MAX196ACAI - 12-Bit 6Ch DAS, ±10V, 100kSPS, 28-SSOP | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MAX196ACAI ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $55.71 | $55.71 |
| 10 | $50.14 | $501.40 |
| 100 | $44.57 | $4,457.00 |
| 500 | $39.55 | $19,775.00 |
| 1,000 | $35.12 | $35,120.00 |
MAX196ACAI Overview
A data acquisition system (DAS) is an integrated analog-front-end subsystem that combines input multiplexing, signal conditioning, sampling, and digital conversion into a single IC. It sits between the analog sensor world (transducers, ±10 V industrial signals, 4-20 mA loops) and a microprocessor or DSP, replacing the discrete chain of analog mux + op-amp driver + SHA + ADC + reference. The MAX196 belongs to the broader category of analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and more specifically to multi-channel DAS ICs optimized for industrial-control front ends.
Key features include 12-bit resolution with ±1/2 LSB linearity, software-programmable input ranges per channel (0 to +5 V, 0 to +10 V, ±5 V, ±10 V on MAX196), ±16.5 V fault-protected analog inputs that survive transients beyond the supply rails, an internal 4.096 V reference, and software-configurable acquisition/track mode for low-distortion sampling. The 100 kSPS throughput supports process-control loop rates, while the parallel bus interface eliminates the bit-banging overhead of serial ADCs in legacy 8/16-bit microcontroller designs.
Architecturally, the part uses a charge-redistribution successive-approximation ADC with a laser-trimmed DAC array, delivering 73 dB SINAD and 83 dB spurious-free dynamic range at the Nyquist input. The on-chip reference and input-protection FETs are designed for industrial environments where common-mode voltages and ESD events routinely exceed standard ADC input tolerances.
Typical applications include industrial process-control front ends (PLC analog input modules), multi-channel data loggers, instrumentation front panels, and multi-sensor embedded systems. Engineers reach for the MAX196 when they need true bipolar ±10 V industrial ranges without external resistor dividers, plus fault protection that lets the IC survive wiring faults on factory floors.
When designing with this part, observe the analog supply decoupling rules (10 µF tantalum + 0.1 µF ceramic close to AV+ pin) and place a 0.1 µF bypass on the +5 V logic supply. The internal reference can be overdriven by an external ADR0x reference for higher absolute accuracy in calibrated instrumentation.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, SSOP drop-in alternatives, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet, including cross-comparison against MAX196AEAI+ (extended-temperature grade), MAX196ACWI+ (SOIC-28 wide), and pin-compatible multi-channel DAS parts from Analog Devices.
Drop-in alternatives for MAX196ACAI — 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 MAX196ACAI (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Operating Temperature, Package, Supply Voltage, Number of Channels, Data Interface.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MAX196AEAI+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX196ACAI+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX196AEAI+T
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX196BCAI+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX196BEAI+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX196ACAI Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bits |
| Number of Channels | 6 (single-ended, software-selectable) |
| Sampling Rate | 100 kSPS |
| ADC Architecture | Successive-approximation (SAR) |
| Input Ranges | 0 to +5 V / 0 to +10 V / ±5 V / ±10 V (per channel, software-programmable) |
| Analog Supply Voltage | +5 V (single supply) |
| Digital Supply Voltage | +5 V (single supply) |
| Input Fault Protection | ±16.5 V (beyond supply rails) |
| Integral Nonlinearity (INL) | ±0.5 LSB (max) |
| Internal Reference | 4.096 V (external reference option supported) |
| Data Interface | 12-bit parallel (microprocessor-compatible) |
| Package | 28-pin SSOP |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (commercial, 'C' grade) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (per Maxim Integrated product page) |
| MSL Level | 1 |
MAX196ACAI Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | AIN1 — Analog Input Channel 1 |
| Pin 2 | AIN2 — Analog Input Channel 2 |
| Pin 3 | AIN3 — Analog Input Channel 3 |
| Pin 4 | AIN4 — Analog Input Channel 4 |
| Pin 5 | AIN5 — Analog Input Channel 5 |
| Pin 6 | AIN6 — Analog Input Channel 6 |
| Pin 7 | AGND — Analog Ground |
| Pin 8 | INTREF/EXTREF — Reference Select (high = internal 4.096V, low = external) |
| Pin 9 | REF — Reference Output / External Reference Input (4.096V nominal) |
| Pin 10 | VREF — Reference Decoupling (connect 4.7uF cap to AGND) |
| Pin 11 | D11 — Data Bit 11 (MSB) |
| Pin 12 | D10 — Data Bit 10 |
| Pin 13 | D9 — Data Bit 9 |
| Pin 14 | D8 — Data Bit 8 |
| Pin 15 | DGND — Digital Ground |
| Pin 16 | D7 — Data Bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | D6 — Data Bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | D5 — Data Bit 5 |
| Pin 19 | D4 — Data Bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | D3 — Data Bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | D2 — Data Bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | D1 — Data Bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | D0 — Data Bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 24 | RD — Read Strobe (active low) |
| Pin 25 | WR — Write Strobe (active low) |
| Pin 26 | CS — Chip Select (active low) |
| Pin 27 | INT — Interrupt Output (active low, signals end-of-conversion) |
| Pin 28 | AV+ — +5V Analog Supply |
Typical Applications
MAX196ACAI is suitable for 6 applications: Industrial PLC Analog Input Module, Multi-Channel Data Logger, Process Control Front End, Instrumentation Front Panel, Multi-Sensor Embedded System, Medical Patient Monitor.
Industrial PLC Analog Input Module
The MAX196ACAI is a strong fit for industrial PLC analog input modules because it integrates six software-selectable input ranges (0 to +5 V, 0 to +10 V, ±5 V, ±10 V) on a single +5 V supply, eliminating the need for external resistor divider networks and ±15 V rails. Its ±16.5 V fault-protected analog inputs survive field wiring faults, ESD strikes, and miswired transducer loops that routinely destroy unprotected ADCs. Six channels at 100 kSPS aggregate (≈ 10 kSPS per channel in round-robin) provides sub-millisecond loop update rates sufficient for industrial PID control. Place the IC after a per-channel R-C lowpass filter (typically 1 kΩ + 1 nF for 50 kHz cutoff) and TVS diode clamps for IEC 61000-4-2/4 ESD/surge compliance.
Recommended
Multi-Channel Data Logger
Multi-channel data loggers for HVAC, environmental monitoring, and laboratory instrumentation benefit from the MAX196ACAI's six 12-bit channels and internal 4.096 V reference that gives 1 mV per LSB resolution in unipolar mode. The 100 kSPS aggregate throughput lets the logger sample 6 channels at 16 kSPS each, comfortably exceeding the 100 Hz typical environmental sensor bandwidth. The parallel 12-bit bus interfaces directly to legacy 8-bit microcontrollers (8051, PIC16/18) without bit-banging overhead. Use the INTREF pin grounded with an external ADR01/ADR02 reference for higher absolute accuracy in calibrated scientific instruments.
Recommended
Process Control Front End
Process control front ends for chemical plants, refineries, and water-treatment facilities typically require ±10 V inputs to interface with legacy 4-20 mA loop-powered transducers. The MAX196ACAI accepts these bipolar signals directly without external signal conditioning, simplifying the analog chain. Its fault-protected inputs survive the inductive kickback from solenoid coils and motor starters common in plant environments. Six channels suffice for typical skid-mounted analyzer cabinets; for larger systems, multiple MAX196s can be paralleled via CS pin decoding. The 73 dB SINAD at Nyquist delivers effective-number-of-bits (ENOB) > 11 bits, sufficient for process-control loop stability.
Recommended
Instrumentation Front Panel
Bench-top instrumentation such as oscilloscope front-end digitizers, spectrum-analyzer IF digitizers, and multi-meter digitizer boards can use the MAX196ACAI as the analog front end for its 100 kSPS aggregate throughput and per-channel range flexibility. The internal track/hold with 30 ns acquisition time captures transient signals from pulse generators and arbitrary waveform sources. The 12-bit resolution provides 4096 quantization levels, sufficient for basic bench-top measurements; pair with an external THP-2 front-end amplifier for gain ranging. The 28-SSOP package allows compact PCB layouts in 3U PXI/PCI digitizer cards.
Recommended
Multi-Sensor Embedded System
Embedded systems with multiple analog sensors (temperature, pressure, strain gauge, flow) benefit from the MAX196ACAI's six channels sharing a single ADC, reducing BOM cost and PCB area versus six discrete single-channel ADCs. The software-programmable input ranges per channel let the same IC handle a mix of 0-10 V pressure transducers and ±5 V strain-gauge bridges. The parallel bus interface pairs well with mid-range microcontrollers (ARM7, Cortex-M3) without DMA overhead. Use the internal 4.096 V reference to simplify power design in battery-powered sensor nodes, or switch to an external ADR0x reference for thermally stable measurements.
Recommended
Medical Patient Monitor
Medical patient monitors (bedside multi-parameter monitors, ECG, SpO2, NIBP) use the MAX196ACAI for low-speed multi-channel digitization of vital signs. The 100 kSPS aggregate easily handles ECG (typically 500 Hz per channel), SpO2 photoplethysmography (1 kHz), and respiration (100 Hz) channels simultaneously. The parallel bus interface avoids the timing overhead of SPI-controlled ADCs, critical for synchronized multi-lead ECG acquisition. Designers must add external isolation (digital isolators between ADC and host MCU) and EMI filtering to meet IEC 60601-1 medical equipment safety standards. Note that this part is commercial temperature grade; for medical-grade designs, verify the extended-temperature MAX196AEAI+ meets the manufacturer's quality system requirements.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MAX196ACAI — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MAX196AEAI+ | MAX196ACAI+ | MAX196BCAI+ | MAX196AEWI+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Analog Devices (Maxim Integrated) | Analog Devices (Maxim Integrated) | Analog Devices (Maxim Integrated) | Analog Devices (Maxim Integrated) | Analog Devices (Maxim Integrated) |
| Package | 28-SSOP | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SSOP - same | 28-SOIC-Wide - NOT pin-compatible |
| Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Sampling Rate | 100 kSPS | 100 kSPS | 100 kSPS | 100 kSPS | 100 kSPS |
| Number of Channels | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Input Range (MAX196) | ±10V / ±5V / 0-10V / 0-5V | ±10V / ±5V / 0-10V / 0-5V | ±10V / ±5V / 0-10V / 0-5V | ±10V / ±5V / 0-10V / 0-5V | ±10V / ±5V / 0-10V / 0-5V |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | -40°C to +85°C (extended-industrial) | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | -40°C to +85°C (extended-industrial) |
| INL (max) | ±0.5 LSB (A-grade) | ±0.5 LSB (A-grade) | ±0.5 LSB (A-grade) | ±1 LSB (B-grade, lower linearity) | ±0.5 LSB (A-grade) |
| Unit Price (qty 1) | $55.71 | Approximately $58-65 | $55.71 (same) | Approximately $45-50 (B-grade discount) | Approximately $60-70 (SOIC-Wide) |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-leading ±16.5V fault-protected analog inputs (vs MAX196BCAI+)
- Software-programmable per-channel input ranges (vs MAX196AEWI+)
- Internal 4.096V reference with 1mV/LSB scaling (vs MAX196ACAI+)
Design Notes
The MAX196ACAI requires clean +5 V on both AV+ (analog) and DV+ (digital) rails. Although both pins share the same +5 V nominal supply, decouple them locally with a 10 µF tantalum + 0.1 µF ceramic combination each, placed within 5 mm of the IC pin. Star-ground topology is recommended: tie AV+ and DV+ supplies at the regulator output, but route the AV+ plane and DV+ plane separately on the PCB. Add a ferrite bead (e.g., BLM31PG601SN1L) between analog and digital +5 V planes for switching-noise isolation. AV+ draws approximately 15 mA typical at 100 kSPS conversion rate; DV+ draws approximately 2 mA typical. Estimated: at full conversion duty cycle, total supply current stays below 20 mA, well within the 100 mA limit of a typical 78M05 or ADP3338 linear regulator.
Place a 4.7 µF tantalum or ceramic capacitor on the VREF pin (pin 10) to AGND to filter reference noise; the internal 4.096 V reference needs this bypass for 12-bit accurate conversions. Route all six AIN traces as matched-length differential pairs (if used in pseudo-differential mode) or as guarded single-ended traces surrounded by an AGND shield. Keep digital bus traces (D0-D11, CS, RD, WR, INT) on the opposite side of the PCB from analog traces to prevent digital switching noise coupling into the analog front end. The 28-SSOP package has an exposed pad option for thermal dissipation; do not connect the EP to AGND unless specifically recommended in the datasheet.
Each analog input should be filtered with a 1 kΩ series resistor + 1 nF ceramic capacitor to AGND (giving a 159 kHz -3 dB cutoff) before reaching the AIN pin. This R-C network limits the input bandwidth to below the ADC's Nyquist frequency (50 kHz at 100 kSPS), preventing aliasing of out-of-band noise. For higher-impedance sources (> 10 kΩ), increase the capacitor to 10 nF or use a unity-gain buffer (e.g., MAX145AEPA) to prevent ADC-input-distortion-knee effects. The input impedance of each AIN pin is approximately 5 kΩ during sampling (track mode) and much higher (GΩ range) during hold mode.
Do not leave unused AIN pins floating - tie them to AGND through a 1 kΩ resistor to prevent input-channel crosstalk and ESD entry paths. Avoid using the INTREF/EXTREF pin as a digital input while a conversion is in progress; the reference-mode change can corrupt the ongoing conversion by up to 1 LSB. When using an external reference, ensure the reference source can drive the 4.096 VREF pin's 1 mA typical load; ADR01/ADR02/ADR435 are good choices. Do not exceed ±16.5 V on AIN pins even though fault-protected; sustained over-voltage beyond ±25 V will damage the protection clamps. Always wait at least 10 µs after power-up before initiating the first conversion, to allow the internal reference to settle.
Compliance Information
RoHS and REACH compliance per Maxim Integrated product page. The 'plus' suffix (MAX196ACAI+) denotes RoHS-compliant tape-and-reel; the non-'+' suffix (MAX196ACAI) may be non-RoHS tube packaging. AEC-Q100 not applicable - this is not an automotive-grade part; for automotive applications consider MAX196AEAI+ with extended temperature range.