San Jose, California, May 13, 2013 – Maxim Integrated Products (NASDAQ: MXIM) announced the launch of the MAX11156, the industry's smallest 12-pin 18-bit SAR (successive approximation register) analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The MAX11156 is offered in a compact 3mm x 3mm TDFN package and integrates an internal reference and reference buffer, enabling cost and board space savings of up to 70 percent compared to competing solutions. This high-performance ADC provides 18-bit resolution and employs Beyond-the-Rails™ technology, enabling ±5V input support using a single +5V input rail. Additionally, this technology eliminates the need for negative power supply, simplifying the design. With 18-bit resolution and a sampling rate of 500ksps, the MAX11156 is well-suited for applications that demand high accuracy and compact size, such as ATE (automatic test equipment), industrial control systems, medical equipment, and robotics.

The MAX11156 also provides monotonic transfer characteristics, fast settling time, and zero-delay functionality, making it ideal for high-speed, high-precision digital control loop systems. In fact, the MAX11156 delivers 18-bit resolution without missing codes and provides excellent DC accuracy of 0.5 LSB DNL and 2.5 LSB INL (typical), along with excellent AC performance of 94.6dB SNR and -105dB THD (typical). Additionally, the MAX11156 communicates via an SPI-compatible serial interface, allowing multiple ADCs to be daisy-chained in parallel in multichannel applications. This interface also provides busy status notification, simplifying system synchronization and timing.

Key Product Features

Board Space Savings: As the industry's most compact 18-bit SAR ADC, it integrates the reference buffer and internal reference, reducing cost and simplifying design.
Enhanced Performance: Delivers 18-bit performance with 94.6dB SNR, -105dB THD (typical), with no missing codes.
Bipolar Input Range: Operates from a single 5V supply while measuring ±5V (10VP-P) input range, simplifying external signal conditioning.

Industry Assessment

· Carmelo Morello, Business Unit Director at Maxim Integrated, stated, "The MAX11156 18-bit SAR ADC delivers exceptional accuracy in a compact package with a high level of integration. This product exemplifies Maxim's commitment to providing high-precision SAR ADCs of 16-bit and above."

· Colin Barnden, Principal Analyst at Semicast, commented, "18-bit ADCs address the increasing demand for precision in industrial and medical applications, enabling these systems to improve diagnostic performance."

Availability and Temperature Range

· Available in 12-pin TDFN package (3mm x 3mm)

· Operates over -40°C to +85°C temperature range