MAX170CEWE - 12-Bit 5.6µs Serial ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX170CEWE ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $46.28 | $46.28 |
| 10 | $41.5 | $415.00 |
| 100 | $33.2 | $3,320.00 |
| 500 | $28.9 | $14,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $26.1 | $26,100.00 |
MAX170CEWE Overview
An ADC (analog-to-digital converter) is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that transforms a continuous analog input voltage into a discrete digital code, and successive-approximation ADCs are the most common architecture for 12-bit precision at medium speeds. A SAR ADC uses an internal DAC and comparator to binary-search the input voltage one bit at a time, so conversion time is dominated by the clocked bit trials. Within the broader component taxonomy, the MAX170 belongs to the data-converter family (ADC/DAC) of signal-conditioning ICs, sitting between analog sensors or front-end amplifiers and a microcontroller's serial port.
Key features include ±½ LSB (max) integral linearity (12-bit, no-missing-codes), an internal 2.5 V buried-zener reference with low 50 ppm/°C typical drift, true-differential analog inputs, and a shutdown mode that reduces supply current to 1 µA (typ) for battery-backed designs. The serial interface is SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible, requiring only three digital lines from the host microcontroller. The 16-pin wide-body SO package provides a generous ground/power pad layout that simplifies analog/digital plane management on the PCB.
The MAX170's CMOS successive-approximation architecture pairs a high-speed DAC with a precision comparator in a feedback loop. Track-and-hold is implemented on-chip, so the input does not require an external buffer for signals below the converter's full-power bandwidth. The internal buried-zener reference (rather than a bandgap) was chosen for its low wideband noise, which directly sets the converter's SNR floor at roughly 72 dB for a 5 V input.
Typical applications include multi-channel data-acquisition boards, portable instrumentation, process-control analog input modules, and digital audio front-end biasing. Pair the MAX170 with a low-offset op-amp input buffer such as the MAX430 or OP-27, supply it from a clean 5 V rail, and read conversions through any microcontroller serial peripheral.
When designing with the MAX170CEWE, observe the analog/digital grounding practice: use a star ground tied at the AGND pin and keep the 10 µF / 0.1 µF bypass pair within a few millimeters of the supply pin. Avoid driving the analog input near the rails; the device loses linearity for inputs less than about 50 mV from VDD or GND due to headroom requirements on the comparator and input switches.
This page synthesizes distributor stock and pricing snapshots, identical-footprint drop-in alternatives drawn from Maxim's own MAX170 family, design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, and a parameter-by-parameter comparison table built to assist sourcing and second-source decisions.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX170CEWE — 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:
MAX170CEWE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX170CEWE+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX170CCWE+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX170AEWE
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX170CEWE Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bits |
| Conversion Time | 5.6 µs (typ) |
| Sample Rate | 115 kSPS |
| Architecture | Successive Approximation (SAR) |
| Interface Type | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible) |
| Output Format | Serial |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Analog Input Type | True differential |
| Integral Nonlinearity (INL) | ±½ LSB (max) |
| Reference | Internal 2.5 V buried zener |
| Shutdown Current | 1 µA (typ) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0°C to +70°C (commercial, C grade) |
| Package | 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50 mm width, wide body) |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Compliance | RoHS status not stated in supplied data (see notes) |
MAX170CEWE Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | +IN — Positive analog input (true-differential pair) |
| Pin 2 | -IN — Negative analog input (true-differential pair) |
| Pin 3 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 4 | REF — Internal 2.5 V buried-zener reference output / external REF overdrive input |
| Pin 5 | SHDN — Shutdown input (active-high; <1 µA Iq in shutdown) |
| Pin 6 | SCLK — Serial clock input (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE compatible) |
| Pin 7 | CS — Chip-select / conversion-start input |
| Pin 8 | DOUT — Serial data output (MSB-first, clocked on SCLK falling edge) |
| Pin 9 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 10 | VDD — +5 V supply (digital section) |
| Pin 11 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 12 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 13 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 14 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 15 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 16 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MAX170CEWE is suitable for 6 applications: Multi-Channel Data Acquisition (DAQ) Boards, Precision Instrumentation Front Ends, Industrial Process Control Analog Inputs, Battery-Powered Portable Metering, Audio Front-End Biasing and Level Meters, Sensor-to-Digital Bridges for Embedded Systems.
Multi-Channel Data Acquisition (DAQ) Boards
The MAX170CEWE's 5.6 µs conversion time and 12-bit ±½ LSB INL position it for 4- to 16-channel multiplexed analog input modules. Paired with an external 8- or 16-channel analog MUX (such as the MAX306) and a SPI-capable MCU, one MAX170 digitizes inputs at roughly 115 kSPS aggregate throughput, suitable for industrial PLC analog modules and benchtop data loggers. The on-chip 2.5 V buried-zener reference eliminates a dedicated reference IC and trims BOM cost, while the serial output cuts the host-side I/O count to three lines (SCLK, CS, DOUT). For low-noise designs, supply the MAX170 from the same 5 V rail but star-ground the AGND/DGND pins separately, and keep the analog input traces short.
Recommended
Precision Instrumentation Front Ends
Benchtop multimeters, weigh scales, and laboratory instrument front-ends benefit from the MAX170CEWE's 12-bit no-missing-codes linearity and true-differential inputs. The internal track/hold removes the need for an external buffer on slow-moving signals such as thermocouples, load cells, or pH probes; the differential inputs reject common-mode noise picked up on long sensor cables. For ratiometric load cells, overdrive REF with the bridge excitation voltage to make the conversion ratiometric against the bridge supply, eliminating reference drift as a measurement error source. Typical signal chain: sensor -> precision op-amp (OP-27 or MAX430) -> MAX170 differential inputs -> MCU serial decode.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Analog Inputs
PLC analog input cards and process-control I/O modules use the MAX170CEWE to digitize 4-20 mA / 0-10 V field signals at the modular I/O termination. The 16-SOIC wide-body package is friendly to automated pick-and-place assembly in the volume runs typical of PLC card builds. Industrial designers also rely on the C-grade (CEWE) extended-temperature variant and the A-grade automotive/industrial variant for harsher thermal environments, while a watchdog timer on the MCU side can poll CS to confirm the MAX170 is responding each cycle. The shutdown input reduces supply current to 1 µA for installations that power-cycle the analog section during fault events.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Portable Metering
In handheld DMMs, gas analyzers, and portable patient monitors, the MAX170CEWE's 1 µA shutdown current lets the MCU power-down the ADC between conversions, dramatically reducing average supply current. A single 9 V battery or 3.3 V/5 V regulated rail can drive the MAX170 plus a low-power op-amp buffer; pulling SHDN low places the part in a <1 µA sleep state, and the host toggles SHDN high roughly 100 µs ahead of the next conversion to allow wake-up. The internal 2.5 V reference avoids the need for a separate reference IC, and the serial interface lets the design run with a 3-wire connection to the main MCU. Average supply current, including the ADC's 5 mA active draw, can drop to <200 µA at a 1 Hz sample rate.
Recommended
Audio Front-End Biasing and Level Meters
Audio mixing consoles and broadcast equipment use the MAX170CEWE to digitize audio level-metering signals and side-chain control voltages. The internal buried-zener reference's low wideband noise sets a converter SNR near 72 dB, adequate for broadcasting metering (VU / PPM) but not for the audio signal path itself. The 12-bit dynamic range is well matched to 60 dB level-metering scales used in broadcast, while the serial output is convenient for routing to a metering DSP. Differential inputs let the designer reject common-mode hum picked up on cable runs between console bays.
Recommended
Sensor-to-Digital Bridges for Embedded Systems
Embedded sensors (temperature, pressure, strain) often output a low-level analog signal that an MCU must digitize at moderate sampling rates. The MAX170CEWE's 115 kSPS throughput and SPI-compatible serial output make it a natural sensor-to-digital bridge for an embedded system that already has a 5 V rail and one SPI port. For example, a multi-axis tilt sensor signal chain (sensor -> op-amp -> MAX170 -> MCU SPI decode) lets a Cortex-M0 MCU perform housekeeping while the MAX170 handles the critical conversion timing autonomously. The differential inputs also tolerate noise pickup on long sensor harnesses in industrial cabinets.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX170CEWE — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX170CEWE+ | MAX170CEWE+T | MAX170CCWE+ | MAX170AEWE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | 16-SOIC wide body | 16-SOIC wide body - same | 16-SOIC wide body - same | 16-SOIC wide body - same | 16-SOIC wide body - same |
| Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Conversion Time | 5.6 µs | 5.6 µs | 5.6 µs | 5.6 µs | 5.6 µs |
| Sample Rate | 115 kSPS | 115 kSPS | 115 kSPS | 115 kSPS | 115 kSPS |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (C grade) | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C (C grade) | -40°C to +85°C (A grade, extended) |
| RoHS / Lead-Free | RoHS status not stated in supplied data | Pb-free / RoHS compliant | Pb-free / RoHS compliant | Pb-free / RoHS compliant | Pb-free / RoHS compliant |
| Packaging | Tube | Tube (Pb-free) | Tape & Reel (13-inch) | Tube | Tube |
| Internal Reference | 2.5 V buried zener | 2.5 V buried zener | 2.5 V buried zener | 2.5 V buried zener | 2.5 V buried zener |
Key Differentiators
- True-differential inputs on a 12-bit / 5.6 µs SAR ADC (vs MAX155 (12-bit 8-channel MUX ADC, single-ended))
- Integrated 2.5 V buried-zener reference on-chip (vs MAX164 (12-bit + external reference design))
- 1 µA shutdown for battery-backed designs (vs MAX162 (similar 12-bit SAR, no shutdown))
Design Notes
Use a star-ground tied at the MAX170's AGND pin, with AGND and DGND joined only at this point. Place a 0.1 µF ceramic bypass within 2-3 mm of the VDD pin and a 10 µF tantalum or polymer bulk cap at the supply side of the PCB. Keep the analog input traces as short as possible and shield them with a ground polygon on the same layer. Estimated with the rule-of-thumb that a 5 ns edge on SCLK produces ~25 mV of ground bounce if not dampened, this layout is sufficient to hit the datasheet ±½ LSB INL.
The MAX170CEWE integrates a 2.5 V buried-zener reference, eliminating the need for an external reference IC. For ratiometric conversion (e.g., load cell or thermistor bridges), overdrive REF with the bridge excitation supply and the conversion becomes insensitive to that supply's drift. The shutdown input reduces supply current to ~1 µA, but wake-up time is typically 100 µs, so the host must toggle SHDN high ahead of the next CS pulse. The reference output is trimmed for ±2% absolute accuracy at +25°C, with a typical drift of 50 ppm/°C over the commercial 0-70°C range.
MAX170CEWE linearity falls off near the supply rails; observed INL rises for inputs within 50 mV of GND or VDD because the comparator and input switches run out of headroom. If the design must digitize rail-to-rail signals, add a front-end op-amp that holds the MAX170 inputs away from these regions. Estimated: use a rail-to-rail op-amp (such as the MAX430) with a fixed gain of 1, and shift the op-amp output toward mid-supply before it reaches the +IN pin; this holds the MAX170 in its -IN to +IN sweet spot where INL stays within ±½ LSB.
Compliance Information
RoHS / REACH / halogen-free / conflict-minerals compliance statements are not present in the verified web data supplied for the MAX170CEWE base MPN; only the '+' suffix variants are confirmed RoHS / Pb-free by distributor convention. Aec-Q100 is not applicable for this commercial-grade ADC.
