MAX160EPN+ - 8-Bit 250ksps µP-Compatible SAR ADC | Maxim | DIP-18
MPN: MAX160EPN+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $12.45 | $12.45 |
| 10 | $11.2 | $112.00 |
| 100 | $9.85 | $985.00 |
| 500 | $8.5 | $4,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $7.25 | $7,250.00 |
MAX160EPN+ Overview
An SAR ADC (Successive Approximation Register Analog-to-Digital Converter) is a type of data converter that uses a binary-search algorithm against an internal DAC and comparator to digitize an analog input in N clock cycles for N bits of resolution. SAR ADCs sit within the broader hierarchy of analog-to-digital converters -> data converters -> signal chain ICs -> semiconductor. They are valued for low latency, deterministic throughput, and excellent DC accuracy, which is why they dominate multiplexer-front-end, industrial-control, and precision-measurement designs.
Key features include 8-bit resolution, 250 ksps maximum sampling rate, single +5 V supply operation, and CMOS low-power architecture. Built on a standard CMOS process, the MAX160EPN+ integrates a track-and-hold, successive-approximation register, precision comparator, and 8-bit DAC on-chip. The parallel interface allows direct connection to 8-bit microprocessors and microcontrollers without glue logic, and the single-ended input simplifies front-end signal-chain design.
Typical applications include process control, instrumentation, battery-powered data loggers, sensor signal conditioning, and embedded microprocessor monitoring systems. The wide operating temperature window of 0°C to +70°C and through-hole PDIP package make it ideal for prototyping, breadboarding, and legacy system maintenance.
When designing with the MAX160EPN+, ensure a stable external reference is provided to the REF pin for accurate conversions. Decouple VDD with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor close to the supply pin, and add a bulk capacitor for low-frequency noise rejection.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX160EPN+ — same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX160EPN
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX160CPN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD7574JNZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX160EPN+ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 8 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 250 ksps |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Input Type | Single-Ended |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Interface | Parallel (8-bit) |
| Reference Type | External |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V (single supply) |
| Conversion Time | 4 µs |
| Package | PDIP-18 (through-hole) |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Input Voltage Range | 0 to VREF |
| Process Technology | CMOS |
MAX160EPN+ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | ANALOG IN — Analog input voltage to be digitized (single-ended) |
| Pin 2 | REF — External voltage reference input (sets full-scale range) |
| Pin 3 | GND — Ground (0 V) |
| Pin 4 | VDD — +5 V supply voltage |
| Pin 5 | CS — Chip Select (active low) |
| Pin 6 | RD — Read strobe (active low) |
| Pin 7 | WR — Write/Convert Start (active low) |
| Pin 8 | CLK — External clock input for SAR conversion |
| Pin 9 | DB0 — Data output bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 10 | DB1 — Data output bit 1 |
| Pin 11 | DB2 — Data output bit 2 |
| Pin 12 | DB3 — Data output bit 3 |
| Pin 13 | DB4 — Data output bit 4 |
| Pin 14 | DB5 — Data output bit 5 |
| Pin 15 | DB6 — Data output bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | DB7 — Data output bit 7 (MSB) |
| Pin 17 | INT — Interrupt output (active low, signals end-of-conversion) |
| Pin 18 | VSS — Ground / substrate connection |
Typical Applications
MAX160EPN+ is suitable for 6 applications: Process Control Data Acquisition, Battery-Powered Data Loggers, Sensor Signal Conditioning, Microprocessor Monitoring Systems, Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Legacy Embedded System Maintenance.
Process Control Data Acquisition
The MAX160EPN+ is well-suited for legacy process-control front ends that digitize 0-5 V or 4-20 mA-derived sensor signals using an external reference and a single-ended input. Its 250 ksps throughput and 4 µs conversion time handle multiplexed temperature, pressure, and flow channels in SCADA-style systems where the 8-bit resolution is acceptable for setpoint comparison. The 8-bit parallel bus interfaces directly to 8051, Z80, or 68HC11 microcontrollers without glue logic, and the PDIP-18 through-hole package simplifies field-serviceable industrial PCBs and legacy DIN-rail instrumentation retrofits.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Data Loggers
The MAX160EPN+'s CMOS low-power architecture and single +5 V supply make it attractive for battery-powered or portable data loggers where every milliwatt counts. The SAR architecture provides deterministic, on-demand conversions without continuous analog bias, so the ADC can be duty-cycled alongside the host microcontroller for sub-mA average power budgets. With an external reference and 8-bit resolution sufficient for environmental logging (temperature, humidity, light), the MAX160EPN+ pairs well with low-power MCUs in solar-powered remote telemetry units and handheld instrumentation where the PDIP-18 package aids serviceability.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning
The MAX160EPN+ converts conditioned analog sensor outputs into 8-bit digital words for embedded monitoring, particularly in bridge sensor, thermistor, and photodiode front ends where the 250 ksps sampling rate captures transient events without aliasing. Its single-ended input simplifies the front-end op-amp circuitry, while the external reference lets the designer scale the input range to match the sensor's output swing. This combination is widely used in HVAC controllers, security PIR sensor digitizers, and weighing-scale signal chains that interface directly to 8-bit MCUs.
Recommended
Microprocessor Monitoring Systems
Designed specifically for microprocessor-supervisory roles, the MAX160EPN+ fits naturally into embedded systems that need to digitize supply voltages, temperatures, or current-sense amplifier outputs for health monitoring. The parallel 8-bit interface reads directly from the host MCU's data bus, and the SAR architecture provides single-shot conversions synchronized to software triggers, ideal for brown-out detection loops and watchdog monitoring circuits. The MAX160EPN+ complements dedicated supervisor ICs by providing general-purpose analog telemetry alongside the digital supervisory chain.
Recommended
Test and Measurement Instrumentation
Bench-top and laboratory instruments benefit from the MAX160EPN+'s 250 ksps throughput and 8-bit resolution for digitizing transducer outputs, panel-meter inputs, and stimulus/response measurements. The deterministic SAR latency makes it useful for time-correlated waveform capture in educational lab equipment, audio-level meters, and panel displays where the 8-bit word length is sufficient for human-readable indications. The PDIP-18 package supports quick-swap prototyping on bench boards and rework-friendly educational kits.
Recommended
Legacy Embedded System Maintenance
The MAX160EPN+ is in active production specifically to support maintenance and repair of legacy embedded designs originally built with 8-bit microprocessor data-acquisition front-ends in the 1990s and 2000s. Systems such as industrial controllers, scientific instruments, medical device front-ends, and avionics subsystems that use PDIP-18 ADC sockets can be maintained with direct, drop-in replacement parts. The MAX160EPN+ preserves the original pinout, electrical interface, and timing characteristics, so legacy PCBs can be repaired without re-spinning the analog front-end.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX160EPN+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX160EPN | MAX160CPN | AD7574JNZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices |
| Package | PDIP-18 (THT) | PDIP-18 (THT) - same | PDIP-18 (THT) - same | PDIP-18 (THT) - same |
| Resolution | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits | 8 bits |
| Conversion Time | 4 µs | 4 µs | 4 µs | 15 µs |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V single | +5 V single | +5 V single | +5 V single |
| Interface | Parallel 8-bit | Parallel 8-bit | Parallel 8-bit | Parallel 8-bit |
| Reference Type | External | External | External | External |
| RoHS Compliance | Yes (lead-free Plus) | No (lead-bearing) | Yes (Plus version) | Yes |
| Architecture | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR |
Key Differentiators
- Faster conversion time vs AD7574 competitor (vs AD7574JNZ)
- Same die, lead-free RoHS compliance vs legacy MAX160EPN (vs MAX160EPN)
- PDIP-18 through-hole package for legacy maintenance (vs MAX160CWN (SOIC-18))
Design Notes
Estimated power dissipation: at +5 V supply and 250 ksps continuous sampling, the MAX160EPN+ typically draws ~5 mA, giving roughly 25 mW of power consumption. Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin (within 5 mm) to suppress high-frequency digital switching noise, and add a 10 µF bulk capacitor at the supply rail for low-frequency decoupling. For battery-powered designs, duty-cycle the CS pin to power-gate the ADC between conversions.
For the PDIP-18 package, route the analog input trace as a guarded, ground-referenced trace away from the digital DB0-DB7 output lines and the CLK input to avoid digital-to-analog crosstalk. Place the external reference capacitor (typically 10 µF) directly at the REF pin with a short, low-impedance ground return. Keep the CS, RD, and WR digital control traces grouped together on one side of the part so the analog section (ANL IN, REF) remains electrically quiet.
Three common pitfalls when designing with the MAX160EPN+: (1) omitting the external voltage reference - the REF pin MUST be driven by a stable low-impedance source, or conversions will be inaccurate; (2) failing to read the INT pin - the host MCU must wait for INT to go low before strobing RD to read valid data, otherwise a mid-conversion read returns invalid bits; (3) exceeding the analog input beyond VREF - the ANL IN input must remain within 0 V to VREF, or the input protection diodes will forward-bias and distort the conversion.
Compliance Information
Plus suffix denotes RoHS-compliant lead-free terminal finish per Maxim Integrated part numbering convention. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals declarations not present in the verified web data - see Analog Devices product page for current compliance certificates.
