MX574ALN+ - 12-Bit Industry-Standard ADC | Maxim Integrated
MPN: MX574ALN+ ✓ Active| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $42.8 | $42.80 |
| 10 | $38.52 | $385.20 |
| 100 | $33.74 | $3,374.00 |
| 500 | $29.95 | $14,975.00 |
| 1,000 | $27.1 | $27,100.00 |
MX574ALN+ Overview
An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a mixed-signal integrated circuit that samples a continuous analog voltage and quantizes it into a discrete digital code, forming the bridge between real-world analog signals and digital processors. Successive-approximation ADCs (SAR ADCs) use a binary-search algorithm with an internal DAC and comparator to converge on the input voltage one bit per clock cycle; they sit in the broader taxonomy of ADC architectures alongside flash, sigma-delta, pipeline, and integrating ADCs, and are prized for a favorable balance of speed, resolution, and low power consumption. The MX574A belongs to the industry-standard ADC family that has been second-sourced for decades, making it a common legacy building block in industrial, instrumentation, and process-control designs.
Key features of the MX574ALN+ include a built-in track-and-hold amplifier, three-state output buffers that interface directly to an 8-/12- or 16-bit microprocessor data bus, and an internal 10V buried-Zener reference that is laser-trimmed to within ±0.3% maximum error. The converter is specified for the commercial temperature range of 0°C to +70°C, operates from standard ±15V and +5V supplies, and provides digital control inputs for conversion start and byte-multiplexed read cycles. Its parallel 12-bit output simplifies integration with legacy 8-bit microprocessors such as the 8080, 6800, and Z80 family, where two successive read cycles deliver the 8 LSBs and 4 MSBs.
Typical applications include process-control instrumentation, data-acquisition front ends, precision sensor signal conditioning, panel meters and digital voltmeters, medical instrumentation front ends, and legacy industrial automation systems. The wide ±15V-tolerant analog input stage and robust 12-bit linearity make it a strong fit for digitizing transducer outputs (load cells, pressure transducers, thermocouple amplifiers) where 1 LSB resolution at 10V full scale (2.44 mV) is acceptable and design reuse matters.
When designing with this device, observe the analog input current requirements during acquisition; an external buffer amplifier or proper RC network may be required for high-impedance sources. The internal reference pin (REF) should be decoupled with a 10 µF tantalum and 0.1 µF ceramic pair per the manufacturer application note to minimize reference-induced conversion noise. Note that the MX574A is a long-running legacy part - confirm long-term availability before committing to new high-volume designs.
Drop-in alternatives for MX574ALN+ — 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 MX574ALN+ (same form factor and footprint) — differing in Mounting Type, Package / Case, Reference Type.
Quick Comparison Tool — Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
MX574ALEWI+CDR
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified✓ In Stock
$19.4 / Unit
View Datasheet →MX574AJN+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MX674ALN+
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MAX174ALN+
✅ Drop-In ⚠️ Specs Unverified📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD574AJNZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
AD574ALNZ
✅ Drop-In📋 Reference alternative (not in catalog)
MX574ALN+ Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Resolution | 12 bits |
| Architecture | Successive Approximation (SAR) |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Conversion Time (max) | 40 µs |
| Analog Input Range (unipolar) | 0 V to 10 V or 0 V to 20 V |
| Analog Input Range (bipolar) | ±5 V or ±10 V |
| Input Type | Single-Ended |
| Integral Nonlinearity (INL) | ±1/2 LSB (max) |
| Internal Reference | 10 V buried-Zener, ±0.3% max error |
| Reference Type | Internal (External option supported) |
| Data Interface | Parallel (12-bit, 8-bit multiplexed) |
| Output Type | Three-State TTL-compatible |
| Supply Voltage - Analog | ±15 V (typical), +5 V supported |
| Supply Voltage - Digital | +5 V |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 °C to +70 °C (commercial) |
| Package / Case | 28-DIP (0.600 in, 15.24 mm) |
| Mounting Type | Through-Hole |
| RoHS Status | Compliant (with '+' RoHS suffix) |
MX574ALN+ Pin Configuration
| Pin 1 | V+ (+12V or +15V) — Analog positive supply, +15V typical |
| Pin 2 | GND (Analog) — Analog ground return |
| Pin 3 | REF OUT — Internal 10V buried-Zener reference output |
| Pin 4 | REF IN — Reference input (use internal or external) |
| Pin 5 | 10V IN — Analog input, 0-10V unipolar range |
| Pin 6 | 20V IN — Analog input, 0-20V unipolar range |
| Pin 7 | BIP OFF — Bipolar offset adjustment (bipolar mode) |
| Pin 8 | GAIN — Gain adjustment (factory-trimmed) |
| Pin 9 | STS — Status output (active during conversion) |
| Pin 10 | VLOGIC (+5V) — Digital logic supply, +5V |
| Pin 11 | GND (Digital) — Digital ground return |
| Pin 12 | DB11 (MSB) — Data bit 11 (MSB) |
| Pin 13 | DB10 — Data bit 10 |
| Pin 14 | DB9 — Data bit 9 |
| Pin 15 | DB8 — Data bit 8 |
| Pin 16 | DB7 — Data bit 7 |
| Pin 17 | DB6 — Data bit 6 |
| Pin 18 | DB5 — Data bit 5 |
| Pin 19 | DB4 — Data bit 4 |
| Pin 20 | DB3 — Data bit 3 |
| Pin 21 | DB2 — Data bit 2 |
| Pin 22 | DB1 — Data bit 1 |
| Pin 23 | DB0 (LSB) — Data bit 0 (LSB) |
| Pin 24 | GND (Digital) — Digital ground return |
| Pin 25 | CE — Chip Enable (active low) |
| Pin 26 | CS — Chip Select (active low) |
| Pin 27 | R/C — Read/Convert (high=read, low=convert) |
| Pin 28 | 12/8 — 12-bit/8-bit data bus mode select |
Typical Applications
MX574ALN+ is suitable for 6 applications: Process Control Instrumentation, Data Acquisition Front End, Precision Digital Panel Meter, Medical Instrumentation Front End, Legacy Industrial Automation, Sensor Signal Conditioning Output.
Process Control Instrumentation
The MX574ALN+ is well suited to process-control analog front ends where 12-bit resolution over a 0-10V or 4-20mA-derived 0-10V input range is sufficient and conversion latency under 40 µs is acceptable. With its ±15V-tolerant analog input (up to ±25V without damage) and ±1/2 LSB max INL, it digitizes pressure transducer, flow meter, and temperature conditioner outputs with the reliability industrial PLCs require. The 12-bit parallel interface connects directly to legacy 8085/8051 microcontroller data buses without external latches, minimizing board space in DIN-rail-mounted signal conditioners. Place 0.1 µF ceramic and 10 µF tantalum decoupling at V+ (+15V), V- (-15V), VLOGIC (+5V), and REF pins per the Maxim datasheet to suppress switching noise from adjacent relays.
Recommended
Data Acquisition Front End
The MX574ALN+ forms a complete single-channel data-acquisition front end with its built-in track-and-hold amplifier, internal 10V buried-Zener reference, and parallel digital interface, eliminating the need for external signal conditioning in many applications. Designers wire the analog input through the 10V IN or 20V IN pin, strap the RANGE pin for unipolar/bipolar operation, and read 12-bit conversion results through the three-state output bus. In scanner-card designs where multiple MX574A chips share a single data bus, the chip-select logic is straightforward using the active-low CE, CS, and R/C inputs. For higher channel counts, the MX574ALN+ can be paralleled with second-source AD574A chips from Analog Devices on the same backplane without PCB rework.
Recommended
Precision Digital Panel Meter
The MX574ALN+ provides the conversion engine for 3-1/2 and 4-1/2 digit digital panel meters and benchtop DVMs where 12-bit resolution (1 mV at 4V full scale, 2.44 mV at 10V full scale) is sufficient for the meter's displayed digits. The internal 10V reference laser-trimmed to ±0.3% maximum error provides a stable ratiometric conversion base, while the ±15V supply rails allow direct connection to high-voltage divider networks from the meter input terminals. The built-in 12-bit parallel interface reduces display-driver complexity by feeding a BCD converter or 7-segment decoder without intermediate glue logic. Place a 1 kΩ/100 nF RC filter on the analog input to reject conducted EMI from the line-powered meter supply.
Recommended
Medical Instrumentation Front End
The MX574ALN+ is used in medical equipment such as patient monitors, infusion pumps, and benchtop laboratory analyzers where 12-bit accuracy is adequate for physiological signals (ECG, SpO2, temperature, respiration). The bipolar ±5V or ±10V input range accommodates transducer-amplifier outputs centered on 0V, while the 1/2 LSB INL preserves diagnostic linearity. The robust ±25V input overvoltage protection prevents damage from defibrillator discharge transients when external clamping is added. Industrial temperature variants (J-grade 0-70°C) suit the controlled thermal environment of medical cart and rack-mounted equipment. Note that medical-safety isolation must be provided externally; the MX574ALN+ is not inherently isolated.
Recommended
Legacy Industrial Automation
The MX574ALN+ is a long-established building block in legacy PLCs, motor controllers, and SCADA analog input modules where the AD574A/MX574A family has been deployed for 30+ years. Designers maintaining these systems use the MX574ALN+ as a form-fit-function replacement for obsolete AD574A, MX574, and second-source 12-bit ADC stocks. The 28-pin DIP through-hole package is critical for legacy backplanes that have plated-through-hole pads rather than surface-mount footprints, allowing repair and refurbishment of installed equipment. With its parallel interface to 8080/8085/Z80 microcontrollers, the MX574ALN+ continues to serve as the ADC in original-equipment boards that have not transitioned to SPI-based microcontrollers.
Recommended
Sensor Signal Conditioning Output
The MX574ALN+ digitizes analog outputs from load cells, strain gauges, pressure transducers, and thermocouple amplifiers where the transducer signal has been amplified to the 0-10V or ±10V range by a precision op-amp front end (such as the INA118 instrumentation amp). The 12-bit resolution provides 2.44 mV steps at 10V full scale, which is appropriate for industrial weighing platforms, hydraulic pressure monitoring, and HVAC sensor readouts. The internal reference allows ratiometric measurements when paired with bridge-style transducers excited by the MX574A's 10V reference output. A 10 kΩ/100 nF low-pass filter on the analog input suppresses RF pickup in factory environments.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for MX574ALN+ — comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | MX574ALEWI+ | MX574AJN+ | MX674ALN+ | MAX174ALN+ | AD574AJNZ | AD574ALNZ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Maxim Integrated | Analog Devices | Analog Devices |
| Package | 28-DIP (PDIP-28) | 28-DIP (PDIP-28) - same | 28-DIP (PDIP-28) - same | 28-DIP (PDIP-28) - same | 28-DIP (PDIP-28) - same | 28-DIP (PDIP-28) - same | 28-DIP (PDIP-28) - same |
| Resolution | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Conversion Time (max) | 40 µs | 40 µs | 40 µs | 15 µs | >40 µs (lower-speed) | 40 µs | 40 µs |
| Analog Input Range | 0-10V/0-20V, ±5V/±10V | 0-10V/0-20V, ±5V/±10V | 0-10V/0-20V, ±5V/±10V | 0-10V/0-20V, ±5V/±10V | 0-10V/0-20V, ±5V/±10V | 0-10V/0-20V, ±5V/±10V | 0-10V/0-20V, ±5V/±10V |
| Integral Nonlinearity | ±1/2 LSB (max) | ±1/2 LSB (max) | ±1/2 LSB (max) | ±1/2 LSB (max) | ±1 LSB (max) | ±1 LSB (max, J grade) | ±1/2 LSB (max, K grade) |
| Internal Reference | 10V buried-Zener ±0.3% | 10V buried-Zener ±0.3% | 10V buried-Zener ±0.3% | 10V buried-Zener ±0.3% | 10V buried-Zener ±0.3% | 10V buried-Zener ±0.3% | 10V buried-Zener ±0.3% |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | -40°C to +85°C (extended) | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | 0°C to +70°C (commercial) | 0°C to +70°C (J grade) | 0°C to +70°C (L grade) |
Key Differentiators
- Industry-standard pinout with widest second-source availability (vs AD574AJNZ)
- Lower conversion speed than MX674A but at lower cost (vs MX674ALN+)
- Faster conversion than MAX174A in the same package (vs MAX174ALN+)
Design Notes
The MX574ALN+ requires ±15V analog supplies (V+ and V-) and a separate +5V digital supply (VLOGIC). Place 0.1 µF ceramic and 10 µF tantalum decoupling on each supply pin, with the ceramic capacitors as close as physically possible to the IC pins. The analog and digital grounds must be tied together only at one point (the ADC's GND pin) to prevent digital return currents from corrupting the analog input. Use separate ground planes routed back to a star ground near the ADC's GND pin rather than split ground planes that can couple switching noise into the analog inputs.
The analog input pin (10V IN or 20V IN) is a high-impedance node during the acquisition phase, making it susceptible to RF pickup and capacitive crosstalk. Route the analog input traces away from digital clock lines, keep trace lengths short, and surround the analog input trace with a guard ring tied to analog ground. Place a 1 kΩ series resistor and 100 nF capacitor low-pass filter at the analog input to reject conducted EMI and dampen the kickback from the internal track-and-hold switch. Estimated: a 1 kΩ/100 nF RC filter yields a -3 dB cutoff of approximately 1.6 kHz, which is well below the 25 kHz Nyquist for 40 µs conversions.
Do not leave the REF IN pin floating - either connect it to the on-chip REF OUT pin through a buffer or apply an external precision 10V reference. Leave the unused analog input pin (10V IN or 20V IN) floating rather than shorted, per the Maxim datasheet. Avoid driving the analog input beyond ±25V; the device has internal protection but excessive overvoltage can permanently damage the input ESD structures. The R/C and CE/CS control inputs are edge-sensitive; ensure R/C returns high (read mode) before CE goes low to avoid false conversion starts.
Compliance Information
The '+' suffix on MX574ALN+ indicates a RoHS-compliant lead-free part per Maxim Integrated part-number convention. Not AEC-Q100 qualified - this is a commercial/industrial-grade legacy ADC. Halogen-free status not explicitly stated in the available data.
