MAX164BCWG - 12-Bit CMOS ADC with T/H, 100ksps | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX164BCWG ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $14.5 | $14.50 |
| 10 | $12.75 | $127.50 |
| 100 | $10.95 | $1,095.00 |
| 500 | $9.4 | $4,700.00 |
| 1,000 | $8.2 | $8,200.00 |
MAX164BCWG Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a mixed-signal IC that converts continuous-time analog voltages into discrete digital codes for downstream processing. The MAX164BCWG uses successive-approximation register (SAR) architecture, which combines a capacitive charge-redistribution DAC with a precision comparator. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, ADCs sit under data converters -> mixed-signal ICs -> analog ICs -> semiconductors. Track-and-hold behavior makes this ADC suitable for signals that change faster than the conversion time, because the T/H stage snapshots the input at the start of conversion and holds it constant while internal switch capacitors settle.
Key differentiating specifications include ±1 LSB integral and differential nonlinearity (INL/DNL), a single +5V supply rail option, an internal reference option, and low power consumption. The internal 2.5V reference allows operation from a single +5V rail without external reference components, while the unipolar/bipolar input range can be software-selected through external pin connection. The 8-bit access mode permits byte-by-byte readout of the 12-bit result via a single 8-bit data port, which simplifies the interface to 8-bit microcontrollers.
The MAX164BCWG architecture uses a charge-redistribution SAR core in which binary-weighted capacitor arrays form both the input sampling network and the reference DAC. The input T/H stage fully settles within one acquisition-time clock, after which the internal comparator performs the 12-bit binary search across 12 successive clock cycles. Sampling rate scales with the system clock frequency; the production datasheet specifies full 100 ksps throughput with proper signal decoupling.
Typical applications include digital signal processing front ends, audio digitization and instrumentation, multiplexed data-acquisition systems with sample-and-hold stages, process-control I/O modules, and battery-powered or portable data loggers that require single-supply 12-bit conversion. The combination of internal reference, T/H, and byte-mode readout also makes the part useful in motor-control feedback loops where 12-bit resolution is sufficient.
When designing with this part, ensure analog and digital grounds are joined only at the AGND/DGND pin near the IC. Decouple the +VCC rail with a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor within 5 mm of the supply pin and add a 10 µF bulk capacitor on the same rail. The analog input source impedance should stay below the value specified in the datasheet acquisition-time plot to avoid losing dynamic range; high-impedance sources require an external buffer amplifier.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in compatible alternatives in the same 24-SOIC footprint, and design notes that complement, but do not replace, the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX164BCWG — 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:
MAX164BCWG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX164BCWG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX164BEWG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX164AEWG
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX164BCWG Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 100 ksps |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Number of Inputs | 1 (single-ended) |
| Input Type | Single-Ended |
| Data Interface | Parallel, 8-bit access |
| Configuration | S/H-ADC, 1:1 |
| Reference Type | Internal |
| Number of A/D Converters | 1 |
| Integral Nonlinearity (INL) | ±1 LSB (max) |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V single or ±5 V dual |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (Commercial) |
| Package | 24-pin wide-body SOIC (W) |
| Pins | 24 |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
MAX164BCWG Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VSS — Analog/digital negative supply (single +5V: tie VSS to DGND via ferrite) |
| Pin 2 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 3 | REF — Reference voltage input/output (internal 2.5V ref) |
| Pin 4 | AIN — Analog input (single-ended) |
| Pin 5 | RFB — Input T/H feedback (tie to AIN through resistor network) |
| Pin 6 | DVDD — +5V digital supply |
| Pin 7 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 8 | DOUT0 — Data output bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 9 | DOUT1 — Data output bit 1 |
| Pin 10 | DOUT2 — Data output bit 2 |
| Pin 11 | DOUT3 — Data output bit 3 |
| Pin 12 | DOUT4 — Data output bit 4 |
| Pin 13 | DOUT5 — Data output bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | DOUT6 — Data output bit 6 |
| Pin 15 | DOUT7 — Data output bit 7 |
| Pin 16 | DOUT8 — Data output bit 8 |
| Pin 17 | DOUT9 — Data output bit 9 |
| Pin 18 | DOUT10 — Data output bit 10 |
| Pin 19 | DOUT11 — Data output bit 11 (MSB) |
| Pin 20 | CLK — External conversion clock input |
| Pin 21 | CONVST — Conversion start input (active rising edge) |
| Pin 22 | EOC — End-of-conversion output (active low) |
| Pin 23 | CSB — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 24 | AVDD — +5V analog supply |
Typical Applications
MAX164BCWG is suitable for 6 applications: Digital Signal Processing Front End, Industrial Data Acquisition Systems, Process Control and Instrumentation, Audio Digitization Front End, Portable Battery-Powered Data Loggers, Motor Control Position Feedback.
Digital Signal Processing Front End
The MAX164BCWG is well matched to DSP front ends that need 12-bit resolution and 100 ksps throughput with an integrated track-and-hold. Its on-chip T/H captures fast analog inputs at the start of each conversion, then holds the input while the capacitive DAC performs the 12 successive approximation steps, eliminating the need for an external sample-and-hold block. The 8-bit parallel byte-mode interface ties directly to DSP data buses, allowing software to read the 12-bit result with a single byte pointer access for low-overhead DMA.
Recommended
Industrial Data Acquisition Systems
Industrial data-acquisition systems benefit from the MAX164BCWG because the part combines a 12-bit SAR core, ±1 LSB INL/DNL, internal 2.5 V reference, and an input T/H within a single 24-SOIC package. Designers wire the +5 V rail directly, route analog inputs through the T/H, and read results via parallel byte access, replacing multi-chip S/H + reference + ADC solutions with one part. The 100 ksps throughput covers most 12-bit industrial sensor channels, and the 0 °C to +70 °C commercial-grade temperature range matches factory-floor instrumentation environments.
Recommended
Process Control and Instrumentation
Process-control analog input modules use the MAX164BCWG as the conversion stage for 12-bit sensors such as load cells, thermocouple amplifiers, and 4-20 mA loop transmitters. The internal reference simplifies the analog front end, while the single +5 V supply option lets the module operate from a single regulator rail alongside digital isolation. The T/H stage ensures deterministic acquisition regardless of varying signal-source impedances, and the ±1 LSB INL/DNL guarantees stable control-loop coefficients across the full operating range.
Recommended
Audio Digitization Front End
Audio digitizers at 12-bit resolution pair the MAX164BCWG with an anti-aliasing filter and microphone preamp to digitize up to 50 kHz audio with the Nyquist-compliant 100 ksps rate. The integrated track-and-hold captures the filter output cleanly at each sample instant, preventing inter-sample distortion. The internal 2.5 V reference saves board space versus an external reference, and the parallel byte-mode output provides software-readable conversion values for downstream 12-bit audio processing without additional glue logic.
Recommended
Portable Battery-Powered Data Loggers
Portable data loggers can use the MAX164BCWG as the front-end ADC because the part accepts a single +5 V supply, integrates an internal 2.5 V reference, and offers a low average current when used at modest sample rates. Putting the device into standby between conversions extends battery runtime, and the wide-body 24-SOIC package eases hand-solder repairs and field-replacement on legacy logger boards. Designers can read results via 8-bit byte-mode access on MCUs that lack 16-bit bus interfaces.
Recommended
Motor Control Position Feedback
Motor-control feedback loops measuring rotor position or current use the MAX164BCWG as the ADC for 12-bit precision position sensors and current-sense amplifiers. The SAR architecture delivers deterministic 100 ksps conversion latency, which is essential for closing current-loop control with predictable phase delay. The internal reference and integrated T/H let the motor-drive PCB operate from a single +5 V rail, while the parallel byte mode connects to a DSP/MCU running the field-oriented-control algorithm.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX164BCWG — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX164BCWG+ | MAX164BCWG+T | MAX164BEWG | MAX164AEWG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 24-SOIC (W) | 24-SOIC (W) - same | 24-SOIC (W) - same | 24-SOIC (W) - same | 24-SOIC (W) - same |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 100 ksps | 100 ksps | 100 ksps | 100 ksps | 100 ksps |
| Architecture | SAR with T/H | SAR with T/H | SAR with T/H | SAR with T/H | SAR with T/H |
| INL (max) | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB | ±1 LSB (tighter A-grade variant) |
| Reference Type | Internal 2.5V | Internal 2.5V | Internal 2.5V | Internal 2.5V | Internal 2.5V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C | 0 °C to +70 °C (E suffix) | 0 °C to +70 °C (E suffix) |
Key Differentiators
- Integrated track-and-hold amplifier (vs MAX1242BCPA)
- Internal 2.5V reference (vs MAX1082ACUE+T)
- 8-bit parallel byte-mode interface (vs MAX147AEAP)
Design Notes
The MAX164BCWG accepts either a single +5 V supply or dual ±5 V rails depending on the input-range requirement. Place a 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor within 5 mm of each AVDD and DVDD pin and add a 10 µF bulk electrolytic capacitor on the same rail. Keep the digital supply current return path separate from the analog-ground plane and tie them together at a single point near the IC's GND pin to prevent digital switching noise from coupling into the SAR comparator input.
When operating from single +5 V supply, strap VSS to DGND via a ferrite bead (or short on simple layouts) and confirm the analog input signal range stays within the unipolar-mode spec. The integrated track-and-hold needs a defined acquisition time per clock; violation of the acquisition window leads to non-monotonic outputs or inter-sample distortion. For high-impedance analog sources, add an external buffer amplifier and a low-pass anti-alias filter ahead of the AIN pin to meet the SAR's acquisition-time requirement.
Route analog and digital traces separately on the PCB: keep AIN/REF/AGND on the analog layer near the IC's analog pins, and isolate D0-D7, CONVST, EOC, CLK, and CSB on the digital layer. The wide-body 24-SOIC package offers ample ground-pad space; flood unused top-side copper with the AGND/DGND plane tied at the device to minimise ground bounce. Place the 24-SOIC land pattern to match the Maxim datasheet package outline to avoid solder-bridging during reflow assembly.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status could not be conclusively determined from the verified web data. The '+' suffix part (MAX164BCWG+) is documented as lead-free on the Analog Devices datasheet summary.
