Industry’s fastest 20-bit SAR ADC saves 91% power

Typically, when engineers require high-precision data conversion, they turn to a delta-sigma ADC. However, to produce high precision and wide dynamic range, those ADCs must consume at least 100mW of power. In contrast, the MAX11905 SAR ADC consumes only 9mW - a 91% power savings. With this power savings comes very high (20-bit) precision and the fastest sampling (1.6Ms/s) rate available. The MAX11905 also integrates internal reference buffers, which reduces cost and time to market, and saves up to 50% space compared to competitive discrete solutions. With this versatility, the MAX11905 is suited for a wide range of applications, including process control, automatic test equipment, medical instrumentation, and battery-powered devices.

The MAX11905 enables 1.6Ms/s throughout with no latency and settling time limitation, and achieves 98.3dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and -123dB total harmonic distortion (THD). This improves static and dynamic performance, guarantees monotonic function, and provides best-in-class power consumption. The SAR ADC is highly versatile: it delivers high 20-bit resolution with no missing codes, at 1.6Ms/s of speed, at 9mW of power. It also integrates internal reference buffers, reducing design complexity, time and cost.

Carmelo Morello, Senior Business Manager, Maxim Integrated Products, commented: “In the past, engineers used 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs to achieve fast acquisition with low noise and distortion. With the MAX11905 SAR ADC, you can reach ultra-low-noise, ultra-low THD with low offset and gain drift, but now at less than 1/10 the power consumption and no settling time limitations.”

Available now in a 20-pin, 4x4mm TQFN package, the MAX11905 SAR ADC is priced from $33.95 (USD) each in 1,000 unit quantities.