The MAX1421 is a 3.3V, 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC), featuring a fully-differential input, pipelined, 12-stage ADC architecture with wideband track-and-hold (T/H) and digital error correction incorporating a fully-differential signal path. The MAX1421 is optimized for low-power, high-dynamic performance applications in imaging and digital communications. The converter operates from a single 3.3V supply, consuming only 188mW while delivering a typical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 66dB at an input frequency of 15MHz and a sampling frequency of 40Msps. The fully-differential input stage has a small signal -3dB bandwidth of 400MHz and may be operated with single-ended inputs.

An internal 2.048V precision bandgap reference sets the full-scale range of the ADC. A flexible reference structure accommodates an internal or externally applied buffered or unbuffered reference for applications requiring increased accuracy or a different input voltage range.

In addition to low operating power, the MAX1421 features two power-down modes, a reference power-down and a shutdown mode. In reference power-down, the internal bandgap reference is deactivated, resulting in a typical 2mA supply current reduction. For idle periods, a full shutdown mode is available to maximize power savings.

The MAX1421 provides parallel, offset binary, CMOS-compatible three-state outputs.

The MAX1421 is available in a 7mm x 7mm, 48-pin TQFP package, and is specified over the commercial (0°C to +70°C) and the extended industrial (-40°C to +85°C) temperature ranges.

Pin-compatible higher- and lower-speed versions of the MAX1421 are also available. Please refer to the MAX1420 data sheet for a frequency of 60Msps and the MAX1422 data sheet for a frequency of 20Msps.