Part A
ADS1281IPW
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4383 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-24
- Series
- Acquisição de dados - Analogo para Convertedores Digitais (ADC)
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS1281IPW and ADS1230IPWG4 are not drop-in replacements for one another. The ADS1281IPW is a high-resolution 31-bit delta-sigma ADC with a serial SPI interface in a TSSOP-28 package, while the ADS1230IPWG4 is a 20-bit delta-sigma ADC with a two-wire serial interface in a TSSOP-16 package. Their resolution, digital interface, channel configuration, and package footprint differ substantially, so a direct board-level substitution is not feasible without redesign.
Different resolution
Different digital interface
Different channel count
Different package footprint
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS1230IPWG4
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6107 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-16
- 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 | ADS1281IPW | ADS1230IPWG4 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution (bits) | 31 | 20 | Higher resolution enables finer measurement of small signal changes; the ADS1281 offers significantly more resolution than the ADS1230. |
| Architecture | Delta-Sigma (2nd order) | Delta-Sigma | Both are delta-sigma ADCs, but the ADS1281 uses a specific 2nd-order modulator optimized for high-resolution seismic/energy exploration applications. |
| Sample Rate (max) | 4 kSPS | 80 SPS | The ADS1281 supports much higher output data rates, making it suitable for wider-bandwidth signals, while the ADS1230 targets slow, high-precision weigh-scale signals. |
| Input Type | Differential | Differential | Both accept differential inputs, which reject common-mode noise; this is a shared characteristic rather than a differentiator. |
| Number of Input Channels | 1 | 1 | Both are single-channel devices, so channel count is not a differentiator for substitutability. |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | Both use a serial SPI interface, simplifying drop-in compatibility at the digital communication level. |
| Supply Voltage (analog) | 5 V (analog), 1.8 V to 3.3 V (digital) | 2.7 V to 5.3 V | Supply requirements differ; the ADS1281 uses a split analog/digital supply while the ADS1230 operates from a single wide-range supply, affecting board design. |
| Package | TSSOP-24 | TSSOP-16 | Different pin counts and footprints mean the parts are not physically drop-in compatible and require different PCB layouts. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40°C to +85°C | -40°C to +85°C | Both share the same industrial temperature range, so environmental tolerance is equivalent. |
| Typical Application Focus | Seismic and energy exploration, high-resolution instrumentation | Weigh scales, strain gauges, pressure sensors | The intended application domains differ substantially, indicating they are not direct functional substitutes despite both being delta-sigma ADCs. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS1281IPW | ADS1230IPWG4 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Discontinued at Digi-Key |
| Number of Bits | 31 | 20 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | 4k | 80 |
| Number of Inputs | 1 | 1 |
| Input Type | Differential, Single Ended | Differential, Single Ended |
| Data Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Configuration | ADC | PGA-ADC |
| Number of A/D Converters | 1 | 1 |
| Architecture | Sigma-Delta | Sigma-Delta |
| Reference Type | External | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 5V | 2.7V ~ 5.3V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 1.65V ~ 3.6V | 2.7V ~ 5.3V |
| Features | - | PGA |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary differences between the ADS1281IPW and ADS1230IPWG4?
The ADS1281IPW is a 31-bit delta-sigma ADC with a maximum data rate of 4 kSPS, designed for high-resolution seismic and energy exploration applications, featuring a programmable gain amplifier and operating from a 5 V analog supply. The ADS1230IPWG4 is a 20-bit delta-sigma ADC with a maximum data rate of 80 SPS, optimized for weigh scales and bridge sensor applications, integrating a low-noise PGA with a gain of 128 and operating from a 2.7 V to 5.3 V supply. The two devices differ in resolution, data rate, supply requirements, and target application segments.
Are the ADS1281IPW and ADS1230IPWG4 pin-compatible?
No. The ADS1281IPW is offered in a 24-pin TSSOP package, while the ADS1230IPWG4 is offered in a 16-pin TSSOP package. The pin counts and pin functions differ, so they are not pin-compatible and cannot be interchanged on the same PCB land pattern without redesign.
Can the ADS1230IPWG4 directly replace the ADS1281IPW in an existing design?
No. Beyond package and pin differences, the ADS1281IPW provides 31-bit resolution at up to 4 kSPS, whereas the ADS1230IPWG4 provides 20-bit resolution at up to 80 SPS. The supply voltage ranges, digital interface timing, and register configurations also differ. A direct replacement is not possible without validating all electrical and functional differences against the respective datasheets.
What are the typical applications for each device?
The ADS1281IPW is typically used in high-resolution seismic data acquisition, energy exploration, and precision instrumentation requiring wide dynamic range at moderate sample rates. The ADS1230IPWG4 is typically used in weigh scales, strain gauge and bridge sensor measurements, and other low-frequency, high-resolution sensing applications where a 20-bit ADC at up to 80 SPS is sufficient.
What supply voltage ranges do the ADS1281IPW and ADS1230IPWG4 support?
The ADS1281IPW operates from a 5 V analog supply (with a separate digital supply), while the ADS1230IPWG4 operates from a single supply ranging from 2.7 V to 5.3 V. Designs must account for these supply differences when considering either device.
How do the data output rates of the ADS1281IPW and ADS1230IPWG4 compare?
The ADS1281IPW supports programmable data rates up to 4 kSPS, making it suitable for higher-speed precision acquisition. The ADS1230IPWG4 supports a fixed data rate of 80 SPS (or 10 SPS depending on configuration), which is appropriate for slow-moving sensor signals such as weigh scales. The data rate difference is a key selection criterion between the two parts.
Do both devices include a programmable gain amplifier (PGA)?
Yes, both devices integrate a PGA. The ADS1281IPW includes a programmable gain amplifier to accommodate a range of input signal amplitudes. The ADS1230IPWG4 includes a low-noise PGA with a fixed gain of 128, optimized for direct connection to bridge sensors. The gain architecture and configurability differ between the two devices.