Analog Devices Inc. AD7988-1BRMZ

Overview of the AD7988-1BRMZ 16-bit SAR Analog-to-Digital Converter by Analog Devices

The AD7988-1BRMZ from Analog Devices is a 16-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for engineers seeking high precision, low power consumption, and versatile digital interfacing in compact systems. Part of the PulSAR® ADC family, the device offers up to 100 kSPS throughput and targets demanding applications such as automated test equipment, medical instruments, machine automation, and broader data acquisition systems. Housed in a space-saving 10-lead MSOP package, the AD7988-1BRMZ combines high resolution, flexible input structure, robust electrical performance, and a standard SPI-compatible digital output to simplify integration in modern embedded designs.

Primary technical attributes of the AD7988-1BRMZ

At its core, the AD7988-1BRMZ employs a 16-bit SAR architecture, supporting no missing codes and guaranteeing differential linearity and integral linearity errors tightly bounded for both 2.5V and 5V reference voltages. Its pseudo-differential input structure accepts voltages from 0 V to an externally provided reference (2.4V to 5.1V), facilitating compatibility with a broad range of sensor and transducer outputs. The device leverages a zero-latency design, enabling immediate availability of conversion results—critical for closed-loop control, real-time processing, and time-sensitive feedback systems.

The on-chip serial interface supports flexible configuration options, including 3-wire or 4-wire operation, daisy-chaining for multi-ADC architectures, and SPI-, QSPI-, MICROWIRE-, and DSP-compatibility. This allows system designers to scale designs or accommodate varying host preferences without significant redesign effort. The separation of analog (VDD) and digital input/output (VIO) supply pins supports logical interfacing from 1.8V to 5V systems independently of the analog domain’s voltage, promoting low-voltage digital compatibility.

Performance metrics and electrical properties of the AD7988-1BRMZ

Operating from a single 2.5V analog supply and supporting 1.71V to 5.5V logic interfaces, the AD7988-1BRMZ achieves 100 kSPS sample throughput while maintaining low power dissipation (as little as 400 μW from VDD and 700 μW total at full speed). With a dynamic range of up to 92 dB (VREF=5V), a typical signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 91.5 dB at 10 kHz, and total harmonic distortion (THD) of −114 dB, the device enables high-accuracy signal acquisition even in noise-sensitive environments. Analog input leakage is typically just 1 nA, and the device specified input bandwidth extends up to 10 MHz, supporting fast signal settling and wide input spectrum coverage.

The transition noise is kept to 0.6 LSB (VREF = 5V), and gain/zero errors are tightly controlled with minimal drift over the full −40°C to +125°C industrial temperature range. Both the acquisition time (500 ns) and conversion time (~9.5 μs at 100 kSPS) are engineered to facilitate low-latency system response. Digital output is straight binary, and conversion results are immediately available—vital for systems with tight timing requirements.

Integration, connectivity, and pin configuration aspects of the AD7988-1BRMZ

Integration flexibility is a hallmark of the AD7988-1BRMZ. Its pinout supports easy surface-mount assembly with a small 10-TFSOP (3.00mm width) footprint ideal for dense PCB layouts. The pseudo-differential input (IN+, IN−) configuration, along with the dedicated reference input (REF), allows direct interfacing with high-impedance or ground-referenced sources. The digital interface accommodates logic levels as low as 1.71V and up to 5.5V, simplifying direct connection with contemporary microcontrollers and FPGAs. The serial interface’s daisy-chain and multi-wire modes support scalable architectures—an advantage when implementing multi-channel acquisition without added complexity.

Proper digital and analog signal integrity is preserved via controlled impedance input paths and robust digital I/O, and the device pipeline-delay-free operation means the output data corresponds to the most recent sample on every conversion cycle. System designers benefit from an immediate, predictable data flow suitable for real-time deterministic applications.

Power consumption, thermal performance, and environmental conditions for the AD7988-1BRMZ

Low power operation is central to the AD7988-1BRMZ’s appeal for portable, battery-powered, and energy-conscious embedded systems. At 100 kSPS, typical total power consumption is 700 μW, dropping to 70 μW at 10 kSPS, supporting a range of use cases where energy efficiency is critical. The device is fully specified from −40°C to +125°C, ensuring reliable operation in harsh industrial and automotive environments. Thermal resistance for the 10-MSOP package (θJA = 200°C/W) is conducive to effective heat dissipation in compact configurations, and the device’s JEDEC-standard adherence supports compatibility with automated manufacturing processes.

The AD7988-1BRMZ is RoHS3 compliant and considered unaffected by REACH directives, further simplifying qualification in environmentally regulated sectors.

Common use cases for the AD7988-1BRMZ

The combination of precision, speed, and low power makes the AD7988-1BRMZ particularly suited to a wide range of professional applications. These include:

Automated test equipment requiring high throughput and accuracy at modest speeds.

Data acquisition front-ends in industrial process control and monitoring.

Medical instrumentation demanding reliable low-noise conversion and wide operating temperature range.

Machine automation and robotics where space constraints, low latency, and deterministic control loops are prioritized.

Engineers integrating the AD7988-1BRMZ can readily architect systems for sensor interfacing, electronic measurement, or embedded instrumentation with ease and confidence in signal fidelity.

Alternative or comparable models to the AD7988-1BRMZ

When evaluating the AD7988-1BRMZ, engineers may also consider other Analog Devices SAR ADCs for similar applications or to address differentiated throughput, resolution, and input architecture requirements. Pseudo-differential SAR ADCs with similar 16-bit resolution and sampling rates include models such as the AD7685, AD4008, and AD4004 from the Analog Devices portfolio. For systems needing higher sampling rates or alternative input structures, the AD7988-5 (500 kSPS) provides a pin-compatible, higher speed option, while the AD7684 and AD7687 address different speed and package preferences. Each model provides varying balances between speed, resolution, power dissipation, and input configuration.

Consulting the Analog Devices precision ADC selection table will guide engineering teams toward optimal substitutes based on system-level design priorities, such as pin-for-pin compatibility, analog front-end requirements, and available package types.

Conclusion

: Selecting the AD7988-1BRMZ for precision data acquisition

The AD7988-1BRMZ stands as a compelling solution for product selection engineers and procurement teams seeking a robust, low-power, high-precision SAR ADC in a compact form factor. Its blend of 16-bit resolution, versatile input/output configurability, and energy-efficient performance underpins its suitability for embedded, industrial, and instrumentation applications where signal integrity and reliable conversion timing are paramount. The breadth of compatible alternatives within the Analog Devices portfolio further reinforces the AD7988-1BRMZ’s value, enabling seamless system integration and future scalability. With its combination of robust features and proven electrical performance, the AD7988-1BRMZ is well positioned for adoption in critical measurement and control environments.