MAX19538ETL+T - 12-Bit 95Msps 3.3V ADC, TQFN-40 | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX19538ETL+T ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.42 | $18.42 |
| 10 | $16.95 | $169.50 |
| 100 | $14.78 | $1,478.00 |
| 500 | $13.36 | $6,680.00 |
| 1,000 | $12.1 | $12,100.00 |
MAX19538ETL+T Overview
A pipelined ADC is a high-speed successive-approximation architecture that converts each analog sample in a sequence of low-resolution flash stages, achieving sample rates well above what a successive-approximation register (SAR) topology can deliver. The MAX19538ETL+T belongs to the broader data-converter IC family, sitting alongside successive-approximation and sigma-delta ADCs, and is optimized for low power, small size, and high dynamic performance in communication and instrumentation systems.
Key specifications include 95 Msps sample rate, 12-bit resolution, single 3.3V analog supply operation, 70.9 dB/68.4 dB SNR at fIN of 3 MHz and 175 MHz, and 89.0 dBc/76.2 dBc SFDR at fIN of 3 MHz and 175 MHz. The small-signal noise floor is -71.5 dBFS, and the input amplifier supports direct IF sampling up to 400 MHz, allowing undersampling of intermediate-frequency signals without an external down-conversion stage.
The internal pipelined architecture combined with a fully differential T/H front end provides excellent common-mode rejection and spurious-free dynamic range at high input frequencies. The quantizer outputs are delivered through a parallel CMOS-compatible digital interface, simplifying FPGA or ASIC capture. The MAX19538ETL+T also provides a common-mode reference that simplifies external driver design for single-ended or differential analog input sources, and the part accepts either a single-ended or differential input clock drive.
Typical applications include wireless infrastructure base-station IF digitizers, broadband communications receivers, ultrasound and medical imaging front ends, high-speed instrumentation, and radar/IF signal processing. The wide IF bandwidth and 95 Msps throughput allow a single ADC to handle multiple carrier bands in multicarrier radio designs.
When designing with the MAX19538ETL+T, route analog input traces as 100 ohm differential pairs and keep them short and symmetric. Provide separate analog and clock ground returns tied to the exposed pad (EP), and use a low-noise LDO such as a MAX19538-recommended supply for AVDD to preserve the 70.9 dB SNR figure. Decouple AVDD and DRVDD independently to prevent digital switching noise from coupling back into the analog front end.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in alternatives, application references, and practical layout guidance that goes beyond the manufacturer datasheet to accelerate your design-in.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX19538ETL+T — 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:
MAX19538ETL+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX19538ETL-T
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX19538ETL
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD9204
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX19538ETL+T Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Manufacturer | Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) |
| Function | 12-bit, 95 Msps analog-to-digital converter (ADC) |
| Resolution | 12 bit |
| Sample Rate | 95 Msps (95,000 kSamples/s) |
| Number of Inputs | 1 (single channel) |
| Input Type | Differential or Single-Ended |
| Data Interface | Parallel CMOS |
| Architecture | Pipelined |
| Sample-and-Hold:ADC Ratio | 1:1 |
| Analog Supply Voltage (AVDD) | 3.3 V |
| SNR @ fIN = 3 MHz | 70.9 dB |
| SNR @ fIN = 175 MHz | 68.4 dB |
| SFDR @ fIN = 3 MHz | 89.0 dBc |
| SFDR @ fIN = 175 MHz | 76.2 dBc |
| Small-Signal Noise Floor | -71.5 dBFS |
| Input Bandwidth (IF Sampling) | Direct IF sampling to 400 MHz |
| Package | 40-pin TQFN-EP, 5x5 mm (MO-220-WJJD) |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40C to +85C (Industrial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per distributor listings) |
MAX19538ETL+T 40-pin tqfn-ep, 5x5 mm (mo-220-wjjd) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for MAX19538ETL+T (40-pin tqfn-ep, 5x5 mm (mo-220-wjjd) package). This analog component features input, output, and power supply pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for offset null, compensation, and enable pin configurations. Ideal for signal conditioning and amplifier circuits.
No detailed pinout data available for MAX19538ETL+T.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
MAX19538ETL+T is suitable for 6 applications: Wireless Base-Station IF Digitizer, Broadband Cable Downstream Receiver, Ultrasound Imaging Front End, Radar and IF Signal Processing, High-Speed Test and Measurement Instrumentation, Software Defined Radio (SDR) Wideband Receiver.
Wireless Base-Station IF Digitizer
The MAX19538ETL+T digitizes the 70-400 MHz intermediate-frequency output of a wireless base-station receiver chain directly, eliminating an analog down-conversion mixer. Its 12-bit resolution and 68.4 dB SNR at 175 MHz preserve EVM in multicarrier LTE and 5G NR signals, while the 95 Msps sample rate is sufficient for symbol rates up to ~80 Msps. Place the ADC between the IF SAW filter and the baseband DSP/FPGA, driven from a low-noise 3.3V LDO such as a MAX19538-recommended analog supply. The exposed pad provides the quiet analog ground reference required to retain SFDR under heavy digital switching noise.
Recommended
Broadband Cable Downstream Receiver
In a DOCSIS 3.1 cable downstream receiver, the MAX19538ETL+T digitizes the 108-1218 MHz downstream band using direct IF undersampling at 95 Msps. Its -71.5 dBFS small-signal noise floor and 76.2 dBc SFDR at 175 MHz allow capture of 256-QAM constellations with margin. Place the ADC after the tuner/AGC stage; the differential T/H input accommodates both single-ended and differential driver outputs. The 40-pin TQFN footprint simplifies PCB layout in compact tuner modules where board area is at a premium.
Recommended
Ultrasound Imaging Front End
The MAX19538ETL+T captures the post-beamformed RF signal in a medical ultrasound system at 95 Msps with 12-bit resolution. Its 70.9 dB SNR at low IF supports dynamic range above 60 dB for harmonic imaging, and the wide IF input bandwidth to 400 MHz allows the same ADC to digitize both fundamental and harmonic receive bands. Place the ADC immediately after the time-gain-control amplifier and route output lines length-matched to the FPGA. Split AVDD and DRVDD decoupling regions to keep digital switching noise out of the analog front end.
Recommended
Radar and IF Signal Processing
The MAX19538ETL+T samples pulsed-radar IF outputs centered between 50-300 MHz at 95 Msps, delivering 12-bit quantization for doppler and range processing. Its pipelined latency is acceptable for radar applications where coherent integration is performed in the digital domain. The 68.4 dB SNR at 175 MHz and 89.0 dBc SFDR at 3 MHz preserve target discrimination in dense clutter. Place the ADC after the IF filter and drive its differential inputs with a low-noise differential amplifier; the parallel CMOS output simplifies FPGA capture at full sample rate.
Recommended
High-Speed Test and Measurement Instrumentation
In a digitizer card or bench oscilloscope, the MAX19538ETL+T provides the 12-bit, 95 Msps acquisition channel with 70.9 dB SNR at 3 MHz and 400 MHz analog input bandwidth. The single-channel pipelined architecture is well-suited for repetitive-waveform and single-shot capture of signals up to ~40 MHz. Place the ADC after the input attenuator/buffer and feed its parallel CMOS output into a high-speed FPGA acquisition FIFO. The exposed thermal pad bonds to the inner PCB layer for heat spreading, allowing full-rate operation without derating.
Recommended
Software Defined Radio (SDR) Wideband Receiver
The MAX19538ETL+T serves as the wideband ADC in an SDR receiver, digitizing the 0-400 MHz spectrum with 95 Msps and 12-bit resolution. Its pipelined core enables direct sampling of HF, VHF, and low-UHF bands without front-end mixing, and the 76.2 dBc SFDR at 175 MHz preserves dynamic range for weak-signal reception. Place the ADC between the LNA/antenna chain and the FPGA DSP engine; the parallel CMOS output keeps interface logic simple compared to LVDS parts. The industrial -40C to +85C temperature range supports outdoor and mobile SDR deployments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX19538ETL+T — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX19538ETL+ | MAX19538ETL-T | MAX19538ETL | AD9204 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Package | TQFN-40 (5x5 mm, EP, MO-220-WJJD) | TQFN-40 (5x5 mm, EP) - same | TQFN-40 (5x5 mm, EP) - same | TQFN-40 (5x5 mm, EP) - same | TQFN-40 (5x5 mm) - same |
| Brand | Maxim Integrated (Analog Devices) | Maxim Integrated - same | Maxim Integrated - same | Maxim Integrated - same | Analog Devices - same parent |
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 12 bit | 10 bit |
| Sample Rate | 95 Msps | 95 Msps | 95 Msps | 95 Msps | 105 Msps |
| Number of Channels | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Analog Supply | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.3 V | 3.0 V |
Key Differentiators
- Direct IF sampling to 400 MHz without external down-conversion (vs MAX19538ETL+)
- 12-bit resolution at 95 Msps in a compact TQFN-40 5x5 mm package (vs AD9204)
- Tape-and-reel carrier optimized for high-volume SMT assembly (vs MAX19538ETL+)
Design Notes
Estimated: route the analog input as a 100 ohm differential microstrip pair from the input amplifier to the ADC pins. Keep input traces length-matched to within 0.5 mm, surround with continuous ground, and stitch ground vias along the trace edges. The exposed pad must be soldered to a continuous copper pour tied to analog ground to provide the thermal and electrical return path for the T/H front end. Per the Maxim datasheet, the exposed pad is the primary analog ground reference and improper soldering degrades SNR and SFDR.
Use independent AVDD and DRVDD supply rails with separate decoupling networks. Each pin requires a 0.1 uF ceramic placed within 2 mm of the pin, plus a 10 uF tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor per supply. Drive AVDD from a low-noise LDO (such as a MAX19538-recommended part) and place a ferrite bead between AVDD and DRVDD. Per the manufacturer datasheet, ripple on AVDD directly couples into the input stage and reduces the 70.9 dB SNR figure.
Do not drive the analog input with a single-ended source referenced to digital ground - this couples switching noise into the T/H stage and corrupts the 12-bit dynamic range. Use a differential driver or an active balun referenced to the analog ground plane. Likewise, do not exceed the absolute maximum analog input voltage (per Maxim datasheet: 0 to AVDD, AVDD to -0.3V at the input pins) and verify the common-mode voltage of the driver matches the ADC's common-mode reference output before connecting.
Compliance Information
RoHS and lead-free status confirmed via distributor listings (DigiKey, Mouser, Octopart). AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is a commercial/industrial grade ADC. REACH compliance assumed from Maxim Integrated product policy but not separately verified in the retrieved data.
