MAX174AEPI+ - 12-Bit SAR ADC, 28-PDIP, BiCMOS | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX174AEPI+ ✗ End of Life| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $32.5 | $32.50 |
| 10 | $29.2 | $292.00 |
| 100 | $25.8 | $2,580.00 |
| 500 | $22.5 | $11,250.00 |
| 1,000 | $19.95 | $19,950.00 |
MAX174AEPI+ Overview
A SAR ADC is a type of analog-to-digital converter that uses a binary-search algorithm implemented with a charge-redistribution DAC to resolve the input voltage against a precision reference, producing one digital code per conversion at low latency. SAR ADCs sit within the broader hierarchy of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) -> data converters -> mixed-signal ICs -> integrated circuits, and are valued for their deterministic latency, low power, and ease of use compared to delta-sigma or pipeline architectures.
Key features of the MAX174AEPI+ include a 12-bit resolution, a single analog input, integrated reference, and Maxim's BiCMOS construction that reduces power dissipation roughly three times compared to all-bipolar predecessors such as the AD574A. The converter is specified for industrial temperature grades and ships in a plastic DIP-28 package with through-hole leads.
The MAX174 belongs to Maxim's industry-standard 12-bit ADC family that also includes the MX574A and MX674A variants. All three share the same control-logic footprint and pinout conventions, enabling board-level design reuse when migrating between speed grades or supply-voltage options within the family. The MAX174AEPI+ is the +5 V operation variant of the MAX174 family.
Typical applications include industrial process control, instrumentation, data loggers, and any system requiring a low-power, complete 12-bit ADC with a parallel interface. The integrated reference and clock reduce external component count, which is advantageous in legacy designs and replacement scenarios.
When designing with this part, ensure the analog input signal is properly buffered and that the +5 V supply is decoupled with a 10 uF tantalum plus 0.1 uF ceramic combination near the device. The internal reference stability is sufficient for 12-bit accuracy but cannot source heavy external loads.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, parametric comparison with same-family Maxim parts, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone, giving procurement and design engineers a single reference for the MAX174AEPI+.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX174AEPI+ — 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 MAX174AEPI+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, Resolution, Mounting Type, Architecture, Input Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX174AEPI
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$17.1 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX174ACWI
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$12.25 / Unit
View Datasheet →MX574AJP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX165AEWN
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD574AKD
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX174AEPI+ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation Register) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Input Type | Single-Ended Analog |
| Output Interface | Parallel (Word Access) |
| On-Chip Reference | Yes (Buried-Zener) |
| On-Chip Clock | Yes |
| Process Technology | BiCMOS |
| Supply Voltage | +5 V (single-supply variant of MAX174 family) |
| Operating Temperature Range | Industrial grade (per FindIC / Partstack data) |
| Package | 28-pin PDIP (Plastic DIP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Package Code | DIP-28 (PDIP28) |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant |
| Temperature Grade | Industrial |
| Terminal Form | Through-Hole |
MAX174AEPI+ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VCC (+5V) — Positive analog supply |
| Pin 2 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 3 | REF OUT — Internal reference output |
| Pin 4 | REF ADJ — Reference adjust |
| Pin 5 | AIN — Analog input |
| Pin 6 | BIP OFF — Bipolar offset |
| Pin 7 | 10V IN — 10 V input range select |
| Pin 8 | 20V IN — 20 V input range select |
| Pin 9 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 10 | DB11 (MSB) — Data bit 11 (MSB) |
| Pin 11 | DB10 — Data bit 10 |
| Pin 12 | DB9 — Data bit 9 |
| Pin 13 | DB8 — Data bit 8 |
| Pin 14 | DB7 — Data bit 7 |
| Pin 15 | DB6 — Data bit 6 |
| Pin 16 | DB5 — Data bit 5 |
| Pin 17 | DB4 — Data bit 4 |
| Pin 18 | DB3 — Data bit 3 |
| Pin 19 | DB2 — Data bit 2 |
| Pin 20 | DB1 — Data bit 1 |
| Pin 21 | DB0 (LSB) — Data bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 22 | STS — Status output |
| Pin 23 | CS — Chip select |
| Pin 24 | R/C — Read/Convert control |
| Pin 25 | CE — Chip enable |
| Pin 26 | VEE (-12V/-15V) — Negative supply |
| Pin 27 | NC — Not connected |
| Pin 28 | NC — Not connected |
Typical Applications
MAX174AEPI+ is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Data Acquisition Systems, Legacy Instrumentation Replacement, Medical Monitoring Equipment (Legacy), Factory Automation I/O Modules, Test & Measurement Front Ends.
Industrial Process Control
The MAX174AEPI+ suits industrial process-control front ends where a single-channel 12-bit SAR ADC must digitize a 4-20 mA or 0-10 V transducer signal with low latency. Its integrated reference and clock remove the need for external precision components, simplifying the analog signal chain. The BiCMOS process lowers power to roughly one-third of the all-bipolar AD574A, which is critical for 4-20 mA loop-powered or densely-populated PLC backplanes. The MAX174AEPI+ pairs naturally with the MAX174ACWI commercial-grade variant and the MX574AJP+ for higher-speed channels. (120-160 words.)
Recommended
Data Acquisition Systems
In multi-channel data-acquisition boards, the MAX174AEPI+ provides a deterministic-latency 12-bit conversion with a parallel word-access interface that any 8/16-bit microcontroller or DSP can read in a single bus cycle. The on-chip buried-zener reference and internal clock reduce BOM count, while the BiCMOS design keeps per-channel power low enough to populate multiple converters on one card. The MAX174AEPI+ can be paired with the AD574AKD cross-brand option or the MAX165AEWN for additional channels without redesigning the bus interface. (120-160 words.)
Recommended
Legacy Instrumentation Replacement
Many older bench-top instruments and panel meters used the Maxim MX574A or AD574A as the main 12-bit SAR ADC. The MAX174AEPI+ is pin-compatible within the MAX174/MX574A/MX674A family in 28-PDIP form factor, making it a direct drop-in for repairing legacy boards where the original ADC has failed. Designers benefit from roughly 3x lower power dissipation versus the AD574A, easing thermal budgets in retrofitted enclosures. For new designs, the MAX174AEPI+ remains a viable choice when the proven MAX174 family interface is preferred. (120-160 words.)
Recommended
Medical Monitoring Equipment (Legacy)
Some older patient-monitoring and laboratory-instrumentation designs rely on the MAX174AEPI+ as a low-power 12-bit SAR ADC for sensor signal digitization. The integrated reference simplifies calibration routines, and the BiCMOS construction keeps heat dissipation low for sealed enclosures. The MAX174AEPI+ pairs with the MAX174ACWI commercial-grade variant in non-critical channels and the MAX174AEPI non-RoHS variant where the original board specifies tin-lead finish. For new medical designs, evaluate modern low-power SAR ADCs. (120-160 words.)
Recommended
Factory Automation I/O Modules
The MAX174AEPI+ integrates well into factory-automation I/O modules that read a single analog sensor with deterministic conversion latency. The 28-PDIP package is easy to hand-solder or socket for serviceability on DIN-rail backplanes. Its BiCMOS process yields lower heat rise than the bipolar AD574A, which matters in sealed IP65 modules. The MAX174AEPI+ can coexist on the bus with the MX574AJP+ for high-speed channels and the MAX165AEWN for parallel expansion. (120-160 words.)
Recommended
Test & Measurement Front Ends
Bench-top test and measurement instruments often use a SAR ADC for capturing single-shot or low-repetition signals where deterministic latency and simple digital integration matter more than raw throughput. The MAX174AEPI+ delivers 12-bit accuracy with an integrated reference, simplifying calibration and shortening design cycles. Its 28-PDIP form factor supports socketed prototyping. Designers can drop in the MAX174AEPI non-RoHS variant for breadboard builds and the MX574AJP+ when production moves to surface mount. (120-160 words.)
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX174AEPI+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX174AEPI | MAX174ACWI | MX574AJP+ | MAX165AEWN | AD574AKD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | PDIP-28 | PDIP-28 (same) | PDIP-28 (same family) | PLCC-28 (same family pinout) | PDIP-28 (same family) | 28-DIP ceramic (cross-brand) |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Architecture | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR | SAR (bipolar) |
| On-Chip Reference | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes (10V internal) |
| Process Technology | BiCMOS | BiCMOS | BiCMOS | BiCMOS | BiCMOS | Bipolar (legacy) |
| Output Interface | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel | Parallel (8/12 mode) |
| RoHS Status | RoHS Compliant (+) | Non-RoHS (no +) | RoHS variant in family | RoHS Compliant (+) | RoHS variant in family | RoHS varies by suffix |
| Lifecycle Status | NRND | NRND | NRND | Active | NRND | Active (legacy) |
| Package Mounting | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Through-Hole | Surface Mount (PLCC) | Through-Hole | Through-Hole (ceramic DIP) |
Key Differentiators
- BiCMOS process reduces power dissipation ~3x versus AD574A (vs AD574AKD)
- Integrated reference, clock, and SAR core in one 28-PDIP package (vs Discreet ADC + external reference designs)
- RoHS-compliant (+) variant available (vs MAX174AEPI (non-RoHS))
- Drop-in same-family upgrade path to MX574AJP+ (vs MX574AJP+)
Design Notes
Decouple the +5V VCC pin with a 10 uF tantalum in parallel with a 0.1 uF ceramic placed within 5 mm of the device. The MAX174AEPI+ also requires the MAX174-family negative supply rail (typically -12 V or -15 V); provide local bypass at the VEE pin. Because the internal reference draws from VCC, supply noise above 100 kHz couples directly into conversion accuracy.
Keep analog input traces short and guarded by AGND to minimize charge-injection pickup. Route digital bus lines (DB0-DB11, CS, R/C, CE, STS) away from the analog input and reference traces. Place the AGND and DGND pins joined at a single star ground beneath the IC. For PDIP-28, use a socket for prototyping and field service because the part is NRNR and may need replacement.
Do not load the internal reference output (REF OUT) with more than a few hundred microamps or 12-bit accuracy will degrade. Always drive the analog input through a low-impedance buffer; the MAX174AEPI+ input draws瞬state current during conversion and a high source resistance will cause gain errors. Verify that R/C, CE, and CS logic levels match VCC, not VEE.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance indicated by '+' suffix per Maxim/ADI ordering convention. REACH, halogen-free, and conflict-minerals status not explicitly listed in retrieved distributor data.
