MAX170DMJA/883B-W - 12-Bit 125ksps SAR ADC, Military | Analog Devices
MPN: MAX170DMJA/883B-W ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $78.5 | $78.50 |
| 10 | $71.2 | $712.00 |
| 100 | $64.85 | $6,485.00 |
| 500 | $58.4 | $29,200.00 |
| 1,000 | $52.95 | $52,950.00 |
MAX170DMJA/883B-W Overview
Key specifications include 12-bit resolution with ±½ LSB linearity, an internal 5.0 V bandgap reference, and a high-impedance analog input that accepts 0 V to 5 V unipolar signals. The serial interface is microprocessor-compatible, with an active-low CS and an external serial clock, making the part drop-in friendly with 8051, PIC, and DSP serial peripherals. Operating temperature spans the military -55°C to +125°C range per the /883B screening level.
The MAX170 architecture uses a charge-redistribution switched-capacitor DAC for monotonic conversion, avoiding missing codes and providing excellent DC accuracy across temperature. The internal reference is laser-trimmed, eliminating the external reference resistor pair that older bipolar ADCs required and shrinking the BOM to a single bypass capacitor plus the IC. The /883B suffix indicates full Mil-883 processing: 100% screening, burn-in, and extended temperature testing for high-reliability military and aerospace programs.
Typical applications include military avionics data acquisition front-ends, industrial process-control analog input modules, precision sensor signal conditioning, portable instrumentation with serial-output microcontrollers, and legacy replacement of obsolete 12-bit ADC sockets. The wide temperature range also makes it suitable for down-hole oilfield instrumentation and ruggedized field equipment.
When designing with the MAX170DMJA/883B-W, observe the standard SAR layout rules: bypass VDD with 10 µF tantalum plus 0.1 µF ceramic close to the supply pin, and tie AGND and DGND to a single low-impedance ground plane. The internal reference needs no external capacitor, but adding 0.1 µF close to the REF pin reduces digital switching noise coupling into the reference cell.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX170DMJA/883B-W — 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 MAX170DMJA/883B-W (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Architecture, Conversion Time, Interface, Package, Resolution.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX170CMJA/883B
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MAX170DMJA/883B
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MAX170CCPA+
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MAX170CCPA
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View Datasheet →MAX170DCPA+
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MAX170DEPA
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View Datasheet →MAX170DMJA/883B-W Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 125 ksps |
| Conversion Time | 5.6 µs |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation Register) |
| Input Voltage Range | 0 V to 5 V |
| Analog Supply Voltage | +5 V |
| Digital Supply Voltage | +5 V |
| Reference Type | Internal bandgap (5.0 V) |
| Interface | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible) |
| Package | CERDIP-8 (through-hole) |
| Screening Level | MIL-STD-883B (military) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -55 °C to +125 °C |
| Pins | 8 |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
MAX170DMJA/883B-W Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VDD — +5 V analog and digital supply |
| Pin 2 | VREF — Internal 5.0 V reference output (bypass with 0.1 uF) |
| Pin 3 | AIN — Analog input, 0 V to 5 V range |
| Pin 4 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 5 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 6 | DOUT — Serial data output (MSB first) |
| Pin 7 | CS — Active-low chip select input |
| Pin 8 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
Typical Applications
MAX170DMJA/883B-W is suitable for 6 applications: Military Avionics Data Acquisition, Industrial Process Control Analog Inputs, Precision Sensor Signal Conditioning, Portable Instrumentation with Serial MCUs, Legacy MIL-STD-883 System Replacement, Down-Hole Oilfield Instrumentation.
Military Avionics Data Acquisition
The MAX170DMJA/883B-W's MIL-STD-883B screening and -55C to +125C operation make it well suited for military avionics data acquisition front-ends where qualified parts are mandatory. Its 12-bit resolution provides adequate dynamic range for cockpit instrumentation, attitude sensors, and navigation system analog inputs. The single +5 V supply simplifies power distribution in tight avionics bays, while the serial interface reduces the PCB pin count versus parallel-output ADCs. The 125 ksps throughput handles vibration monitoring and flight-control sensor channels. Place a 10uF tantalum plus 0.1uF ceramic on VDD and a 0.1uF cap on REF to meet MIL-STD-704 power-quality requirements.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control Analog Inputs
Factory automation systems that read 4-20mA loop signals, thermocouples, and pressure transducers benefit from the MAX170DMJA/883B-W's 0V-5V input range and on-chip reference. The 12-bit resolution yields 1.22mV LSB steps, sufficient for typical PLC analog input modules. The serial output interfaces directly to microcontroller UART/SPI peripherals without bus contention. At 125 ksps it can sample multiple channels via an external mux faster than most industrial control loops. The internal reference eliminates drift calibration of an external reference, reducing total BOM cost by approximately $0.30 per channel.
Recommended
Precision Sensor Signal Conditioning
Strain gauge bridges, RTD signal chains, and load cell amplifiers typically need 12-bit ADC resolution to capture microvolt-level changes after instrumentation-amp gain. The MAX170DMJA/883B-W's high-impedance analog input presents minimal loading to upstream op-amp drivers, preserving gain accuracy. The internal 5V reference can be used as a stable excitation source for ratiometric bridge measurements when paired with external buffer op-amps. The 5.6us conversion time enables oversampling for noise reduction in low-bandwidth sensor channels. Designers should add a 10nF cap on AIN to filter RF pickup in factory environments.
Recommended
Portable Instrumentation with Serial MCUs
Handheld multimeters, portable data loggers, and battery-powered field instruments benefit from the MAX170DMJA/883B-W's single +5V supply and serial interface that connects directly to PIC, 8051, and low-power ARM Cortex serial peripherals. The internal reference removes the need for a separate reference IC, saving board space and quiescent current. The 125 ksps throughput is more than enough for slow sensor channels common in portable gear. The wide temperature range supports outdoor field use across desert to arctic conditions. Consider placing the IC in shutdown between conversions for battery-operated designs.
Recommended
Legacy MIL-STD-883 System Replacement
Programs that originally specified the MAX170 family on MIL-STD-883B qualified BOMs in the 1990s continue to need drop-in replacement parts for life-of-type sustainment. The MAX170DMJA/883B-W maintains the same ceramic CERDIP-8 footprint, the same MAX170 SAR core, and the same MIL-STD-883B screening, so it can replace obsolete or counterfeited stock without board redesign. This avoids costly re-qualification of the analog front-end on long-life military platforms. The /883B suffix guarantees 100% screening, burn-in, and extended temperature testing per MIL-STD-883 method 5008.
Recommended
Down-Hole Oilfield Instrumentation
Down-hole tools operating at depths where ambient temperatures exceed 150C require electronics rated for -55C to +125C operation with MIL-grade reliability. The MAX170DMJA/883B-W's CERDIP-8 ceramic package and military temperature grade handle geothermal and oilfield logging tool environments where commercial plastic parts would fail. The 12-bit resolution captures pressure, temperature, and flow sensor data with adequate precision for reservoir monitoring. The serial interface simplifies isolation through the tool's down-hole telemetry link. Designers should add ESD protection on AIN and external buffer amps for high-CMRR rejection.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX170DMJA/883B-W — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX170CMJA/883B | MAX170DMJA/883B | MAX170CCPA+ | MAX170CCPA | MAX170DCPA+ | MAX170DEPA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | CERDIP-8 | CERDIP-8 - same | CERDIP-8 - same | PDIP-8 - same DIP-8 pinout | PDIP-8 - same DIP-8 pinout | PDIP-8 - same DIP-8 pinout | PDIP-8 - same DIP-8 pinout |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 125 ksps | 125 ksps | 125 ksps | 125 ksps | 125 ksps | 125 ksps | 125 ksps |
| Screening Level | MIL-STD-883B | MIL-STD-883B | MIL-STD-883B | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial | Commercial |
| Conversion Time | 5.6 us | 5.6 us | 5.6 us | 5.6 us | 5.6 us | 5.6 us | 5.6 us |
| Internal Reference | Yes (5.0 V bandgap) | Yes (5.0 V) | Yes (5.0 V) | Yes (5.0 V) | Yes (5.0 V) | Yes (5.0 V) | Yes (5.0 V) |
| Interface | Serial (4-wire) | Serial (4-wire) | Serial (4-wire) | Serial (4-wire) | Serial (4-wire) | Serial (4-wire) | Serial (4-wire) |
Key Differentiators
- MIL-STD-883B screening with full -55C to +125C operation (vs MAX170CCPA+)
- CERDIP-8 ceramic package for hermetic sealing (vs MAX170CCPA+ (PDIP-8 plastic))
- W-suffix indicates specific lot processing and packaging option (vs MAX170DMJA/883B (without -W))
Design Notes
Bypass VDD with a 10uF tantalum capacitor in parallel with a 0.1uF ceramic capacitor placed within 5mm of the supply pin. The internal reference (REF, pin 2) requires its own 0.1uF ceramic bypass capacitor to reduce digital switching noise coupling into the bandgap cell. Estimated: total supply current is typically 3mA during continuous conversion at 125 ksps, so the supply regulator should be rated for at least 10mA to maintain headroom.
Use a single ground plane with AGND (pin 4) and DGND (pin 5) tied together at the IC ground pins via a low-impedance connection. Avoid running digital traces near the analog input (AIN, pin 3) or REF pin to minimize digital-to-analog crosstalk. For /883B designs, follow MIL-STD-275 PCB layout guidelines for trace width, clearance, and via stitching to maintain reliability at temperature extremes.
Add a small RC anti-alias filter (typically 1k ohm plus 100pF) at the AIN pin when sampling signals above 50 kHz to prevent out-of-band noise folding into the Nyquist band. The MAX170's input has approximately 10pF of input capacitance, so the source impedance should be kept below 1k ohm to preserve 12-bit settling. For high-impedance sensors, buffer with a low-offset op-amp such as the MAX145 or equivalent before driving AIN.
Do not apply analog inputs beyond 0V-5V or exceed the absolute maximum ratings (typically VDD + 0.3V on AIN) or the input ESD structure will latch up. Ensure CS-bar returns high between conversions to start a new acquisition phase, or the converter will hold the previous sample. The first conversion after power-up may be inaccurate; discard the first sample or perform two dummy conversions per MIL-STD-883B power-on calibration practice.
Compliance Information
CERDIP-8 ceramic package typically contains lead-bearing solder; MIL-STD-883B grade parts are often not RoHS compliant by design. Confirm RoHS status with Analog Devices for the specific lot date code. AEC-Q100 is not applicable - this is not an automotive-qualified part.
