Part A
ADS1246IPW
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6549 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-16
- Series
- Acquisição de dados - Analogo para Convertedores Digitais (ADC)
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UK are not drop-in replacements for one another. The ADS1246IPW is a 24-bit delta-sigma ADC with an integrated PGA and SPI interface in a TSSOP-16 package, while the ADS1286UK is a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC with a serial interface in an SOIC-8 package. Their resolution, conversion architecture, footprint, and channel configuration differ fundamentally, so substituting one for the other requires a full board and firmware redesign.
Different resolution
Different ADC architecture
Different package footprint
Different input configuration
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS1286UK
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7912 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Acquisição de dados - Analogo para Convertedores Digitais (ADC)
Key differences
Rows are prioritized by design impact. Highlighted values require attention during substitution.
Key electrical and mechanical differences between the two devices
| Parameter | ADS1246IPW | ADS1286UK | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution (bits) | 24 | 12 | Resolution determines the smallest signal change the ADC can distinguish; a 24-bit device offers far finer measurement granularity than a 12-bit device. |
| Number of input channels | 1 differential | 1 differential | Both are single-channel differential ADCs, so channel count is not a differentiator for substitutability. |
| Interface type | SPI | SPI | Both use a serial SPI interface, simplifying drop-in replacement at the digital communication level. |
| Supply voltage (analog) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | The wider analog supply range of the ADS1246 allows operation at lower voltages, while the ADS1286 requires a nominal 5 V rail. |
| Package | TSSOP-16 | SOIC-8 | Different package footprints and pin counts mean the two parts are not physically interchangeable on the same PCB layout. |
| Input type | Differential | Differential | Both accept differential inputs, which helps reject common-mode noise in sensor measurement applications. |
| Internal PGA | Yes (1 to 128 gain) | No | The ADS1246 includes a programmable gain amplifier for direct small-signal sensing, whereas the ADS1286 requires external signal conditioning. |
| Data rate (max) | 2 kSPS | 20 kSPS | The ADS1286 supports a higher maximum sample rate, making it better suited for faster-changing signals despite its lower resolution. |
| Operating temperature range | -40 °C to +105 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | The ADS1246 offers a wider temperature range, which matters for industrial and harsh-environment applications. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS1246IPW | ADS1286UK |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Rochester Electronics, LLC,Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Discontinued at Digi-Key |
| Number of Bits | 24 | 12 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | 2k | 20k |
| Number of Inputs | 1 | 1 |
| Input Type | Differential, Single Ended | Differential |
| Data Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Configuration | MUX-PGA-ADC | S/H-ADC |
| Ratio - S / H: ADC | - | 1:1 |
| Number of A/D Converters | 1 | 1 |
| Architecture | Sigma-Delta | SAR |
| Reference Type | External, Internal | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 2.7V ~ 5.25V | 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 2.7V ~ 5.25V | 5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 105°C | 0°C ~ 70°C |
| Features | PGA, Temperature Sensor | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key architectural differences between the ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UK?
The ADS1246IPW is a 24-bit delta-sigma ADC with a built-in PGA, offering programmable gains from 1 to 128, and supports a single differential input. The ADS1286UK is a 12-bit successive-approximation register (SAR) ADC with a fixed input range and no integrated PGA. The ADS1246IPW targets high-resolution, low-frequency sensor measurement, while the ADS1286UK suits faster, lower-resolution data acquisition.
Do the ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UK have compatible package footprints?
No. The ADS1246IPW is supplied in a 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package, whereas the ADS1286UK is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC (D) package. The pin counts, pin functions, and PCB land patterns differ, so they are not drop-in replacements for each other.
How do the resolution and data rate specifications compare?
The ADS1246IPW provides 24-bit resolution with programmable output data rates typically from 5 SPS to 2 kSPS, depending on configuration. The ADS1286UK provides 12-bit resolution with a maximum sampling rate of 200 kSPS. The ADS1246IPW is optimized for precision at low speed, while the ADS1286UK is optimized for higher throughput at lower resolution.
What are the supply voltage requirements for each device?
The ADS1246IPW operates from a single analog supply (AVDD) of 2.7 V to 5.25 V and a digital supply (DVDD) of 2.7 V to 5.25 V. The ADS1286UK operates from a single 5 V supply (typically 4.5 V to 5.5 V). Designs must verify supply rails against the respective datasheet before substitution.
Which device is better suited for high-resolution sensor measurement?
The ADS1246IPW is better suited for high-resolution sensor measurement because its 24-bit delta-sigma architecture and integrated PGA allow direct interfacing with low-level signals such as thermocouples, RTDs, and bridge sensors. The ADS1286UK, with 12-bit SAR resolution and no PGA, is more appropriate for general-purpose, higher-speed data acquisition where 12-bit precision is sufficient.
Can the ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UK share the same digital interface?
Both devices use an SPI-compatible serial interface, but the command sets, register maps, and timing requirements differ. Firmware written for one device cannot be reused directly on the other without modification and revalidation against the respective datasheet.
What are the typical application differences between the two ADCs?
The ADS1246IPW is typically used in precision industrial sensing, temperature measurement, weigh scales, and portable instrumentation requiring high resolution and low noise. The ADS1286UK is typically used in general-purpose data acquisition, process control, and battery-powered systems where a 12-bit SAR ADC with a simple serial interface and higher sample rate is adequate.