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 ADS7842EB are not drop-in replacements for one another. Although both are 12-bit touch screen controller ADCs from Texas Instruments, they differ in resolution architecture, package footprint, and interface configuration, so a direct board-level substitution is not possible without design changes.
Different resolution architecture
Different package footprint
Different interface configuration
Different supply configuration
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS7842EB
Burr Brown
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 8281 PCS
- Package
- SSOP-28
- 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 | ADS7842EB | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | Both are 12-bit ADCs, so resolution is equivalent and not a differentiator for substitutability. |
| Number of Input Channels | 1 (single-ended, with touch-screen switch drivers) | 4 (single-ended) | Channel count determines how many signals can be measured; the ADS7842EB supports four inputs while the ADS7846E is a single-channel touch-screen controller. |
| Interface Type | SPI (serial) | Parallel | The digital interface must match the host system; SPI versus parallel is a fundamental incompatibility for direct substitution. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 5 V (single supply) | Operating supply range affects compatibility with the system power rail; the ADS7846E supports lower-voltage operation. |
| Package | 16-pin SSOP | 28-pin SSOP | Package and pin count must match the PCB footprint; different packages require board redesign. |
| Primary Function | Touch-screen controller ADC | General-purpose 4-channel ADC | The intended application differs; the ADS7846E includes touch-screen drive circuitry while the ADS7842EB is a general-purpose converter. |
| Sampling Rate | 125 kSPS | 200 kSPS | Throughput affects how fast signals can be digitized; the ADS7842EB offers a higher maximum sampling rate. |
| On-chip Reference | Internal 2.5 V reference | External reference required | Reference configuration affects accuracy and external component count; the ADS7846E integrates a reference while the ADS7842EB needs an external one. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS7846E | ADS7842EB |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Rochester Electronics, LLC |
| Part Status | Active | Active |
| Number of Bits | - | 12 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | - | 200k |
| Number of Inputs | - | 4 |
| Input Type | - | Single Ended |
| Data Interface | - | Parallel |
| 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 |
| Features | - | Selectable Address |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 85°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 primary functional differences between the ADS7846E and ADS7842EB?
The ADS7846E is a 4-wire resistive touchscreen controller with an integrated 12-bit SAR ADC, on-chip temperature sensor, and SPI interface, housed in a 16-pin SSOP package. The ADS7842EB is a 12-bit, 4-channel sampling analog-to-digital converter with a parallel interface, housed in a 28-pin SSOP package. The ADS7846E is designed for touchscreen digitizer applications, while the ADS7842EB is a general-purpose multi-channel ADC.
Are the ADS7846E and ADS7842EB pin-to-pin compatible?
No. The ADS7846E uses a 16-pin SSOP package, while the ADS7842EB uses a 28-pin SSOP package. The pin counts, pin functions, and package dimensions differ, so they are not drop-in replacements for each other.
Do the ADS7846E and ADS7842EB use the same digital interface?
No. The ADS7846E communicates via a serial SPI-compatible interface, while the ADS7842EB uses a parallel digital interface for data output and control. This difference affects microcontroller pin requirements and firmware design.
What is the resolution and sampling architecture of each device?
Both devices are 12-bit successive-approximation register (SAR) ADCs. The ADS7846E provides 12-bit resolution for touchscreen coordinate measurement and auxiliary inputs. The ADS7842EB provides 12-bit resolution across four analog input channels with a parallel output bus.
Can the ADS7846E be used as a general-purpose 4-channel ADC like the ADS7842EB?
Not directly. The ADS7846E is optimized for resistive touchscreen control and includes touchscreen-specific features such as pen-interrupt detection and ratio-metric measurement modes. The ADS7842EB is a dedicated 4-channel ADC with a parallel interface. Substitution requires validating input configuration, interface timing, and system requirements against both datasheets.
What supply voltage ranges do the ADS7846E and ADS7842EB support?
The ADS7846E operates from a single supply of 2.7 V to 5.25 V. The ADS7842EB operates from a single 5 V supply. Designers must verify the exact supply requirements in the respective manufacturer datasheets before considering any substitution.
Are the ADS7846E and ADS7842EB interchangeable in existing designs?
No. Differences in package pinout, digital interface (SPI vs. parallel), supply voltage requirements, and target application (touchscreen controller vs. general-purpose ADC) prevent direct interchangeability. Any replacement must be validated against the original design's schematic, firmware, and timing requirements using the official datasheets.