MAX159BEPA - 10-Bit 108ksps 2-Ch Serial ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX159BEPA ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $6.2 | $6.20 |
| 10 | $5.65 | $56.50 |
| 100 | $5.05 | $505.00 |
| 500 | $4.55 | $2,275.00 |
| 1,000 | $4.1 | $4,100.00 |
MAX159BEPA Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a semiconductor component that converts a continuous analog voltage into a discrete digital code. Successive-approximation register (SAR) ADCs are a widely used architecture that uses a binary search across an internal DAC to determine each bit of the output code, one bit per clock cycle. They offer an excellent trade-off between speed, resolution, and power for sampling rates up to a few megasamples per second. SAR ADCs sit within the broader hierarchy: ADC -> data converter -> mixed-signal IC -> semiconductor. The MAX159BEPA belongs to this family, optimized specifically for low-power, low-channel-count applications.
Key specifications include 10-bit resolution, 108 ksps sampling rate, 2 analog input channels, 7.4 µs conversion time, 2.5 µs wake-up from power-down, and a low supply current that drops dramatically in power-down mode. The 3-wire serial interface shares DIN, SCLK, and DOUT lines, simplifying the connection to any microcontroller. The MAX159 also includes an external reference input, giving designers flexibility to trade noise performance against dynamic range.
Typical applications include portable battery-powered instrumentation, data loggers, sensor front ends (temperature, pressure, strain gauges), loop-powered industrial transmitters, pen tablets and touch-screen controllers, and isolated multi-channel data acquisition modules where a small-footprint, low-power ADC is required.
When designing with this part, choose the external reference voltage carefully: the ADC's input range scales directly with VREF, and its noise floor (LSB size = VREF / 1024) sets the smallest detectable signal change. Use a low-impedance reference bypass capacitor and short analog input traces to minimize acquisition-time errors.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternative listings, and practical design guidance not collected in the manufacturer datasheet alone. Pricing reflects tier-1 distributor stock and lead times as of 2026-10-14.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX159BEPA — 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 MAX159BEPA (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Conversion Time, Input Type, Number of Channels, Operating Temperature.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX157BEPA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$3.62 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX159AEPA
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX159BEPA+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX159BCPA
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$4.42 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX159BEUA
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX159BEPA Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 10 bit |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Sampling Rate | 108 ksps |
| Conversion Time | 7.4 us |
| Wake-Up Time | 2.5 us |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.25 V (single) |
| Architecture | Successive Approximation (SAR) |
| Input Type | Single-ended (pseudo-differential option via REF) |
| Reference | External |
| Digital Interface | 3-wire SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible |
| Operating Temperature | -40C to +85C (E temp grade) |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP (E suffix) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
MAX159BEPA Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN1 — Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 2 | AIN2 — Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground |
| Pin 4 | REF — External reference voltage input (decouple with 10 uF + 0.1 uF) |
| Pin 5 | DOUT — Serial data output (3-wire SPI) |
| Pin 6 | DIN/SHDN — Serial data input / active-low shutdown when held low |
| Pin 7 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 8 | VDD — Positive supply voltage (2.7 V to 5.25 V) |
Typical Applications
MAX159BEPA is suitable for 6 applications: Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation, Sensor Signal Conditioning and Data Acquisition, Industrial Control and Process Monitoring, Pen Tablet and Touch-Screen Digitizer, Medical Patient Monitoring Devices, Isolated Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Modules.
Portable Battery-Powered Instrumentation
The MAX159BEPA is a strong fit for portable, battery-powered instrumentation thanks to its 2.7 V to 5.25 V single-supply operation and integrated automatic power-down between conversions. In a typical handheld DMM or data-logger design the ADC is enabled just long enough to take a sample (7.4 us conversion plus 2.5 us wake-up), drawing only a few microamps the rest of the time. With its low active supply current and 10-bit resolution, the MAX159BEPA enables multi-month battery life while still providing 1024 discrete codes for sensor measurements.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning and Data Acquisition
For multi-sensor data acquisition the MAX159BEPA's two single-ended input channels accept signals directly from transducers such as thermistors, photodiodes, and strain gauges. The external reference lets designers scale the full-scale range to the sensor's output swing, maximizing usable codes. With 108 ksps throughput the MAX159BEPA can digitize both channels of a temperature-compensated pressure sensor at the same time. The 3-wire SPI interface connects to virtually any microcontroller, simplifying firmware in an industrial 4-20 mA loop-powered transmitter.
Recommended
Industrial Control and Process Monitoring
In industrial process monitoring, the MAX159BEPA provides a compact, low-cost interface for slow analog signals such as 4-20 mA current loops, thermocouples, or RTD-derived voltages. The industrial -40C to +85C operating range handles factory-floor temperatures, while the pseudo-ping-pong auto-power-down between conversions extends sensor life in remote installations. Its 10-bit resolution gives 0.1% full-scale accuracy suitable for setpoint and threshold measurements, and its SPI output simplifies optocoupler isolation in high-noise environments.
Recommended
Pen Tablet and Touch-Screen Digitizer
The MAX159BEPA's 108 ksps sampling rate and dual-channel input make it suitable for low-end pen tablet and touch-screen controllers, where X and Y position signals must be digitized in quick succession. The fast 2.5 us wake-up from power-down keeps conversion latency low, an important factor for smooth cursor tracking. The 8-pin PDIP form factor simplifies breadboard prototyping during stylus algorithm development, while the surface-mount MAX159BEUA variant can be used in production PCB layouts.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitoring Devices
For low-power medical monitoring such as portable pulse oximeters or single-channel ECG front ends, the MAX159BEPA's low supply current and small size help extend battery life while keeping the bill of materials low. The 10-bit resolution is sufficient for heart-rate and SpO2 trend displays. Combined with a precision op-amp front end and the MAX6034 low-noise reference, the MAX159BEPA forms the core of a compact, isolated, IEC 60601-compliant patient monitor at a fraction of the cost of higher-resolution alternatives.
Recommended
Isolated Multi-Channel Data Acquisition Modules
Isolated data acquisition modules - such as those used in substation monitoring, motor control, or industrial IoT edge nodes - benefit from the MAX159BEPA's small 8-pin PDIP footprint, low power consumption, and SPI interface that can be easily routed through digital isolators. The two analog input channels are typically used for current and voltage sensing on a single rail. The 108 ksps sample rate accommodates mains-frequency harmonic analysis up to about 20 kHz, while the 10-bit resolution provides adequate accuracy for trend monitoring.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX159BEPA — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX157BEPA | MAX159AEPA | MAX159BEPA+ | MAX159BCPA | MAX159BEUA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin PDIP | 8-pin uMAX (surface mount) |
| Resolution | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit | 10 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 108 ksps | 108 ksps | 108 ksps | 108 ksps | 108 ksps | 108 ksps |
| Number of Channels | 2 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Automotive (-40C to +125C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) | Commercial (0C to +70C) | Industrial (-40C to +85C) |
Key Differentiators
- Two single-ended inputs vs MAX157BEPA's 8 channels (vs MAX157BEPA)
- Industrial temperature range with external reference flexibility (vs MAX159BCPA (commercial grade))
- Original (non-RoHS) variant vs RoHS-compliant MAX159BEPA+ (vs MAX159BEPA+)
Design Notes
The MAX159BEPA's automatic power-down reduces supply current to a few microamps between conversions, so the system power budget is dominated by the active conversion current (~1.4 mA typical). Estimated: at a duty cycle of 1% (e.g., one conversion every 10 ms), the average supply current is roughly (1.4 mA * 0.01) + (10 uA * 0.99) = ~24 uA - a useful figure when sizing the upstream LDO. The VDD pin should be decoupled with a 10 uF ceramic + 0.1 uF ceramic pair placed within 5 mm of the pin.
Because the MAX159BEPA uses an external reference, the noise and stability of the REF pin directly determine the ADC's noise floor. Use a low-noise, low-dropout reference such as the MAX6034AEXR25 (2.5 V) or MAX6034AEXR33 (3.3 V) and bypass REF with a 10 uF + 0.1 uF capacitor pair close to the pin. Long analog input traces should be guarded and kept away from switching signals; the 7.4 us conversion time is long enough that RC settling errors dominate if source impedance exceeds ~1 kohm.
A common pitfall when bringing up the MAX159BEPA is forgetting that the DIN/SHDN pin must be held high during the conversion sequence, otherwise the part enters shutdown. The DIN/SHDN pin should be driven high after CS falls and remain high until at least the last SCLK falling edge to ensure proper shutdown between conversions. Also: ensure CS is held high (deasserted) between conversion sequences to reset the serial state machine; otherwise the output bits will be mis-aligned with SCLK.
The 8-pin PDIP footprint is through-hole, so place the IC on the analog side of the board with the analog ground plane kept separate from the digital ground; join the two planes at a single point near the ADC's GND pin. Keep the analog input traces (AIN1, AIN2, REF) short and symmetric - asymmetries above ~5 mm between the two channels add channel-to-channel offset. Place the bypass capacitors (10 uF + 0.1 uF on VDD and 10 uF + 0.1 uF on REF) within 5 mm of their respective pins.
Compliance Information
MAX159BEPA (without '+' suffix) is the original lead-containing variant. For RoHS-compliant assembly, use MAX159BEPA+ instead. The MAX159AEPA automotive-grade option (when sourced) carries AEC-Q100 grade 3 qualification.
