Part A
ADS1246IPW
Texas Dụng cụ
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6549 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-16
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UC/2K5 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 ADS1286UC/2K5 is a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC with a serial interface in a SOIC-8 package. They differ in resolution, conversion architecture, channel configuration, package footprint, and supply requirements, so a direct board-level substitution is not feasible without redesign.
Different ADC architecture
Different resolution class
Different package footprint
Different interface and supply
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS1286UC/2K5
Texas Dụng cụ
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 3452 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Analog to Digital Converters (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 | ADS1286UC/2K5 | 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 devices, so channel count is not a differentiator, but it confirms neither offers multiplexed multi-channel input. |
| Interface type | SPI | SPI | Both use SPI, so the host microcontroller interface is compatible, easing drop-in substitution at the digital interface level. |
| Supply voltage (analog) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 4.5 V to 5.5 V | The wider supply range of the ADS1246 allows operation at lower voltages, while the ADS1286 requires a nominal 5 V rail. |
| Input type | Differential (with PGA) | Differential (SAR) | The ADS1246 includes a programmable gain amplifier for small-signal sensing, whereas the ADS1286 is a SAR converter without integrated gain. |
| Architecture | Delta-sigma | SAR | Delta-sigma offers high resolution and low noise for slow signals, while SAR provides faster conversion suitable for different application needs. |
| Data rate / sampling rate | Up to 2 kSPS | Up to 20 kSPS | The SAR device supports higher throughput, while the delta-sigma device trades speed for resolution and noise performance. |
| Package | TSSOP-16 | SOIC-8 | Different package footprints and pin counts mean the two parts are not physically drop-in compatible on the same PCB layout. |
| Operating temperature range | -40 °C to +105 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | The wider temperature range of the ADS1246 suits harsher environments, while the ADS1286 is limited to standard industrial conditions. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS1246IPW | ADS1286UC/2K5 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| 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 | -40°C ~ 85°C |
| Features | PGA, Temperature Sensor | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary functional differences between the ADS1246IPW and the ADS1286UC/2K5?
The ADS1246IPW is a 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter with a built-in programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and an SPI-compatible serial interface, housed in a TSSOP-16 package. The ADS1286UC/2K5 is a 12-bit successive-approximation register (SAR) ADC with a serial interface, offered in a SOIC-8 package. The ADS1246 targets high-resolution, low-frequency measurement applications, while the ADS1286 targets general-purpose, higher-speed 12-bit data acquisition.
Do the ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UC/2K5 have compatible package footprints for direct PCB replacement?
No. The ADS1246IPW is supplied in a 16-pin TSSOP package, whereas the ADS1286UC/2K5 is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC package. The pin counts, package dimensions, and PCB land patterns differ, so neither device can be dropped directly into the other's footprint without a board redesign.
How do the resolution and architecture of these two ADCs compare?
The ADS1246IPW provides 24-bit resolution using a delta-sigma architecture, which is suited to low-noise, high-precision measurements of slowly varying signals. The ADS1286UC/2K5 provides 12-bit resolution using a SAR architecture, which is suited to faster conversions where 12-bit precision is sufficient. The choice depends on the required resolution, noise performance, and sampling rate of the target application.
What are the supply voltage requirements for the ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UC/2K5?
The ADS1246IPW operates from a single analog supply in the range of 2.7 V to 5.25 V, with a separate digital supply. The ADS1286UC/2K5 operates from a single 5 V supply. Designers should confirm exact supply and reference requirements against the respective manufacturer datasheets before finalizing a power design.
Do both devices include a programmable gain amplifier (PGA)?
No. The ADS1246IPW integrates a programmable gain amplifier, allowing low-level sensor signals to be amplified before conversion. The ADS1286UC/2K5 does not include an integrated PGA; any signal conditioning or amplification must be provided externally. This difference affects front-end design complexity and the ability to interface directly with low-output sensors.
What serial interface do the ADS1246IPW and ADS1286UC/2K5 use?
Both devices use a serial digital interface for communication with a host controller. The ADS1246IPW uses an SPI-compatible interface, while the ADS1286UC/2K5 uses a serial interface for data output and control. Engineers should verify timing, clock, and frame requirements in the respective datasheets to ensure compatibility with the chosen microcontroller or DSP.
In what application scenarios would the ADS1246IPW be preferred over the ADS1286UC/2K5?
The ADS1246IPW is generally preferred in applications requiring high resolution and low noise, such as precision sensor measurement, weigh scales, temperature sensing, and industrial process control, where a 24-bit delta-sigma converter with integrated PGA is advantageous. The ADS1286UC/2K5 is more suitable for general-purpose 12-bit data acquisition where a compact 8-pin SAR converter and a 5 V supply are adequate.