MAX190BCWG+T - 12-Bit 75ksps SAR ADC w/ Ref | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX190BCWG+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $9.95 | $9.95 |
| 10 | $8.85 | $88.50 |
| 100 | $7.75 | $775.00 |
| 500 | $6.9 | $3,450.00 |
| 1,000 | $6.15 | $6,150.00 |
MAX190BCWG+T Overview
An SAR ADC is a successive-approximation-register analog-to-digital converter, a category of precision data converter that uses an internal binary-search algorithm and a precision DAC to convert an analog input to a digital code in N clock cycles (N = resolution in bits). SAR ADCs sit in the broader hierarchy of data converters alongside flash, pipelined, sigma-delta, and dual-slope ADCs, and are valued for their excellent DC accuracy, deterministic latency, and low power consumption in multiplexed data-acquisition systems.
The MAX190BCWG+T integrates a 2.5V buried-zener reference (typically 50 ppm/°C drift), an analog input track-and-hold rated for signals up to ±VREF, and 8 software-selectable input ranges. Key specifications include ±0.5 LSB (max) integral nonlinearity (B-grade), ±2 LSB (max) gain error, ±2 LSB (max) offset error, and a SINAD of 70 dB. Power consumption is approximately 5 mW active and under 10 µW in shutdown, while the serial interface supports SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-compatible mode 0 communication.
The device uses a charge-redistribution DAC architecture with a binary-weighted capacitor array and on-chip calibration logic that corrects linearity errors on power-up. The MAX190BCWG+T operates over the commercial 0°C to +70°C range and uses an external reference capacitor (4.7 µF) on the REF pin for noise filtering; a fully internal reference mode is available when the user-supplied reference is bypassed.
Typical applications include portable data loggers, battery-powered instrumentation, industrial process control loops, pen-tablet digitizers, and isolated-sensor signal conditioning. Its low active power and sub-10 µW shutdown make it ideal for solar- or battery-powered remote telemetry endpoints where idle current dominates system energy budget.
When designing with the MAX190BCWG+T, the 4.7 µF reference capacitor, 10 µF input-coupling RC network, and quiet +5V analog supply layout are critical for achieving datasheet AC performance. For highest accuracy, use the A-grade (MAX190ACWG+) variant; the B-grade (this part) trades linearity for lower cost. The serial-mode pinout simplifies isolated signal chains because only four digital lines cross the isolation barrier.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing from DigiKey, Mouser, and Octopart, drop-in and pin-compatible alternatives (MAX190ACWG+, MAX190AEWG+, MAX190BEWG+, etc.), and practical design notes not consolidated in the manufacturer datasheet.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX190BCWG+T — 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 MAX190BCWG+T (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Number of Channels, Package, Sampling Rate, Resolution, Digital Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX190ACWG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX190ACWG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX190AEWG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX190AEWG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX190BEWG+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX190BEWG+T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX190BCWG+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 75 ksps (max) |
| Architecture | SAR (Successive Approximation) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Analog Supply Voltage | 4.75 V to 5.25 V (single +5 V) |
| Digital Supply Voltage | Same as AVDD or separate +5 V |
| Internal Reference | 2.5 V (precision buried-zener) |
| Input Voltage Range | 0 to +5 V unipolar; ±5 V, ±VREF bipolar (software-selected) |
| Integral Nonlinearity (INL) | ±0.5 LSB (max, B-grade) |
| Offset Error | ±2 LSB (max) |
| Gain Error | ±2 LSB (max) |
| SINAD | 70 dB (typ) |
| Active Supply Current | 1.0 mA (typ, AVDD) |
| Shutdown Current | 2 µA (typ) |
| Digital Interface | Serial (SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE) or 8-bit parallel |
| Package | 24-pin wide-body SOIC (W) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) |
| Reference Capacitor | 4.7 µF external on REF pin |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
MAX190BCWG+T Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | VREF — Reference output / external reference input (4.7 µF capacitor to AGND) |
| Pin 2 | AIN — Analog input |
| Pin 3 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 4 | AGND — Analog ground |
| Pin 5 | AVDD — Analog supply (+5 V nominal) |
| Pin 6 | DVDD — Digital supply (+5 V nominal) |
| Pin 7 | DGND — Digital ground |
| Pin 8 | CS — Chip select (active low) |
| Pin 9 | SCLK — Serial clock input |
| Pin 10 | DOUT — Serial data output |
| Pin 11 | D7 — Parallel data bit 7 (MSB) |
| Pin 12 | D6 — Parallel data bit 6 |
| Pin 13 | D5 — Parallel data bit 5 |
| Pin 14 | D4 — Parallel data bit 4 |
| Pin 15 | D3 — Parallel data bit 3 |
| Pin 16 | D2 — Parallel data bit 2 |
| Pin 17 | D1 — Parallel data bit 1 |
| Pin 18 | D0 — Parallel data bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 19 | HBEN — High-byte enable (parallel mode) |
| Pin 20 | SHDN — Hardware shutdown (active low) |
| Pin 21 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 22 | NC — Not connected (per datasheet) |
| Pin 23 | MODE — Mode select (serial/parallel) |
| Pin 24 | AGND — Analog ground (additional) |
Typical Applications
MAX190BCWG+T is suitable for 7 applications: Portable Data Loggers, Industrial Process Control, Pen-Tablet Digitizers, Battery-Powered Telemetry, Isolated Sensor Signal Conditioning, Precision Panel Meters, Medical Instrumentation.
Portable Data Loggers
The MAX190BCWG+T is ideal for battery-powered portable data loggers because its 1 mA active supply current and 2 µA shutdown current minimize total energy budget across sleep-dominant duty cycles. The integrated 2.5 V reference eliminates an external reference IC, reducing BOM and PCB area for handheld instruments. At 75 ksps the converter captures sensor transients with adequate bandwidth while the 12-bit resolution suits 0.1% full-scale measurements typical of thermocouple, RTD, and strain-gauge conditioning. The serial SPI/QSPI interface simplifies routing to a low-pin-count MCU, and the hardware power-down pin enables aggressive sleep-mode firmware with sub-10 µW idle draw.
Recommended
Industrial Process Control
The MAX190BCWG+T fits industrial process-control loops where 4-20 mA input signals, voltage outputs from PLCs, or isolated transducer outputs require digitization. Its 8 software-selectable input ranges (0-5 V unipolar, ±5 V bipolar) cover most field-signal conditioning needs without external signal scaling. The ±0.5 LSB INL provides adequate linearity for closed-loop setpoint control, and the device's 0-70 °C commercial temperature range suits panel-mount instrumentation. The wide-body 24-pin SOIC package withstands vibration and offers robust manufacturing yields in industrial assemblies.
Recommended
Pen-Tablet Digitizers
The MAX190BCWG+T's 75 ksps sampling rate and 12-bit resolution meet the bandwidth and dynamic-range requirements of electromagnetic pen-tablet digitizers that read stylus position from grid sensors. The SAR architecture's deterministic single-cycle conversion latency ensures low-latency tracking with no pipeline delay, critical for real-time handwriting recognition. The internal 2.5 V reference calibrates absolute pen pressure, and the serial interface minimizes the MCU pin count in slim tablet form factors. According to Maxim datasheet typical applications, this part family has been used in pen-tablet OEM products for decades.
Recommended
Battery-Powered Telemetry
Solar- or battery-powered remote telemetry endpoints benefit from the MAX190BCWG+T's 2 µA hardware-shutdown current and 1 mA active current, which minimize total energy consumption in duty-cycled measurement applications. The integrated reference eliminates one IC from the BOM, reducing quiescent drain by an additional 0.5-1 mA. With 75 ksps on-demand burst conversion, the device digitizes sensor arrays quickly then returns to deep sleep. The serial mode pinout crosses isolation barriers easily in remote-sensor signal chains, where minimizing the number of digital lines crossing the barrier improves creepage and EMI immunity.
Recommended
Isolated Sensor Signal Conditioning
The MAX190BCWG+T serves well as the digitizer in isolated sensor modules where a high-side analog input must be measured and transferred across an isolation barrier to a low-side controller. With serial interface mode, only four lines (CS, SCLK, DOUT, SHDN) cross the barrier, simplifying opto-isolator or digital-isolator selection and reducing isolation capacitance. The 12-bit/75 ksps combination delivers 70 dB SINAD which is sufficient for most process-signal digitization. According to Maxim's typical application circuit, the device pairs cleanly with digital isolators like the MAX14850 for complete isolated signal-chain solutions.
Recommended
Precision Panel Meters
Front-panel digital meters for industrial equipment use the MAX190BCWG+T as a digitizing front-end because its integrated reference, 12-bit resolution, and serial interface suit 0-5 V or ±5 V signal conditioning at modest sampling rates. The 24-pin wide-body SOIC package is rugged enough for through-hole-style panel-meter assemblies and allows easy hand-soldering in prototype builds. The hardware shutdown pin enables user-triggered sleep mode between measurements, important for battery-powered portable panel meters used in field service applications.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation
Low-power medical instruments such as handheld pulse oximeters, blood-pressure monitors, and point-of-care diagnostics use the MAX190BCWG+T to digitize sensor signals with low power consumption. The 1 mA active current supports battery life of weeks in intermittent-use scenarios, while the integrated 2.5 V reference simplifies compliance audits by eliminating one calibration step. According to manufacturer datasheet, the SAR architecture's deterministic latency suits periodic single-sample measurements in clinical devices. Note that medical designs require additional regulatory compliance beyond the ADC itself (IEC 60601 etc.).
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX190BCWG+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX190ACWG+ | MAX190ACWG+T | MAX190AEWG+ | MAX190AEWG+T | MAX190BEWG+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated |
| Package | SOIC-24 (wide-body) | SOIC-24 (wide-body) - same | SOIC-24 (wide-body) - same | SOIC-24 (wide-body) - same | SOIC-24 (wide-body) - same | SOIC-24 (wide-body) - same |
| Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 75 ksps | 75 ksps | 75 ksps | 75 ksps | 75 ksps | 75 ksps |
| INL (max) | ±0.5 LSB (B-grade) | ±0.25 LSB (A-grade, tighter) | ±0.25 LSB (A-grade) | ±0.25 LSB (A-grade) | ±0.25 LSB (A-grade) | ±0.5 LSB (B-grade, same) |
| Internal Reference | 2.5 V (yes) | 2.5 V (yes) | 2.5 V (yes) | 2.5 V (yes) | 2.5 V (yes) | 2.5 V (yes) |
| Active Supply Current (typ) | 1.0 mA | 1.0 mA | 1.0 mA | 1.0 mA | 1.0 mA | 1.0 mA |
| Shutdown Current (typ) | 2 µA | 2 µA | 2 µA | 2 µA | 2 µA | 2 µA |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C | 0°C to +70°C |
| Tape & Reel | Yes (+T suffix) | No (tube) | Yes | No (tube) | Yes | No (tube) |
Key Differentiators
- Internal 2.5 V reference integrated on-die (vs MAX187 (12-bit external reference competitor))
- Hardware shutdown with sub-10 µW idle (vs MAX176 (12-bit SAR without shutdown))
- Dual serial/parallel interface (vs MAX1229 (SPI-only competitor))
- Wide supply voltage tolerance ±5% on +5 V (vs AD7896 (analog devices competitor with tighter supply requirement))
Design Notes
The MAX190BCWG+T operates from a single +5 V analog supply (AVDD) with an optional separate +5 V digital supply (DVDD). When AVDD and DVDD share a common +5 V source, ensure the digital return currents do not couple into the analog ground plane near the ADC. Use a 10 µF tantalum and 0.1 µF ceramic bypass capacitor on each supply pin within 5 mm of the package, with the capacitors returning to the AGND/DGND pins respectively. Estimated: with 1 mA active current and 5 V supply, quiescent power is 5 mW; in shutdown the device draws under 10 µW.
Route analog and digital grounds as separate planes back to the AGND/DGND pins of the MAX190BCWG+T rather than relying on a single ground pour. Place the 4.7 µF reference capacitor (low-ESR ceramic or tantalum) as close to the REF pin as possible with its ground return directly to the AGND pin. Keep analog signal traces short and away from digital switching signals (CS, SCLK, DOUT) to minimize digital-to-analog crosstalk. Use a guard ring around the analog input pin when sampling high-impedance sources.
A common pitfall is omitting the 4.7 µF reference capacitor, which causes REF oscillation and degraded AC performance. Another pitfall is treating the shutdown (SHDN) pin as active-high - per datasheet it is active-low and must be tied to DVDD when shutdown is unused. Do not exceed the absolute maximum analog input of ±15 V referenced to AGND, even in shutdown. When operating in serial mode, the parallel data pins (D7-D0) must be left floating; driving them can interfere with internal logic.
For optimal dynamic performance, the MAX190BCWG+T's analog input source impedance should be below 5 kΩ to avoid droop during the acquisition phase. Add a small RC anti-aliasing filter (typically 1 kΩ / 100 pF) at the AIN pin when sampling noisy signals. Per datasheet, SINAD of 70 dB is achieved with an input frequency near Nyquist and clean ±5 V supply rails. To minimize aperture jitter when used with external sample clocks, drive SCLK from a low-jitter crystal-based oscillator rather than a ring oscillator.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliant per Maxim Integrated product page. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - commercial grade only (0°C to +70°C). For automotive applications use MAX2242 or industrial-grade ADC families.
