Part A
ADS7846E
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5291 PCS
- Package
- SSOP-16
- Series
- Acquisição de dados - Controladores de tela de toque
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS7846E and ADS7841E/2K5G4 are not drop-in replacements for one another. Although both are 12-bit SAR ADCs in a 16-pin SSOP package, they differ in serial interface protocol, input channel configuration, integrated feature set, and supply voltage range, so the ADS7841E/2K5G4 cannot be substituted directly for the ADS7846E without circuit and firmware redesign.
Different serial interface protocol
Different input channel configuration
Different integrated feature set
Different supply voltage range
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS7841E/2K5G4
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5974 PCS
- Package
- SSOP-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 | ADS7846E | ADS7841E/2K5G4 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | Both are 12-bit SAR ADCs, so resolution is equivalent for substitutability. |
| Number of Input Channels | 4 (single-ended) / 2 (differential) | 4 (single-ended) / 2 (differential) | Channel count determines how many analog signals can be multiplexed into the ADC. |
| Interface Type | SPI (serial) | SPI (serial) | Both use a serial SPI interface, allowing direct drop-in compatibility in digital host systems. |
| Supply Voltage (Analog) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | Matching analog supply ranges ensure the parts can operate in the same power domain. |
| Supply Voltage (Digital) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | Digital I/O supply compatibility is required for direct logic-level interfacing. |
| Package / Pin Count | 16-pin SSOP | 16-pin SSOP | Identical package and pin count enable PCB footprint compatibility. |
| Sampling Rate | 125 kSPS | 200 kSPS | Different maximum throughput affects achievable acquisition speed in the application. |
| On-Chip Reference | No (external reference required) | No (external reference required) | Both require an external reference, so reference circuitry must be provided in either case. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Matching temperature ranges ensure equivalent environmental robustness. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS7846E | ADS7841E/2K5G4 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Number of Bits | - | 12 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | - | 200k |
| Number of Inputs | - | 4 |
| Input Type | - | Single Ended |
| Data Interface | - | SPI |
| Configuration | - | MUX-S/H-ADC |
| Ratio - S / H: ADC | - | 1:1 |
| Number of A/D Converters | - | 1 |
| Architecture | - | SAR |
| Reference Type | - | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | - | 2.7V ~ 3.6V, 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | - | 2.7V ~ 3.6V, 5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 125°C |
| Touchscreen | 4 Wire Resistive | - |
| Resolution(Bits) | 12 b | - |
| Interface | SPI | - |
| Voltage Reference | External, Internal | - |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.2V ~ 5.25V | - |
| Supply Current | 500 µA | - |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key differences between the ADS7846E and the ADS7841E/2K5G4?
The ADS7846E is a 4-wire resistive touchscreen controller with an integrated 12-bit SAR ADC, on-chip temperature sensor, and SPI-compatible serial interface, supplied in a 16-pin SSOP package. The ADS7841E/2K5G4 is a standalone 12-bit, 4-channel SAR ADC with a serial interface, supplied in a 16-pin SSOP package and provided in tape-and-reel form (2K5). The ADS7846E includes touchscreen drive and control logic, while the ADS7841E/2K5G4 is a general-purpose ADC without touchscreen control circuitry.
Are the ADS7846E and ADS7841E/2K5G4 pin-compatible?
No. Although both devices are offered in 16-pin SSOP packages, their pin functions differ because the ADS7846E integrates touchscreen drive and control signals (such as X+/X-, Y+/Y-, and pen-interrupt outputs) that are not present on the ADS7841E/2K5G4. Pin assignments must be verified against the respective manufacturer datasheets before any layout or substitution decision.
Do both devices have the same ADC resolution and architecture?
Yes. Both the ADS7846E and the ADS7841E/2K5G4 use a 12-bit successive-approximation register (SAR) ADC architecture. The ADS7846E provides 12-bit resolution for touchscreen coordinate and auxiliary measurements, and the ADS7841E/2K5G4 provides 12-bit resolution across its four analog input channels.
What is the difference in analog input channel configuration between the two parts?
The ADS7841E/2K5G4 provides four analog input channels that can be configured as single-ended or differential pairs. The ADS7846E is optimized for 4-wire resistive touchscreen operation, with its input multiplexing arranged for X/Y coordinate measurement plus auxiliary inputs such as battery and temperature sensing. The channel configuration and control-word formats are therefore not identical.
Can the ADS7841E/2K5G4 be used as a drop-in replacement for the ADS7846E in a touchscreen design?
No. The ADS7841E/2K5G4 lacks the touchscreen drive circuitry, pen-interrupt output, and touchscreen-specific control logic of the ADS7846E, so it cannot directly drive and measure a 4-wire resistive touchscreen panel in the same way. A replacement would require additional external circuitry and firmware changes, and must be validated against the manufacturer datasheets.
What supply voltage range do these devices support?
Both the ADS7846E and the ADS7841E/2K5G4 are specified for a single-supply operating range of 2.7 V to 5.25 V, per the manufacturer datasheets. Designers should confirm the exact tested limits and conditions in the latest revision of each datasheet before finalizing a design.
What serial interface do the ADS7846E and ADS7841E/2K5G4 use?
Both devices use an SPI-compatible serial interface for communication with a host microcontroller or processor. The command and data formats differ because the ADS7846E includes touchscreen control and auxiliary measurement commands, while the ADS7841E/2K5G4 uses a standard channel-selection control word for its four analog inputs.
What package and ordering form do these parts use?
Both the ADS7846E and the ADS7841E/2K5G4 are offered in a 16-pin SSOP package. The ADS7841E/2K5G4 suffix indicates tape-and-reel packaging (2K5), which is suited to automated assembly. Package dimensions and land patterns should be confirmed from the respective manufacturer datasheets.