MAX188AEAP+

ADCs/DACs - Special Purpose Overview

The MAX188AEAP+ is a low-power, 8-channel, serial 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) manufactured by Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated. It integrates an 8-channel multiplexer, high-bandwidth track/hold circuitry, and a successive-approximation register (SAR) architecture. The device operates on a single +5V or dual ±5V supply and features a software-configurable input range for unipolar/bipolar and single-ended/differential signals. It utilizes a 4-wire serial interface compatible with SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE protocols. Key electrical specifications include a sampling rate of 133 kS/s, a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 70 dB, and differential nonlinearity (DNL) of ±1 LSB. The component requires an external reference voltage of 4.096V and is housed in a 20-pin SSOP package.

ADCs/DACs - Special Purpose Feature Summary

• 8-Channel Multiplexer: Supports 8 single-ended or 4 differential inputs with software-selectable configuration.
• Low-Power Operation: Consumes 1.5 mA in operating mode and reduces to under 10 µA in power-down modes.
• Serial Interface: Compatible with SPI, QSPI, and MICROWIRE; includes a serial strobe output for DSP integration.
• High Accuracy: Provides 12-bit resolution with ±0.5 LSB integral nonlinearity (INL) and 70 dB SNR.

ADCs/DACs - Special Purpose Applications

• Portable Data Logging Systems
• Data-Acquisition Applications
• High-Accuracy Process Control
• Battery-Powered Instruments
• Medical Instruments

ADCs/DACs - Special Purpose Procurement Notes

Verify the specific grade suffix 'A' corresponds to the required DC accuracy parameters, such as offset error and gain error limits, as defined in the electrical characteristics table. Confirm that the SSOP package variant meets the thermal dissipation requirements for the target application environment. Ensure the design accommodates the requirement for an external 4.096V reference voltage, as this model lacks an internal reference unlike the MAX186 counterpart.

ADCs/DACs - Special Purpose Selection Notes

Select the MAX188AEAP+ when an external precision reference is preferred over an internal one to allow for custom gain trimming via the REFADJ pin. Choose this part over the MAX186 if the system design already includes a stable external reference source. Consider the 20-pin SSOP package constraints regarding board space and thermal derating, which specifies a maximum power dissipation of 640 mW above +70°C ambient temperature.

ADCs/DACs - Special Purpose Part Context

The MAX188AEAP+ belongs to the MAX186/MAX188 family of low-power, serial 12-bit ADCs. While functionally identical in conversion architecture and interface, the MAX188 differs from the MAX186 by requiring an external reference voltage at the VREF pin, whereas the MAX186 includes an internal 4.096V reference. The 'E' suffix indicates an extended industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, and the 'A' grade denotes tighter DC accuracy specifications compared to lower grades.

ADCs/DACs - Special Purpose Replacement Considerations

The MAX186AEAP+ is a direct functional substitute within the same package, differing only by the inclusion of an internal reference voltage. For parallel interface requirements, the MAX180/MAX181 series is recommended. Verify that any replacement maintains compatibility with the existing SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE timing constraints and power supply configurations.