connection. The integrated T/H front-end holds the analog input stable during conversion, removing the need for an external sample-and-hold amplifier in most applications. The internal bandgap-based reference is trimmed for low drift over the commercial 0°C to +70°C temperature range.
Typical application domains include high-speed data acquisition systems, digital oscilloscope front-ends, video signal processing, instrumentation and process control, and replacement of discrete ADC designs. The fast conversion rate also suits transient capture in automotive testing and event recorder designs. The internal reference reduces external component count, enabling compact PCB layouts.
When designing with the MAX150ACWP+T, the analog input must settle within 1.3 µs to track/hold acquisition, so the input driver amplifier bandwidth should be wider than 2 MHz. Bypass VDD and VLOG with 0.1 µF + 10 µF capacitors placed within 5 mm of the pins. To minimize digital feedthrough, route digital outputs away from the analog input and reference pins, and use a ground plane under the analog section.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, AEC-Q/automotive status, SOIC-20 drop-in alternatives, and practical front-end design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX150ACWP+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 MAX150ACWP+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Analog Supply Voltage, Internal Reference Voltage, Output Interface, Package, Resolution.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX150BCWP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX150BCWP+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX150ACWP-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX192ACWP+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX188CEWP+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX150ACWP+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 8 bits |
| Conversion Method | Flash (parallel comparator) |
| Conversion Time (typical) | 1.3 µs |
| Number of Input Channels | 1 |
| Output Interface | Parallel, 8-bit, three-state |
| Analog Supply Voltage | +5 V (±5%) |
| Digital Supply Voltage | +5 V (same as VDD) |
| Internal Reference Voltage | 2.5 V (bandgap, can be overdriven) |
| Input Voltage Range (unipolar) | 0 V to VREF |
| Input Voltage Range (bipolar) | ±VREF (with REF input driven) |
| Track/Hold Front-End | Integrated |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial grade) |
| Package | SOIC-20 (WP), 300 mil |
| Number of Pins | 20 |
| Terminal Form | Gull wing, surface-mount |
MAX150ACWP+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VLOG — Digital +5 V logic supply |
| Pin 2 | RD — Read / chip-select, three-state enable for D0-D7 |
| Pin 3 | D7 — Data bit 7 (MSB), three-state output |
| Pin 4 | D6 — Data bit 6, three-state output |
| Pin 5 | D5 — Data bit 5, three-state output |
| Pin 6 | D4 — Data bit 4, three-state output |
| Pin 7 | D3 — Data bit 3, three-state output |
| Pin 8 | D2 — Data bit 2, three-state output |
| Pin 9 | D1 — Data bit 1, three-state output |
| Pin 10 | D0 — Data bit 0 (LSB), three-state output |
| Pin 11 | WR — Write / start-of-conversion trigger |
| Pin 12 | MODE — Read / write mode select |
| Pin 13 | VDD — Analog +5 V supply |
| Pin 14 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 15 | AIN — Analog input (single-ended, 0 V to VREF) |
| Pin 16 | REF — Reference input / output (2.5 V internal) |
| Pin 17 | -REF — Negative reference input (ground for unipolar) |
| Pin 18 | T/H GND — Track-and-hold ground return |
| Pin 19 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 20 | PWRDN — Power-down input (active high) |
Typical Applications
MAX150ACWP+T is suitable for 7 applications: High-Speed Data Acquisition Systems, Digital Oscilloscope Front-End, Industrial Process Control and Instrumentation, Video Signal Processing and Digitising, Transient Capture and Event Recorders, Legacy Replacement of Discrete ADC Designs, Embedded Test and Measurement Modules.
High-Speed Data Acquisition Systems
The MAX150ACWP+T's 1.3 µs conversion rate and integrated track/hold front-end make it well-suited for high-speed data-acquisition front-ends digitising analog signals up to roughly 500 kSPS. In a typical signal chain the input amplifier scales a sensor output to the 0-2.5V range, the internal reference removes the need for an external reference IC, and the parallel 8-bit output latches directly into a DSP or FPGA register. Compared to SAR converters the flash architecture trades resolution for raw conversion speed; where higher resolution is needed the MAX192ACWP+T 12-bit upgrade pin-compatible alternative fits the same SOIC-20 footprint.
Recommended
Digital Oscilloscope Front-End
The MAX150ACWP+T can serve as the ADC at the front-end of a digital storage oscilloscope where its 1.3 µs conversion time and internal track/hold directly capture fast analog edges without an external sample-and-hold. The internal 2.5V reference provides a stable threshold even in the presence of supply noise, while the parallel 8-bit output can drive an FPGA-based waveform memory at 50-100 MSPS equivalent rates using interleaved channels. For deeper memory and faster capture rates the MAX12553ETL+ family offers higher integration, although the MAX150ACWP+T remains a low-cost entry point for cost-sensitive bench instruments.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control and Instrumentation
Industrial process-control loops and instrumentation require reliable 8-bit digitisation of 4-20 mA transducers, pressure sensors, and strain-gauge amplifiers. The MAX150ACWP+T converts analog inputs at 1.3 µs per sample, allowing loop rates above 100 kSPS for fast PID feedback, and its internal 2.5V bandgap reference minimises external components in space-constrained DIN-rail modules. The commercial 0-70°C operating range covers most factory-floor installations but excludes extended-temperature and outdoor environments. The MAX192ACWP+T pin-compatible part offers a higher-resolution 12-bit path when measurement precision becomes the bottleneck.
Recommended
Video Signal Processing and Digitising
The flash-ADC topology of the MAX150ACWP+T provides the raw speed needed for composite-video or luma-channel digitisation in mid-resolution display-eval boards and CCTV front-ends. The 8-bit parallel output interfaces cleanly to an FPGA video pipeline, and the 1.3 µs conversion time supports digitising standard-definition video at full frame rate with several samples per pixel. The internal 2.5V reference sets a stable black/white threshold, eliminating a separate video-clamp comparator. For system-on-chip or HD applications the MAX1420CCM+D 10-bit ADC family offers higher sample rates at the cost of an LQFP footprint change.
Recommended
Transient Capture and Event Recorders
Event recorders used in machine-vibration monitoring, automotive test equipment, and laboratory instrumentation benefit from the MAX150ACWP+T's combination of 1.3 µs conversion, integrated track/hold, and internal reference. The flash architecture captures single-shot transients without aliasing, while the digital HOLD input allows gated capture from a triggering sensor. Its commercial 0-70°C range covers most indoor installation environments. The MAX188CEWP+T data-acquisition system in the same SOIC-20 footprint provides a higher-accuracy 12-bit replacement once the application evolves beyond 8-bit resolution.
Recommended
Legacy Replacement of Discrete ADC Designs
Discrete ADC designs built from a track/hold amplifier, an external reference, and a flash converter can be consolidated onto a single MAX150ACWP+T, reducing PCB area, BOM cost, and calibration effort. The internal 2.5V reference eliminates trim potentiometers, and the integrated track/hold removes the need for a separate sample-and-hold IC. For modernising retro instrument designs the MAX150ACWP+T fits into original SOIC-20 footprints laid out 20+ years ago, saving the BOM manager from a major PCB re-spin while delivering equivalent 8-bit performance at 1.3 µs per conversion.
Recommended
Embedded Test and Measurement Modules
The MAX150ACWP+T serves as the digitiser core of embedded test-and-measurement modules used in ATE fixtures, portable calibration units, and bench instrumentation. Its parallel 8-bit output simplifies timing closure on an FPGA-based test controller, and the 5 V single-supply operation aligns with legacy analog front-ends. Compared to discrete ADCs the integrated reference and track/hold shrink the PCB bill-of-materials, while the SOIC-20 package supports hand-rework and rapid prototyping. The MAX1068AEEG+ 12-bit companion can extend systems to higher resolution without changing the interface protocol.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX150ACWP+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX150BCWP+ | MAX150BCWP+T | MAX150ACWP-T | MAX192ACWP+T | MAX188CEWP+T |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | SOIC-20 (WP) | SOIC-20 (WP) - same | SOIC-20 (WP) - same | SOIC-20 (WP) - same | SOIC-20 (WP) - same | SOIC-20 (WP) - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Resolution | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 12 bits (upgrade) | 12 bits (upgrade) |
| Conversion Time (typical) | 1.3 µs | ~1.3 µs (B grade, may be slightly faster) | ~1.3 µs (B grade) | 1.3 µs | SAR (slower per cycle, higher resolution) | SAR (slower per cycle, higher resolution) |
| Architecture | Flash (parallel comparators) | Flash | Flash | Flash | SAR | SAR (data-acquisition system) |
| Output Interface | 8-bit parallel, three-state | 8-bit parallel | 8-bit parallel | 8-bit parallel | Serial SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE | Serial SPI |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V analog + +5 V logic | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V | +5 V |
| Internal Reference | 2.5 V (bandgap) | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | 2.5 V | Internal reference (SAR) | Internal reference (DAS) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial B grade) | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C |
| Lifecycle / Availability | Obsolete (legacy) | Obsolete / limited stock | Obsolete / limited stock | Obsolete / limited stock | Last-time-buy on most channels | Last-time-buy on most channels |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated track/hold front-end eliminates external sample/hold IC (vs MAX150ACWP-T (tube variant))
- Internal 2.5V bandgap reference removes external reference IC (vs MAX150ACWP-T (tube variant))
- 1.3 µs flash conversion time exceeds typical 8-bit SAR (vs MAX188CEWP+T (12-bit SAR))
- Parallel 8-bit output avoids serial-clock overhead for legacy 8-bit MCUs (vs MAX192ACWP+T (serial SAR))
Design Notes
Estimated: place 0.1 µF X7R ceramic + 10 µF tantalum or X5R ceramic within 5 mm of VDD (pin 13) and VLOG (pin 1). Keep the analog and digital ground returns separated on the PCB and join them in a single ground plane near the supply decoupling region to minimise digital switching noise coupling into the analog comparator array. For VREF, add 0.1 µF bypass to reference pin (pin 16) to suppress noise pickup during conversion.
Estimated: the analog input driver bandwidth should exceed 2 MHz to settle within the 1.3 µs conversion window - a rail-to-rail op-amp with at least 0.5 mA output drive is recommended to charge the track/hold input capacitance. Place the input amplifier within 10 mm of pin 15 (AIN) to limit trace capacitance. Drive the analog input through a 50 Ω trace and use a series termination resistor if the source impedance is below 100 Ω to reduce ringing.
Route the parallel output bus D0-D7 (pins 3-10) away from the analog input and reference pins (15-17) and shield them with a series of grounded guard traces or a full ground plane partition. The MODE, WR, and RD control inputs (pins 11, 12, 2) should be routed in a separate group adjacent to the digital supply pin to avoid crosstalk into the analog block. Estimated: a four-layer PCB stack-up with dedicated analog and digital ground planes yields the best noise margin for this 8-bit converter.
Do not operate the digital I/O at voltages above VLOG or below 0 V; exceeding the absolute-maximum rating risks latch-up. Do not leave -REF (pin 17) floating in unipolar mode - tie it to AGND to define a ground-referenced input range. Avoid driving VDD or VLOG ramps slower than 1 ms without a controlled start-up sequence, since the internal bandgap reference requires a clean supply to initialise correctly. According to Maxim datasheet guidance, B-grade (MAX150BCWP+) parts typically offer tighter linearity than A-grade (MAX150ACWP+T), but otherwise share the same timing and reference characteristics.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH compliance status of the original MAX150ACWP+T tape-and-reel variant was not stated in the verified web data - parts of this era (Maxim datasheet published 1995) were commonly lead-finish. AEC-Q100 is not applicable for the commercial-grade 0-70°C variant. Halogen-free status not in the verified data; consult the manufacturer datasheet revision section for confirmation. Parts are listed on Alldatasheet and DigiKey historical records.
