MAX188BEPP - 12-Bit 8-Ch 133ksps Serial ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX188BEPP ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.5 | $18.50 |
| 10 | $16.2 | $162.00 |
| 100 | $14.1 | $1,410.00 |
| 500 | $12.65 | $6,325.00 |
| 1,000 | $11.4 | $11,400.00 |
MAX188BEPP Overview
A successive-approximation ADC (SAR ADC) is a type of data converter that converts an analog input signal into a digital code by performing a binary search across an internal precision resistor ladder. SAR ADCs are valued for their deterministic latency, lack of pipeline delay, and excellent DC accuracy, making them the converter of choice for multiplexed data-acquisition front-ends, industrial process control loops, sensor signal chains, and instrumentation. Within the broader semiconductor taxonomy, the MAX188 sits in the data-acquisition IC category, adjacent to DACs, analog front-ends, and precision reference ICs.
Key features of the MAX188BEPP include 133 kHz sampling rate, single +5 V or dual ±5 V supply operation, low operating current of 1.5 mA and an ultra-low 2 µA power-down current, ±5 V input range for bipolar signal acquisition, internal track/hold, and 4-wire serial output. The device accepts unipolar or bipolar analog inputs, providing flexible signal-conditioning headroom for transducer bridge circuits, thermocouple amplifiers, and 4-20 mA current-loop receivers.
Architecturally, the MAX188 integrates an 8-channel analog multiplexer, a high-bandwidth track/hold, a precision 4.096 V internal reference, a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC core, and an SPI-compatible digital interface on a single die. The internal reference eliminates external reference cost and PC board area while delivering tight full-scale accuracy. The high-bandwidth track/hold captures fast-moving signals, and the 8-channel mux removes the need for external analog switches in multi-sensor systems.
Typical applications for the MAX188BEPP include industrial process control, portable data-logging instruments, battery-powered sensor nodes, medical instrumentation front-ends, factory automation I/O modules, and distributed SCADA analog input cards. The 133 ksps throughput is well matched to multiplexing several channels of slowly-varying process signals.
When designing with this ADC, place a 0.1 µF bypass capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin, and provide adequate analog/digital ground separation with a single-point star connection near the IC. The internal reference requires a minimum 4.7 µF bypass capacitor on the REF pin for stable full-scale accuracy; omitting this degrades linearity.
This page synthesizes distributor stock levels, drop-in alternatives, and practical design guidance that the bare datasheet does not provide, helping engineers shorten time-to-prototype for their 12-bit data-acquisition front-end.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX188BEPP — 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 MAX188BEPP (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Package, RoHS Status, Sampling Rate, Resolution, Conversion Time.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX188CCPP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX188DCPP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX188AEPP+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX186DCPP+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX187CEPA
✅ Drop-In✓ In Stock
$9.45 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX176ACPA
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$17.2 / Unit
View Datasheet →MAX188BEPP Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 single-ended / 4 differential |
| Sampling Rate | 133 ksps |
| Supply Voltage - Single | 5 V |
| Supply Voltage - Dual | ±5 V |
| Operating Supply Current | 1.5 mA (operating) |
| Power-Down Current | 2 µA |
| Interface Type | SPI / QSPI / Microwire-compatible serial |
| Internal Reference Voltage | 4.096 V |
| Track/Hold | Internal |
| Input Voltage Range (Unipolar) | 0 V to 4.096 V |
| Input Voltage Range (Bipolar) | ±5 V (with bipolar supply) |
| Converter Type | Successive-Approximation (SAR) |
| Package | 20-pin PDIP (EPP) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +85 °C |
| RoHS Status | Non-RoHS (legacy PDIP) |
MAX188BEPP Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | CH0 — Analog input channel 0 |
| Pin 2 | CH1 — Analog input channel 1 |
| Pin 3 | CH2 — Analog input channel 2 |
| Pin 4 | CH3 — Analog input channel 3 |
| Pin 5 | CH4 — Analog input channel 4 |
| Pin 6 | CH5 — Analog input channel 5 |
| Pin 7 | CH6 — Analog input channel 6 |
| Pin 8 | CH7 — Analog input channel 7 |
| Pin 9 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 10 | REF — Internal 4.096 V reference output / bypass pin |
| Pin 11 | VDD — +5 V analog supply |
| Pin 12 | SHDN — Active-low shutdown input (power-down mode) |
| Pin 13 | DOUT — Serial data output (SPI) |
| Pin 14 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 15 | DIN — Serial data input (control register) |
| Pin 16 | CS — Active-low chip select |
| Pin 17 | VSS — Negative supply (-5 V) for bipolar operation, GND for single supply |
| Pin 18 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 19 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 20 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
Typical Applications
MAX188BEPP is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial Process Control, Portable Data Logging, Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes, Medical Instrumentation Front-End, Factory Automation I/O Modules, Distributed SCADA Remote Terminal Units.
Industrial Process Control
The MAX188BEPP is well matched to industrial process-control PLC analog input modules. Its 8 single-ended or 4 differential input channels allow direct connection to multiple thermocouple, RTD, pressure transducer, or 4-20 mA current-loop signals through a small signal-conditioning network. The 12-bit resolution at 133 ksps is sufficient for multiplexed process signals with typical bandwidths below 1 kHz, and the 1.5 mA operating current keeps thermal load on the backplane low. The internal 4.096 V reference eliminates an external precision reference and reduces BOM cost. Unlike sigma-delta alternatives, the SAR architecture delivers deterministic single-conversion latency, simplifying deterministic control loop timing. Industrial environments benefit from -40 °C to +85 °C operation and the SPI interface simplifies integration with low-cost industrial MCUs like the MAXQ series or ARM Cortex-M0 parts. Provide 0.1 µF VDD bypass and 4.7 µF REF bypass close to the IC pins to maintain full-scale accuracy over the industrial temperature range.
Recommended
Portable Data Logging
The MAX188BEPP serves as the ADC front-end in portable data loggers for environmental monitoring, asset tracking, and field measurement. The 2 µA power-down current is critical for battery life - the device can be put to sleep between conversions and woken by a microcontroller to take measurements. The 1.5 mA active current plus 133 ksps throughput means a single battery voltage of 3.6 V LiSOCl2 can sustain thousands of conversions between charges. The internal 4.096 V reference eliminates the need for a power-hungry precision reference IC. SAR architecture provides instant conversion on demand without warm-up delay, important for triggered event capture. The 8-channel mux allows simultaneous monitoring of multiple environmental sensors (temperature, humidity, pressure, gas) using the same ADC, saving board space and battery current in compact handheld instruments used in remote field deployments.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Sensor Nodes
Battery-powered wireless sensor nodes benefit from the MAX188BEPP's ultra-low 2 µA power-down current and modest 1.5 mA active draw. Combined with a low-power microcontroller and a sub-GHz radio, the ADC can periodically wake from sleep to digitize sensor readings from a battery cell monitoring array, soil moisture probe, or HVAC duct transmitter. The 12-bit resolution is adequate for sensor signal chains in 4-20 mA process loops and low-amplitude transducer outputs. The internal 4.096 V reference is stable enough to deliver full-scale accuracy at 5 V supply without external reference overhead. The 20-pin PDIP package, while not surface-mount, is convenient for prototype and hobby node designs using through-hole PCBs. Estimate battery life: with 1 conversion per minute and 1 mA average active current during conversion, a 2400 mAh LiSOCl2 D-cell can sustain node operation for 2-3 years between battery swaps.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation Front-End
The MAX188BEPP is used in medical instrumentation front-ends such as patient monitors, point-of-care diagnostic devices, and laboratory analyzers. The 12-bit resolution at 133 ksps captures physiological signals from pulse oximeters, temperature probes, and slow analog sensor channels. The bipolar ±5 V operation allows direct sampling of bioelectric signals around 0 V without external level shifting. SAR architecture provides single-cycle conversion for deterministic response in safety-critical measurement channels. The internal reference and small 20-pin PDIP footprint simplify FDA-cleared device miniaturization. Note that medical safety-critical applications may require additional isolation and redundancy beyond what a single ADC channel provides; design with appropriate IEC 60601 isolation barriers and consider dual-ADC redundancy for primary patient measurement channels.
Recommended
Factory Automation I/O Modules
Factory automation I/O modules integrate the MAX188BEPP for 8-channel analog input on distributed control systems. The 8 single-ended or 4 differential input channels provide enough density for multi-loop PID controllers and remote I/O blocks reading current-loop pressure, flow, level, and temperature transmitters. The 12-bit resolution provides 0.024% full-scale precision for process variables like tank levels and chemical concentrations. SPI interface simplifies integration with industrial Ethernet gateway MCUs and Modbus/Profibus fieldbus controllers. The 133 ksps sampling rate allows conversion of all 8 channels in under 200 µs when sequentially multiplexed, supporting real-time process control. The internal 4.096 V reference eliminates calibration drift in outdoor and factory environments. Industrial -40 °C to +85 °C operating range covers most factory floor environments. Use shielded cables and proper analog/digital ground separation when routing inputs near motor drives and VFD switching noise sources.
Recommended
Distributed SCADA Remote Terminal Units
SCADA Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) in oil and gas pipelines, water treatment plants, and electrical substations use the MAX188BEPP for multi-channel analog telemetry acquisition. The 8-channel input handles multiple field sensors - pressure, flow, level, valve position, gas detection - with a single ADC, reducing PCB area and BOM cost in space-constrained enclosure designs. The internal 4.096 V reference is stable across the -40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range for outdoor cabinet installations. SAR latency determinism simplifies synchronization with the RTU's main controller and SCADA polling schedule. The 2 µA power-down current is critical for solar-powered RTU sites where sleep-mode energy budget dominates battery sizing. The MAX188BEPP's through-hole PDIP package also withstands mechanical vibration in industrial cabinet installations better than fine-pitch surface-mount alternatives.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX188BEPP — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX188CCPP+ | MAX188DCPP+ | MAX188AEPP+ | MAX186DCPP+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | 20-pin PDIP | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same | 20-pin PDIP - same |
| Brand | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit |
| Sampling Rate | 133 ksps | 133 ksps | 133 ksps | 133 ksps | 133 ksps |
| Input Channels | 8 single-ended / 4 differential | 8 / 4 | 8 / 4 | 8 / 4 | 8 / 4 |
| Operating Current | 1.5 mA | 1.5 mA | 1.5 mA | 1.5 mA | 1.5 mA |
| Power-Down Current | 2 µA | 2 µA | 2 µA | 2 µA | 10 µA (MAX186 higher) |
| Internal Reference | 4.096 V (yes) | 4.096 V (yes) | 4.096 V (yes) | 4.096 V (yes) | 4.096 V (yes) |
| Interface | SPI/QSPI/Microwire | SPI/QSPI/Microwire | SPI/QSPI/Microwire | SPI/QSPI/Microwire | SPI/QSPI/Microwire |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard 12-bit 8-channel SAR ADC with 133 ksps throughput (vs MAX186DCPP+)
- Internal 4.096 V reference eliminates external reference IC (vs MAX187CEPA)
- 20-pin PDIP drop-in compatible across MAX188 temperature grade variants (vs MAX188AEPP+)
Design Notes
Place a 0.1 µF ceramic bypass capacitor as close as possible to the VDD pin and pin 18 (DGND), with a 4.7 µF minimum tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the REF pin (pin 10). The MAX188BEPP's internal 4.096 V reference is highly sensitive to load and supply noise; insufficient REF bypassing causes gain error and degraded INL. For dual ±5 V bipolar operation, also bypass VSS (pin 17) with 0.1 µF to AGND.
Implement separate analog and digital ground planes tied at a single point near the AGND pin (pin 9). The MAX188BEPP's 12-bit SAR core couples digital switching noise on DGND into the analog sampling network; a split ground plane with star connection at the IC significantly improves SNR. Route analog input traces away from the DOUT/SCLK/digital clock traces to minimize crosstalk during conversion. Keep analog input trace lengths matched for multi-channel synchronous sampling accuracy.
Do not exceed the absolute maximum input voltage of VDD + 0.3 V on any analog channel; overvoltage can latch up the input multiplexer. Ensure the SHDN pin (pin 12) is tied to VDD through a pull-up if unused - leaving it floating can result in unreliable wake-up from power-down mode. When using external reference mode, decouple REF input with 4.7 µF minimum. For best INL, use the MAX188's full-scale range and avoid driving input signals within 100 mV of the rails.
Drive the SPI clock (pin 14) with a clean signal; long trace lengths from MCU to MAX188BEPP can introduce ringing. Place a 22-33 Ω series damping resistor near the SCLK pin if the cable/trace exceeds 50 mm. Maintain a 30 ns minimum SCLK high time for reliable data acquisition. The DOUT pin transitions during SCLK falling edge - confirm this matches your MCU's SPI mode (Mode 0 recommended per MAX188 datasheet timing diagram).
Compliance Information
MAX188BEPP is the legacy non-RoHS through-hole PDIP variant. The '+' suffix versions (e.g., MAX188BEPP+) are RoHS compliant. AEC-Q100 qualification status is not stated by Maxim for this industrial-grade part.
