ADC121S655
ADC121S655 12-Bit, 200 kSPS to 500 kSPS, Differential Input, Micro Power
A/D Converter
Literature Number: SNAS402
May 2007
ADC121S655
12-Bit, 200 kSPS to 500 kSPS, Differential Input, Micro
Power A/D Converter
General Description
The ADC121S655 is a 12-bit, 200 kSPS to 500 kSPS sam-
pling Analog-to-Digital (A/D) converter that features a fully
differential, high impedance analog input and an external ref-
erence. The reference voltage can be varied from 1.0V to
VA, with a corresponding resolution between 244µV and VA
divided by 4096.
The output serial data is binary 2's complement and is com-
patible with several standards, such as SPI™, QSPI™, MI-
CROWIRE™, and many common DSP serial interfaces. The
differential input, low power consumption, and small size
make the ADC121S655 ideal for direct connection to trans-
ducers in battery operated systems or remote data acquisition
applications.
Operating from a single 5V supply, the supply current when
operating at 500 kSPS is typically 1.8 mA. The supply current
drops down to 0.3 µA typically when the ADC121S655 enters
power-down mode. The ADC121S655 is available in the
MSOP-8 package. Operation is guaranteed over the indus-
trial temperature range of −40°C to +105°C and clock rates
of 3.2 MHz to 8 MHz.
Features
True Differential Inputs
Guaranteed performance from 200 kSPS to 500 kSPS
External Reference
Wide Input Common-Mode Voltage Range
SPI™/QSPI™/MICROWIRE™/DSP compatible Serial
Interface
Key Specifications
Conversion Rate 200 kSPS to 500 kSPS
INL ± 0.95 LSB (max)
DNL ± 0.85 LSB (max)
Offset Error ± 3.0 LSB (max)
Gain Error ± 5.5 LSB (max)
SINAD 70 dB (min)
Power Consumption at VA = 5V
Active, 500 kSPS 9 mW (typ)
Active, 200 kSPS 7 mW (typ)
Power-Down 1.5 µW (typ)
Applications
Automotive Navigation
Portable Systems
Medical Instruments
Instrumentation and Control Systems
Motor Control
Direct Sensor Interface
Pin-Compatible Alternatives by Speed
All devices are pin compatible.
Resolution Specified for Sample Rate Range of:
50 to 200 ksps 200 to 500 ksps 500 ksps to 1 Msps
12-bit ADC121S625 ADC121S655 ADC121S705
Connection Diagram
30010505
TRI-STATE® is a trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation.
MICROWIRE™ is a trademark of National Semiconductor Corporation.
QSPI™ and SPI™ are trademarks of Motorola, Inc.
© 2007 National Semiconductor Corporation 300105 www.national.com
ADC121S655 12-Bit, 200 kSPS to 500 kSPS, Differential Input, Micro Power A/D Converter
Ordering Information
Order Code Temperature Range Description Top Mark
ADC121S655CIMM −40°C to +105°C 8-Lead MSOP Package, 1000 Units Tape & Reel X2AC
ADC121S655CIMMX −40°C to +105°C 8-Lead MSOP Package, 3500 Units Tape & Reel X2AC
ADC121S705EB Evaluation Board
Block Diagram
30010502
Pin Descriptions and Equivalent Circuits
Pin No. Symbol Description
1VREF
Voltage Reference Input. A voltage reference between 1V and VA must be applied to this
input. VREF must be decoupled to GND with a minimum ceramic capacitor value of 1 µF.
A bulk capacitor value of 10 µF in parallel with the 1 µF is recommended for enhanced
performance.
2 +IN Non-Inverting Input. +IN is the positive analog input for the differential signal applied to
the ADC121S655.
3 −IN Inverting Input. −IN is the negative analog input for the differential signal applied to the
ADC121S655.
4 GND Ground. GND is the ground reference point for all signals applied to the ADC121S655.
5 CS Chip Select Bar. CS is active low. The ADC121S655 is in Normal Mode when CS is LOW
and Power-Down Mode when CS is HIGH. A conversion begins on the fall of CS.
6DOUT
Serial Data Output. The conversion result is provided on DOUT. The serial data output
word is comprised of 4 null bits and 12 data bits (MSB first). During a conversion, the data
is output on the falling edges of SCLK and is valid on the rising edges.
7 SCLK Serial Clock. SCLK is used to control data transfer and serves as the conversion clock.
8VA
Power Supply input. A voltage source between 4.5V and 5.5V must be applied to this
input. VA must be decoupled to GND with a ceramic capacitor value of 1 µF in parallel
with a bulk capacitor value of 10 µF.
www.national.com 2
ADC121S655
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Notes 1, 2)
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required,
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/
Distributors for availability and specifications.
Analog Supply Voltage VA−0.3V to 6.5V
Voltage on Any Pin to GND −0.3V to (VA +0.3V)
Input Current at Any Pin (Note 3) ±10 mA
Package Input Current (Note 3) ±50 mA
Power Consumption at TA = 25°C See (Note 4)
ESD Susceptibility (Note 5)
Human Body Model
Machine Model
Charge Device Model
2500V
250V
750V
Junction Temperature +150°C
Storage Temperature −65°C to +150°C
Operating Ratings (Notes 1, 2)
Operating Temperature Range −40°C TA +105°C
Supply Voltage, VA+4.5V to +5.5V
Reference Voltage, VREF 1.0V to VA
Input Common-Mode Voltage, VCM See Figure 8 (Sect 2.3)
Digital Input Pins Voltage Range 0 to VA
Clock Frequency 3.2 MHz to 8 MHz
Differential Analog Input Voltage −VREF to +VREF
Package Thermal Resistance
Package θJA
8-lead MSOP 200°C / W
Soldering process must comply with National
Semiconductor's Reflow Temperature Profile specifications.
Refer to www.national.com/packaging. (Note 6)
ADC121S655 Converter Electrical Characteristics (Note 8)
The following specifications apply for VA = +4.5V to 5.5V, VREF = 2.5V, fSCLK = 3.2 to 8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz, CL = 25 pF, unless
otherwise noted. Boldface limits apply for TA = TMIN to TMAX; all other limits are at TA = 25°C.
Symbol Parameter Conditions Typical Limits Units
(Note 7)
STATIC CONVERTER CHARACTERISTICS
Resolution with No Missing Codes 12 Bits
INL Integral Non-Linearity ±0.6 ±0.95 LSB (max)
DNL Differential Non-Linearity ±0.4 ±0.85 LSB (max)
OE Offset Error −0.5 ±3.0 LSB (max)
FSE Positive Full-Scale Error −0.5 ±2.3 LSB (max)
Negative Full-Scale Error -1.0 ±5 LSB (max)
GE Gain Error +1.0 ±5.5 LSB (max)
DYNAMIC CONVERTER CHARACTERISTICS
SINAD Signal-to-Noise Plus Distortion Ratio fIN = 100 kHz, −0.1 dBFS 72.3 70 dBc (min)
SNR Signal-to-Noise Ratio fIN = 100 kHz, −0.1 dBFS 72.9 71 dBc (min)
THD Total Harmonic Distortion fIN = 100 kHz, −0.1 dBFS −81.4 −74 dBc (max)
SFDR Spurious-Free Dynamic Range fIN = 100 kHz, −0.1 dBFS 84.4 74 dBc (min)
ENOB Effective Number of Bits fIN = 100 kHz, −0.1 dBFS 11.7 11.3 bits (min)
FPBW −3 dB Full Power Bandwidth Output at 70.7%FS with
FS Input
Differential
Input 26 MHz
Single-Ended
Input 22 MHz
ANALOG INPUT CHARACTERISTICS
VIN Differential Input Range −VREF V (min)
+VREF V (max)
IDCL DC Leakage Current VIN = VREF or VIN = -VREF ±1 µA (max)
CINA Input Capacitance In Track Mode 17 pF
In Hold Mode 3 pF
CMRR Common Mode Rejection Ratio See the Specification Definitions for the
test condition 76 dB
VREF Reference Voltage Range 1.0 V (min)
VAV (max)
3 www.national.com
ADC121S655
Symbol Parameter Conditions Typical Limits Units
(Note 7)
IREF Reference Current
CS low, fSCLK = 8 MHz,
fS = 500 kSPS, output = FF8h 28 µA
CS low, fSCLK = 3.2 MHz,
fS = 200 kSPS, output = FF8h 12 µA
CS high, fSCLK = 0 0.12 µA
DIGITAL INPUT CHARACTERISTICS
VIH Input High Voltage 2.6 3.6 V (min)
VIL Input Low Voltage 2.5 1.5 V (max)
IIN Input Current VIN = 0V or VA ±1 µA (max)
CIND Input Capacitance 2 4pF (max)
DIGITAL OUTPUT CHARACTERISTICS
VOH Output High Voltage ISOURCE = 200 µA VA − 0.12 VA − 0.2 V (min)
ISOURCE = 1 mA VA − 0.16 V
VOL Output Low Voltage ISINK = 200 µA 0.01 0.4 V (max)
ISINK = 1 mA 0.05 V
IOZH, IOZL TRI-STATE Leakage Current Force 0V or VA ±1 µA (max)
COUT TRI-STATE Output Capacitance Force 0V or VA24pF (max)
Output Coding Binary 2'S Complement
POWER SUPPLY CHARACTERISTICS
VAAnalog Supply Voltage 4.5 V (min)
5.5 V (max)
IVA
(Normal))
Supply Current, Normal Mode
(Operational)
fSCLK = 8 MHz, fS = 500 kSPS, fIN = 100
kHz 1.8 2.2 mA (max)
fSCLK = 3.2 MHz, fS = 200 kSPS, fIN =
100 kHz 1.4 mA
IVA (PD) Supply Current, Power Down Mode (CS
high)
fSCLK = 8 MHz 32 µA (max)
fSCLK = 0 (Note 8) 0.3 2µA (max)
PWR
(Normal))
Power Consumption, Normal Mode
(Operational)
fSCLK = 8 MHz, fS = 500 kSPS, fIN = 100
kHz, VA = 5.0V 9 mW
fSCLK = 3.2 MHz, fS = 200 kSPS, fIN =
100 kHz, VA = 5.0V 7 mW
PWR
(PD)
Power Consumption, Power Down Mode
(CS high)
fSCLK = 8 MHz, VA = 5.0V 200 µW
fSCLK = 0, VA = 5.0V 1.5 µW
PSRR Power Supply Rejection Ratio See the Specification Definitions for the
test condition −85 dB
AC ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
fSCLK Maximum Clock Frequency 16 8MHz (min)
fSCLK Minimum Clock Frequency 0.8 3.2 MHz (max)
fSMaximum Sample Rate 1000 500 kSPS (min)
tACQ Track/Hold Acquisition Time
2.5 SCLK cycles
(min)
3.0 SCLK cycles
(max)
tCONV Conversion Time 13 SCLK cycles
tAD Aperture Delay See the Specification Definitions 6 ns
www.national.com 4
ADC121S655
ADC121S655 Timing Specifications (Note 8)
The following specifications apply for VA = +4.5V to 5.5V, VREF = 2.5V, fSCLK = 3.2 MHz to 8 MHz, CL = 25 pF, Boldface limits
apply for TA = TMIN to TMAX: all other limits TA = 25°C.
Symbol Parameter Conditions Typical Limits Units
tCSH CS Hold Time after an SCLK rising edge 5ns (min)
tCSSU CS Setup Time prior to an SCLK rising edge 5ns (min)
tDH DOUT Hold time after an SCLK Falling edge 7 2.5 ns (min)
tDA DOUT Access time after an SCLK Falling edge 18 22 ns (max)
tDIS
DOUT Disable Time after the rising edge of CS
(Note 10) 20 ns (max)
tEN DOUT Enable Time after the falling edge of CS 8 20 ns (max)
tCH SCLK High Time 25 ns (min)
tCL SCLK Low Time 25 ns (min)
trDOUT Rise Time 7 ns
tfDOUT Fall Time 7 ns
Note 1: Absolute Maximum Ratings indicate limits beyond which damage to the device may occur. Operating Ratings indicate conditions for which the device is
functional, but do not guarantee specific performance limits. For guaranteed specifications and test conditions, see the Electrical Characteristics. The guaranteed
specifications apply only for the test conditions listed. Some performance characteristics may degrade when the device is not operated under the listed test
conditions. Operation of the device beyond the maximum Operating Ratings is not recommended.
Note 2: All voltages are measured with respect to GND = 0V, unless otherwise specified.
Note 3: When the input voltage at any pin exceeds the power supplies (that is, VIN < GND or VIN > VA), the current at that pin should be limited to 10 mA. The 50
mA maximum package input current rating limits the number of pins that can safely exceed the power supplies with an input current of 10 mA to five.
Note 4: The absolute maximum junction temperature (TJmax) for this device is 150°C. The maximum allowable power dissipation is dictated by TJmax, the
junction-to-ambient thermal resistance (θJA), and the ambient temperature (TA), and can be calculated using the formula PDMAX = (TJmax − TA)/θJA. The values
for maximum power dissipation listed above will be reached only when the ADC121S655 is operated in a severe fault condition (e.g. when input or output pins
are driven beyond the power supply voltages, or the power supply polarity is reversed). Such conditions should always be avoided.
Note 5: Human body model is a 100 pF capacitor discharged through a 1.5 k resistor. Machine model is a 220 pF capacitor discharged through 0 . Charge
device model simulates a pin slowly acquiring charge (such as from a device sliding down the feeder in an automated assembler) then rapidly being discharged.
Note 6: Reflow temperature profiles are different for lead-free packages.
Note 7: Tested limits are guaranteed to National's AOQL (Average Outgoing Quality Level).
Note 8: Data sheet min/max specification limits are guaranteed by design, test, or statistical analysis.
Note 9: While the maximum sample rate is fSCLK/16, the actual sample rate may be lower than this by having the CS rate slower than fSCLK/16.
Note 10: tDIS is the time for DOUT to change 10% while being loaded by the Timing Test Circuit.
Timing Diagrams
30010501
FIGURE 1. ADC121S655 Single Conversion Timing Diagram
5 www.national.com
ADC121S655
30010504
FIGURE 2. ADC121S655 Continuous Conversion Timing Diagram
30010508
FIGURE 3. Timing Test Circuit
30010506
FIGURE 4. DOUT Rise and Fall Times
30010511
FIGURE 5. DOUT Hold and Access Times
30010510
FIGURE 6. Valid CS Assertion Times
30010512
FIGURE 7. Voltage Waveform for tDIS
www.national.com 6
ADC121S655
Specification Definitions
APERTURE DELAY is the time between the fourth falling
edge of SCLK and the time when the input signal is acquired
or held for conversion.
COMMON MODE REJECTION RATIO (CMRR) is a measure
of how well in-phase signals common to both input pins are
rejected.
To calculate CMRR, the change in output offset is measured
while the common mode input voltage is changed from 2V to
3V.
CMRR = 20 LOG ( Δ Common Input / Δ Output Offset)
CONVERSION TIME is the time required, after the input volt-
age is acquired, for the ADC to convert the input voltage to a
digital word.
DIFFERENTIAL NON-LINEARITY (DNL) is the measure of
the maximum deviation from the ideal step size of 1 LSB.
DUTY CYCLE is the ratio of the time that a repetitive digital
waveform is high to the total time of one period. The specifi-
cation here refers to the SCLK.
EFFECTIVE NUMBER OF BITS (ENOB, or EFFECTIVE
BITS) is another method of specifying Signal-to-Noise and
Distortion or SINAD. ENOB is defined as (SINAD − 1.76) /
6.02 and says that the converter is equivalent to a perfect
ADC of this (ENOB) number of bits.
FULL POWER BANDWIDTH is a measure of the frequency
at which the reconstructed output fundamental drops 3 dB
below its low frequency value for a full scale input.
GAIN ERROR is the deviation from the ideal slope of the
transfer function. It is the difference between Positive Full-
Scale Error and Negative Full-Scale Error and can be calcu-
lated as:
Gain Error = Positive Full-Scale Error − Negative Full-Scale
Error
INTEGRAL NON-LINEARITY (INL) is a measure of the de-
viation of each individual code from a line drawn from negative
full scale (½ LSB below the first code transition) through pos-
itive full scale (½ LSB above the last code transition). The
deviation of any given code from this straight line is measured
from the center of that code value.
MISSING CODES are those output codes that will never ap-
pear at the ADC outputs. The ADC121S655 is guaranteed not
to have any missing codes.
NEGATIVE FULL-SCALE ERROR is the difference between
the differential input voltage at which the output code transi-
tions from negative full scale to the next code and −VREF + 0.5
LSB
OFFSET ERROR is the difference between the differential
input voltage at which the output code transitions from code
000h to 001h and 1/2 LSB.
POSITIVE FULL-SCALE ERROR is the difference between
the differential input voltage at which the output code transi-
tions to positive full scale and VREF minus 1.5 LSB.
POWER SUPPLY REJECTION RATIO (PSRR) is a measure
of how well a change in supply voltage is rejected. PSRR is
calculated from the ratio of the change in offset error for a
given change in supply voltage, expressed in dB. For the AD-
C121S655, VA is changed from 4.5V to 5.5V.
PSRR = 20 LOG (ΔOffset / ΔVA)
SIGNAL TO NOISE RATIO (SNR) is the ratio, expressed in
dB, of the rms value of the input signal to the rms value of the
sum of all other spectral components below one-half the sam-
pling frequency, not including harmonics or d.c.
SIGNAL TO NOISE PLUS DISTORTION (S/N+D or
SINAD) Is the ratio, expressed in dB, of the rms value of the
input signal to the rms value of all of the other spectral com-
ponents below half the clock frequency, including harmonics
but excluding d.c.
SPURIOUS FREE DYNAMIC RANGE (SFDR) is the differ-
ence, expressed in dB, between the desired signal amplitude
to the amplitude of the peak spurious spectral component,
where a spurious spectral component is any signal present in
the output spectrum that is not present at the input and may
or may not be a harmonic.
TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION (THD) is the ratio of the
rms total of the first five harmonic components at the output
to the rms level of the input signal frequency as seen at the
output, expressed in dB. THD is calculated as
where Af1 is the RMS power of the input frequency at the out-
put and Af2 through Af6 are the RMS power in the first 5
harmonic frequencies.
THROUGHPUT TIME is the minimum time required between
the start of two successive conversion.
7 www.national.com
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
DNL - 500 kSPS
30010521
INL - 500 kSPS
30010522
DNL vs. VA
30010523
INL vs. VA
30010524
OFFSET ERROR vs. VA
30010574
GAIN ERROR vs. VA
30010577
www.national.com 8
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
DNL vs. VREF
30010518
INL vs. VREF
30010519
OFFSET ERROR vs. VREF
30010556
GAIN ERROR vs. VREF
30010558
DNL vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010525
INL vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010526
9 www.national.com
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
OFFSET ERROR vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010575
GAIN ERROR vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010578
DNL vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010527
INL vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010528
OFFSET ERROR vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010576
GAIN ERROR vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010579
www.national.com 10
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
DNL vs. TEMPERATURE
30010529
INL vs. TEMPERATURE
30010530
OFFSET ERROR vs. TEMPERATURE
30010557
GAIN ERROR vs. TEMPERATURE
30010559
SNR vs. VA
30010531
THD vs. VA
30010532
11 www.national.com
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
SINAD vs. VA
30010533
SFDR vs. VA
30010534
SNR vs. VREF
30010535
THD vs. VREF
30010536
SINAD vs. VREF
30010537
SFDR vs. VREF
30010538
www.national.com 12
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
SNR vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010539
THD vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010540
SINAD vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010541
SFDR vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010542
SNR vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010543
THD vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010544
13 www.national.com
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
SINAD vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010545
SFDR vs. SCLK DUTY CYCLE
30010546
SNR vs. INPUT FREQUENCY
30010547
THD vs. INPUT FREQUENCY
30010548
SINAD vs. INPUT FREQUENCY
30010549
SFDR vs. INPUT FREQUENCY
30010550
www.national.com 14
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
SNR vs. TEMPERATURE
30010570
THD vs. TEMPERATURE
30010571
SINAD vs. TEMPERATURE
30010572
SFDR vs. TEMPERATURE
30010573
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010555
SUPPLY CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
30010554
15 www.national.com
ADC121S655
Typical Performance Characteristics VA = 5.0V, VREF = 2.5V, TA = +25°C, fSAMPLE = 500 kSPS, fSCLK =
8 MHz, fIN = 100 kHz unless otherwise stated.
REF. CURRENT vs. SCLK FREQUENCY
30010552
REF. CURRENT vs. TEMPERATURE
30010551
SPECTRAL RESPONSE - 500 kSPS
30010514
www.national.com 16
ADC121S655
Functional Description
The ADC121S655 analog-to-digital converter uses a succes-
sive approximation register (SAR) architecture based upon
capacitive redistribution containing an inherent sample/hold
function. The architecture and process allow the
ADC121S655 to acquire and convert an analog signal at
sample rates up to 500 kSPS while consuming very little pow-
er.
The ADC121S655 requires an external reference, external
clock, and a single +5V power source that can be as low as
+4.5V. The external reference can be any voltage between
1V and VA. The value of the reference voltage determines the
range of the analog input, while the reference input current
depends upon the conversion rate.
The external clock can take on values as indicated in the
Electrical Characteristics Table of this data sheet. The duty
cycle of the clock is essentially unimportant, provided the
minimum clock high and low times are met. The minimum
clock frequency is set by internal capacitor leakage. Each
conversion requires 16 SCLK cycles to complete. If less than
12 bits of conversion data are required, CS can be brought
high at any point during the conversion. This procedure of
terminating a conversion prior to completion is often referred
to as short cycling.
The analog input is presented to the two input pins: +IN and
–IN. Upon initiation of a conversion, the differential input at
these pins is sampled on the internal capacitor array. The in-
puts are disconnected from the internal circuitry while a con-
version is in progress.
The digital conversion result is clocked out by the SCLK input
and is provided serially, most significant bit first, at the DOUT
pin. The digital data that is provided at the DOUT pin is that of
the conversion currently in progress. With CS held low after
the conversion is complete, the ADC121S655 continuously
converts the analog input. The digital data on DOUT can be
clocked into the receiving device on the SCLK rising edges.
See the Digital Interface section and timing diagram for more
information.
1.0 REFERENCE INPUT
The externally supplied reference voltage sets the analog in-
put range. The ADC121S655 will operate with a reference
voltage in the range of 1V to VA.
As the reference voltage is reduced, the range of input volt-
ages corresponding to each digital output code is reduced.
That is, a smaller analog input range corresponds to one LSB
(Least Significant Bit). The size of one LSB is equal to twice
the reference voltage divided by 4096. When the LSB size
goes below the noise floor of the ADC121S655, the noise will
span an increasing number of codes and overall performance
will suffer. For example, dynamic signals will have their SNR
degrade, while D.C. measurements will have their code un-
certainty increase. Since the noise is Gaussian in nature, the
effects of this noise can be reduced by averaging the results
of a number of consecutive conversions.
Additionally, since offset and gain errors are specified in LSB,
any offset and/or gain errors inherent in the A/D converter will
increase in terms of LSB size as the reference voltage is re-
duced.
The reference input and the analog inputs are connected to
the capacitor array through a switch matrix when the input is
sampled. Hence, the only current required at the reference
and at the analog inputs is a series of transient spikes.
Lower reference voltages will decrease the current pulses at
the reference input and will slightly decrease the average in-
put current. The reference current changes only slightly with
temperature. See the curves, “Reference Current vs. SCLK
Frequency” and “Reference Current vs. Temperature” in the
Typical Performance Curves section for additional details.
2.0 ANALOG SIGNAL INPUTS
The ADC121S655 has a differential input, and the effective
input voltage that is digitized is (+IN) − (−IN). As is the case
with all differential input A/D converters, operation with a fully
differential input signal or voltage will provide better perfor-
mance than with a single-ended input. Yet, the
ADC121S655 can be presented with a single-ended input.
The current required to recharge the input sampling capacitor
will cause voltage spikes at +IN and −IN. Do not try to filter
out these noise spikes. Rather, ensure that the transient set-
tles out during the acquisition period (three SCLK cycles after
the fall of CS).
2.1 Differential Input Operation
With a fully differential input voltage or signal, a positive full
scale output code (0111 1111 1111b or 7FFh) will be obtained
when (+IN) − (−IN) VREF − 1.5 LSB. A negative full scale
code (1000 0000 0000b or 800h) will be obtained when (+IN)
− (−IN) −VREF + 0.5 LSB. This ignores gain, offset and lin-
earity errors, which will affect the exact differential input volt-
age that will determine any given output code.
2.2 Single-Ended Input Operation
For single-ended operation, the non-inverting input (+IN) of
the ADC121S655 should be driven with a signal or voltages
that have a maximum to minimum value range that is equal
to or less than twice the reference voltage. The inverting input
(−IN) should be biased at a stable voltage that is halfway be-
tween these maximum and minimum values.
Since the design of the ADC121S655 is optimized for a dif-
ferential input, the performance degrades slightly when driven
with a single-ended input. Linearity characteristics such as
INL and DNL typically degrade by 0.1 LSB and dynamic char-
acteristics such as SINAD typically degrades by 2 dB. Note
that single-ended operation should only be used if the perfor-
mance degradation (compared with differential operation) is
acceptable.
17 www.national.com
ADC121S655
2.3 Input Common Mode Voltage
The allowable input common mode voltage (VCM) range de-
pends upon the supply and reference voltages used for the
ADC121S655. The ranges of VCM are depicted in Figure 8
and Figure 9. The minimum and maximum common mode
voltages for differential and single-ended operation are
shown in Table 1.
30010561
FIGURE 8. VCM range for Differential Input operation
30010562
FIGURE 9. VCM range for single-ended operation
TABLE 1. Allowable VCM Range
Input Signal Minimum VCM Maximum VCM
Differential VREF / 2 VA − VREF / 2
Single-Ended VREF VA − VREF
3.0 SERIAL DIGITAL INTERFACE
The ADC121S655 communicates via a synchronous 3-wire
serial interface as shown in the Timing Diagram section. CS,
chip select, initiates conversions and frames the serial data
transfers. SCLK (serial clock) controls both the conversion
process and the timing of serial data. DOUT is the serial data
output pin, where a conversion result is sent as a serial data
stream, MSB first.
A serial frame is initiated on the falling edge of CS and ends
on the rising edge of CS. The ADC121S655's DOUT pin is in
a high impedance state when CS is high and is active when
CS is low; thus CS acts as an output enable.
During the first three cycles of SCLK, the ADC121S655 is in
acquisition mode (tACQ), acquiring the input voltage. For the
next thirteen SCLK cycles (tCONV), the conversion is accom-
plished and the data is clocked out. SCLK falling edges one
through four clock out leading zeros while falling edges five
through sixteen clock out the conversion result, MSB first. If
there is more than one conversion in a frame (continuous
conversion mode), the ADC121S655 will re-enter acquisition
mode on the falling edge of SCLK after the N*16th rising edge
of SCLK and re-enter the conversion mode on the N*16+4th
falling edge of SCLK as shown in Figure 2. "N" is an integer
value.
The ADC121S655 can enter acquisition mode under three
different conditions. The first condition involves CS going low
(asserted) with SCLK high. In this case, the ADC121S655
enters acquisition mode on the first falling edge of SCLK after
CS is asserted. In the second condition, CS goes low with
SCLK low. Under this condition, the ADC121S655 automati-
cally enters acquisition mode and the falling edge of CS is
seen as the first falling edge of SCLK. In the third condition,
CS and SCLK go low simultaneously and the ADC121S655
enters acquisition mode. While there is no timing restriction
with respect to the falling edges of CS and SCLK, see Figure
6 for setup and hold time requirements for the falling edge of
CS with respect to the rising edge of SCLK.
3.1 CS Input
The CS (chip select bar) input is CMOS compatible and is
active low. The ADC121S655 is in normal mode when CS is
low and power-down mode when CS is high. CS frames the
conversion window. The falling edge of CS marks the begin-
ning of a conversion and the rising of CS marks the end of a
conversion window. Multiple conversions can occur within a
given conversion frame with each conversion requiring six-
teen SCLK cycles.
3.2 SCLK Input
The SCLK (serial clock) is used as the conversion clock and
to clock out the conversion results. This input is CMOS com-
patible. Internal settling time requirements limit the maximum
clock frequency while internal capacitor leakage limits the
minimum clock frequency. The ADC121S655 offers guaran-
teed performance with the clock rates indicated in the elec-
trical table.
3.3 Data Output
The output data format of the ADC121S655 is two’s comple-
ment, as shown in Table 2. This table indicates the ideal
output code for the given input voltage and does not include
the effects of offset, gain error, linearity errors, or noise. Each
data output bit is sent on the falling edge of SCLK.
While most receiving systems will capture the digital output
bits on the rising edge of SCLK, the falling edge of SCLK may
be used to capture each bit if the minimum hold time (tDH) for
DOUT is acceptable. See Figure 5 for DOUT hold and access
times.
DOUT is enabled on the falling edge of CS and disabled on the
rising edge of CS. If CS is raised prior to the 16th falling edge
of SCLK, the current conversion is aborted and DOUT will go
into its high impedance state. A new conversion will begin
when CS is taken LOW.
www.national.com 18
ADC121S655
TABLE 2. Ideal Output Code vs. Input Voltage
Analog Input
(+IN) − (−IN)
2's
Complement
Binary Output
2's
Comp.
Hex Code
2's
Comp.
Dec Code
VREF − 1.5 LSB 0111 1111 1111 7FF 2047
+ 0.5 LSB 0000 0000 0001 001 1
− 0.5 LSB 0000 0000 0000 000 0
0V − 1.5 LSB 1111 1111 1111 FFF −1
−VREF + 0.5 LSB 1000 0000 0000 800 −2048
Applications Information
OPERATING CONDITIONS
We recommend that the following conditions be observed for
operation of the ADC121S655:
−40°C TA +105°C
+4.5V VA +5.5V
1V VREF VA
3.2 MHz fCLK 8 MHz
VCM: See Section 2.3
4.0 POWER CONSUMPTION
The architecture, design, and fabrication process allow the
ADC121S655 to operate at conversion rates up to 500 kSPS
while consuming very little power. The ADC121S655 con-
sumes the least amount of power while operating in power
down mode. For applications where power consumption is
critical, the ADC121S655 should be operated in power down
mode as often as the application will tolerate. To further re-
duce power consumption, stop the SCLK while CS is high.
4.1 Short Cycling
Another way of saving power is to short cycle the conversion
process. This is done by pulling CS high after the last required
bit is received from the ADC121S655 output. This is possible
because the ADC121S655 places the latest converted data
bit on DOUT as it is generated. If only 8-bits of the conversion
result are needed, for example, the conversion can be termi-
nated by pulling CS high after the 8th bit has been clocked
out. Halting the conversion after the last needed bit is out-
putted is called short cycling.
Short cycling can be used to lower the power consumption in
those applications that do not need a full 12-bit resolution, or
where an analog signal is being monitored until some condi-
tion occurs. For example, it may not be necessary to use the
full 12-bit resolution of the ADC121S655 as long as the signal
being monitored is within certain limits. In some circum-
stances, the conversion could be terminated after the first few
bits. This will lower power consumption in the converter since
the ADC121S655 spends more time in power down mode and
less time in the conversion mode.
4.2 Burst Mode Operation
Normal operation of the ADC121S655 requires the SCLK fre-
quency to be sixteen times the sample rate and the CS rate
to be the same as the sample rate. However, in order to min-
imize power consumption in applications requiring sample
rates below 200 kSPS, the ADC121S655 should be run with
an SCLK frequency of 8 MHz and a CS rate as slow as the
system requires. When this is accomplished, the
ADC121S655 is operating in burst mode. The ADC121S655
enters into power down mode at the end of each conversion,
minimizing power consumption. This causes the converter to
spend the longest possible time in power down mode. Since
power consumption scales directly with conversion rate, min-
imizing power consumption requires determining the lowest
conversion rate that will satisfy the requirements of the sys-
tem.
5.0 TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
Proper operation requires that the fall of CS not occur simul-
taneously with a rising edge of SCLK. If the fall of CS occurs
during the rising edge of SCLK, the data might be clocked out
one bit early. Whether or not the data is clocked out early
depends upon how close the CS transition is to the SCLK
transition, the device temperature, and characteristics of the
individual device. To ensure that the data is always clocked
out at a given time (the 5th falling edge of SCLK), it is essential
that the fall of CS always meet the timing requirement speci-
fied in the Timing Specification table.
6.0 PCB LAYOUT AND CIRCUIT CONSIDERATIONS
For best performance, care should be taken with the physical
layout of the printed circuit board. This is especially true with
a low reference voltage or when the conversion rate is high.
At high clock rates there is less time for settling, so it is im-
portant that any noise settles out before the conversion be-
gins.
6.1 Power Supply
Any ADC architecture is sensitive to spikes on the power sup-
ply, reference, and ground pins. These spikes may originate
from switching power supplies, digital logic, high power de-
vices, and other sources. Power to the ADC121S655 should
be clean and well bypassed. A 0.1 µF ceramic bypass ca-
pacitor and a 1 µF to 10 µF capacitor should be used to
bypass the ADC121S655 supply, with the 0.1 µF capacitor
placed as close to the ADC121S655 package as possible.
6.2 Voltage Reference
The reference source must have a low output impedance and
needs to be bypassed with a minimum capacitor value of 0.1
µF. A larger capacitor value of 1 µF to 10 µF placed in parallel
with the 0.1 µF is preferred. While the ADC121S655 draws
very little current from the reference on average, there are
higher instantaneous current spikes at the reference input
that must settle out while SCLK is high. Since these transient
spikes can be as high as 20 mA, it is important that the ref-
erence circuit be capable of providing this much current and
settle out during the first three clock periods (acquisition time).
The reference input of the ADC121S655, like all A/D convert-
ers, does not reject noise or voltage variations. Keep this in
mind if the reference voltage is derived from the power supply.
Any noise and/or ripple from the supply that is not rejected by
the external reference circuitry will appear in the digital re-
sults. The use of an active reference source is recommended.
The LM4040 and LM4050 shunt reference families and the
LM4132 and LM4140 series reference families are excellent
choices for a reference source.
6.3 Power and Ground Planes
A single ground plane and the use of two or more power
planes is recommended. The power planes should all be in
the same board layer and will define the analog, digital, and
high power board areas. Lines associated with these areas
should always be routed within their respective areas.
The GND pin on the ADC121S655 should be connected to
the ground plane at a quiet point. Avoid connecting the GND
pin too close to the ground point of a microprocessor, micro-
controller, digital signal processor, or other high power digital
device.
19 www.national.com
ADC121S655
7.0 APPLICATION CIRCUITS
The following figures are examples of the ADC121S655 in
typical application circuits. These circuits are basic and will
generally require modification for specific circumstances.
7.1 Data Acquisition
Figure 10 shows a typical connection diagram for the
ADC121S655 operating at a supply voltage of +5V. A 5 to 10
ohm resistor is shown between the supply pin of the
ADC121S655 and the microcontroller to low pass filter any
high frequency noise present on the supply line. The refer-
ence pin, VREF, is connected to a 2.5V shunt reference, the
LM4040-2.5, to define the analog input range of the
ADC121S655 independent of supply variation on the +5V
supply line. The VREF pin should be de-coupled to the ground
plane by a 0.1 uF ceramic capacitor and a tantalum capacitor
of at least 4.7 uF. It is important that the 0.1 uF capacitor be
placed as close as possible to the VREF pin while the place-
ment of the tantalum capacitor is less critical. It is also rec-
ommended that the supply pin of the ADC121S655 be de-
coupled to ground by a 1 uF capacitor.
30010563
FIGURE 10. Low cost, low power Data Acquisition
System
7.2 Pressure Sensor
Figure 11 shows an example of interfacing a pressure sensor
to the ADC121S655. A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) is
used to bias the pressure sensor. The DAC081S101 provides
a means for dynamically adjusting the sensitivity of the sen-
sor. A shunt reference voltage of 2.5V is used as the reference
for the ADC121S655. The ADC121S655, DAC081S101, and
the LM4040 are all powered from the same voltage source.
30010566
FIGURE 11. Interfacing the ADC121S655 for a Pressure Sensor
www.national.com 20
ADC121S655
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted
8-Lead MSOP
Order Number ADC121S655CIMM
NS Package Number MUA08A
21 www.national.com
ADC121S655
Notes
ADC121S655 12-Bit, 200 kSPS to 500 kSPS, Differential Input, Micro Power A/D Converter
THE CONTENTS OF THIS DOCUMENT ARE PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION
(“NATIONAL”) PRODUCTS. NATIONAL MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES WITH RESPECT TO THE ACCURACY
OR COMPLETENESS OF THE CONTENTS OF THIS PUBLICATION AND RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE CHANGES TO
SPECIFICATIONS AND PRODUCT DESCRIPTIONS AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE. NO LICENSE, WHETHER EXPRESS,
IMPLIED, ARISING BY ESTOPPEL OR OTHERWISE, TO ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS IS GRANTED BY THIS
DOCUMENT.
TESTING AND OTHER QUALITY CONTROLS ARE USED TO THE EXTENT NATIONAL DEEMS NECESSARY TO SUPPORT
NATIONAL’S PRODUCT WARRANTY. EXCEPT WHERE MANDATED BY GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS, TESTING OF ALL
PARAMETERS OF EACH PRODUCT IS NOT NECESSARILY PERFORMED. NATIONAL ASSUMES NO LIABILITY FOR
APPLICATIONS ASSISTANCE OR BUYER PRODUCT DESIGN. BUYERS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR PRODUCTS AND
APPLICATIONS USING NATIONAL COMPONENTS. PRIOR TO USING OR DISTRIBUTING ANY PRODUCTS THAT INCLUDE
NATIONAL COMPONENTS, BUYERS SHOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE DESIGN, TESTING AND OPERATING SAFEGUARDS.
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN NATIONAL’S TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE FOR SUCH PRODUCTS, NATIONAL ASSUMES NO
LIABILITY WHATSOEVER, AND NATIONAL DISCLAIMS ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTY RELATING TO THE SALE
AND/OR USE OF NATIONAL PRODUCTS INCLUDING LIABILITY OR WARRANTIES RELATING TO FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE, MERCHANTABILITY, OR INFRINGEMENT OF ANY PATENT, COPYRIGHT OR OTHER INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
RIGHT.
LIFE SUPPORT POLICY
NATIONAL’S PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES OR
SYSTEMS WITHOUT THE EXPRESS PRIOR WRITTEN APPROVAL OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND GENERAL
COUNSEL OF NATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR CORPORATION. As used herein:
Life support devices or systems are devices which (a) are intended for surgical implant into the body, or (b) support or sustain life and
whose failure to perform when properly used in accordance with instructions for use provided in the labeling can be reasonably expected
to result in a significant injury to the user. A critical component is any component in a life support device or system whose failure to perform
can be reasonably expected to cause the failure of the life support device or system or to affect its safety or effectiveness.
National Semiconductor and the National Semiconductor logo are registered trademarks of National Semiconductor Corporation. All other
brand or product names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
Copyright© 2007 National Semiconductor Corporation
For the most current product information visit us at www.national.com
National Semiconductor
Americas Customer
Support Center
Email:
new.feedback@nsc.com
Tel: 1-800-272-9959
National Semiconductor Europe
Customer Support Center
Fax: +49 (0) 180-530-85-86
Email: europe.support@nsc.com
Deutsch Tel: +49 (0) 69 9508 6208
English Tel: +49 (0) 870 24 0 2171
Français Tel: +33 (0) 1 41 91 8790
National Semiconductor Asia
Pacific Customer Support Center
Email: ap.support@nsc.com
National Semiconductor Japan
Customer Support Center
Fax: 81-3-5639-7507
Email: jpn.feedback@nsc.com
Tel: 81-3-5639-7560
www.national.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Texas Instruments Incorporated and its subsidiaries (TI) reserve the right to make corrections, modifications, enhancements, improvements,
and other changes to its products and services at any time and to discontinue any product or service without notice. Customers should
obtain the latest relevant information before placing orders and should verify that such information is current and complete. All products are
sold subject to TIs terms and conditions of sale supplied at the time of order acknowledgment.
TI warrants performance of its hardware products to the specifications applicable at the time of sale in accordance with TIs standard
warranty. Testing and other quality control techniques are used to the extent TI deems necessary to support this warranty. Except where
mandated by government requirements, testing of all parameters of each product is not necessarily performed.
TI assumes no liability for applications assistance or customer product design. Customers are responsible for their products and
applications using TI components. To minimize the risks associated with customer products and applications, customers should provide
adequate design and operating safeguards.
TI does not warrant or represent that any license, either express or implied, is granted under any TI patent right, copyright, mask work right,
or other TI intellectual property right relating to any combination, machine, or process in which TI products or services are used. Information
published by TI regarding third-party products or services does not constitute a license from TI to use such products or services or a
warranty or endorsement thereof. Use of such information may require a license from a third party under the patents or other intellectual
property of the third party, or a license from TI under the patents or other intellectual property of TI.
Reproduction of TI information in TI data books or data sheets is permissible only if reproduction is without alteration and is accompanied
by all associated warranties, conditions, limitations, and notices. Reproduction of this information with alteration is an unfair and deceptive
business practice. TI is not responsible or liable for such altered documentation. Information of third parties may be subject to additional
restrictions.
Resale of TI products or services with statements different from or beyond the parameters stated by TI for that product or service voids all
express and any implied warranties for the associated TI product or service and is an unfair and deceptive business practice. TI is not
responsible or liable for any such statements.
TI products are not authorized for use in safety-critical applications (such as life support) where a failure of the TI product would reasonably
be expected to cause severe personal injury or death, unless officers of the parties have executed an agreement specifically governing
such use. Buyers represent that they have all necessary expertise in the safety and regulatory ramifications of their applications, and
acknowledge and agree that they are solely responsible for all legal, regulatory and safety-related requirements concerning their products
and any use of TI products in such safety-critical applications, notwithstanding any applications-related information or support that may be
provided by TI. Further, Buyers must fully indemnify TI and its representatives against any damages arising out of the use of TI products in
such safety-critical applications.
TI products are neither designed nor intended for use in military/aerospace applications or environments unless the TI products are
specifically designated by TI as military-grade or "enhanced plastic."Only products designated by TI as military-grade meet military
specifications. Buyers acknowledge and agree that any such use of TI products which TI has not designated as military-grade is solely at
the Buyer's risk, and that they are solely responsible for compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements in connection with such use.
TI products are neither designed nor intended for use in automotive applications or environments unless the specific TI products are
designated by TI as compliant with ISO/TS 16949 requirements. Buyers acknowledge and agree that, if they use any non-designated
products in automotive applications, TI will not be responsible for any failure to meet such requirements.
Following are URLs where you can obtain information on other Texas Instruments products and application solutions:
Products Applications
Audio www.ti.com/audio Communications and Telecom www.ti.com/communications
Amplifiers amplifier.ti.com Computers and Peripherals www.ti.com/computers
Data Converters dataconverter.ti.com Consumer Electronics www.ti.com/consumer-apps
DLP®Products www.dlp.com Energy and Lighting www.ti.com/energy
DSP dsp.ti.com Industrial www.ti.com/industrial
Clocks and Timers www.ti.com/clocks Medical www.ti.com/medical
Interface interface.ti.com Security www.ti.com/security
Logic logic.ti.com Space, Avionics and Defense www.ti.com/space-avionics-defense
Power Mgmt power.ti.com Transportation and Automotive www.ti.com/automotive
Microcontrollers microcontroller.ti.com Video and Imaging www.ti.com/video
RFID www.ti-rfid.com
OMAP Mobile Processors www.ti.com/omap
Wireless Connectivity www.ti.com/wirelessconnectivity
TI E2E Community Home Page e2e.ti.com
Mailing Address: Texas Instruments, Post Office Box 655303, Dallas, Texas 75265
Copyright ©2011, Texas Instruments Incorporated