MAX1115/MAX1116
Detailed Description
The MAX1115/MAX1116 ADCs use a successive-
approximation conversion technique and input
track/hold (T/H) circuitry to convert an analog signal to
an 8-bit digital output. The SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE-
compatible interface directly connects to microproces-
sors (µPs) without additional circuitry (Figure 3).
Track/Hold
The input architecture of the ADC is illustrated in the
equivalent-input circuit shown in Figure 4 and is com-
posed of the T/H, input multiplexer, input comparator,
switched capacitor DAC, and auto-zero rail.
The acquisition interval begins with the falling edge of
CNVST. During the acquisition interval, the analog input
(CH0) is connected to the hold capacitor (C
HOLD
).
Once the acquisition is complete, the T/H switch opens
and C
HOLD
is connected to GND, which retains the
charge on C
HOLD
as a sample of the signal at the ana-
log input.
Sufficiently low source impedance is required to ensure
an accurate sample. A source impedance of <1.5kΩ is
recommended for accurate sample settling. A 100pF
capacitor at the ADC inputs also improves the accuracy
of an input sample.
Conversion Process
The MAX1115/MAX1116 conversion process is internal-
ly timed. The total acquisition and conversion process
takes <7.5µs. Once an input sample has been
acquired, the comparator’s negative input is then con-
nected to an auto-zero supply. Since the device
requires only a single supply, the negative input of the
comparator is set to equal V
DD
/2. The capacitive DAC
restores the positive input to V
DD
/2 within the limits of 8-
bit resolution. This action is equivalent to transferring a
charge Q
IN
= 16pF
✕
V
IN
from C
HOLD
to the binary-
weighted capacitive DAC, which forms a digital repre-
sentation of the analog-input signal.
Single-Supply, Low-Power, Serial 8-Bit ADCs
6 _______________________________________________________________________________________
Pin Description
PIN NAME FUNCTION
1V
DD
Positive Supply Voltage
2 CH0 Analog Voltage Input
3, 5 I.C. Internally Connected. Connect to ground.
4 GND Ground
6 CNVST Convert/Start Input. CNVST initiates a power-up and starts a conversion on its falling edge.
7 DOUT
Serial Data Output. Data is clocked out on the falling edge of SCLK. DOUT goes low at the start of a
conversion and presents the MSB at the completion of a conversion. DOUT goes high impedance
once data has been fully clocked out.
8 SCLK Serial Clock. Used for clocking out data on DOUT.
