Part A
ADS1246IPWR
Texas Dụng cụ
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 2336 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-16
- Series
- Data Acquisition - Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS1281IPW and ADS1246IPWR are not drop-in replacements for one another. The ADS1281IPW is a high-resolution 31-bit delta-sigma ADC with a single channel and a serial SPI interface in a TSSOP-28 package, while the ADS1246IPWR is a 24-bit delta-sigma ADC with a single channel and a serial SPI interface in a TSSOP-16 package. Their differing resolution, package footprint, and analog input architecture prevent direct substitution without a full redesign of the surrounding circuitry and PCB layout.
Different resolution
Different package footprint
Different analog input architecture
Different reference and supply requirements
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS1281IPW
Texas Dụng cụ
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4383 PCS
- Package
- TSSOP-24
- 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 | ADS1281IPW | ADS1246IPWR | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution (bits) | 31 | 24 | Higher resolution provides finer measurement granularity; the ADS1281 offers 7 extra bits, enabling much lower noise floors for precision seismic or energy-exploration applications. |
| Number of input channels | 1 (differential) | 1 (differential) | Both are single-channel differential ADCs, so channel count is not a differentiator for substitutability. |
| Maximum sample rate | 4 kSPS | 2 kSPS | Sample rate determines the bandwidth of signals that can be captured; the ADS1281 supports twice the throughput, which matters for higher-frequency sensor data. |
| Interface type | SPI (serial) | SPI (serial) | Both use a standard SPI interface, so host microcontroller compatibility is preserved across the two parts. |
| Supply voltage (analog) | 5 V (analog), 3.3 V (digital) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V (single supply) | Supply requirements affect board-level power design; the ADS1246 offers a wider single-supply range while the ADS1281 uses a split analog/digital arrangement. |
| Package | TSSOP-28 | TSSOP-16 | Different package footprints and pin counts mean the two parts are not drop-in PCB replacements and require layout changes. |
| Operating temperature range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +105 °C | The wider temperature range of the ADS1246 suits harsher industrial environments, while the ADS1281 targets standard industrial conditions. |
| Integrated PGA | No | Yes (1 to 128 gain) | An integrated PGA allows direct connection of low-level sensors without external amplification, simplifying the signal chain for the ADS1246. |
| Typical application focus | Seismic and energy exploration, high-resolution instrumentation | Precision sensor measurement, industrial process control | The intended application domains differ, so functional substitutability depends on whether the design needs ultra-high resolution (ADS1281) or integrated gain and wider supply flexibility (ADS1246). |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS1246IPWR | ADS1281IPW |
|---|---|---|
| Part Status | Active | Active |
| Number of Bits | 24 | 31 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | 2k | 4k |
| Number of Inputs | 1 | 1 |
| Input Type | Differential, Single Ended | Differential, Single Ended |
| Data Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Configuration | MUX-PGA-ADC | ADC |
| Number of A/D Converters | 1 | 1 |
| Architecture | Sigma-Delta | Sigma-Delta |
| Reference Type | External | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 2.7V ~ 5.25V | 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 2.7V ~ 5.25V | 1.65V ~ 3.6V |
| Features | PGA, Temperature Sensor | - |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 105°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary differences between the ADS1281IPW and ADS1246IPWR?
The ADS1281IPW is a 31-bit, single-channel delta-sigma ADC with a maximum data rate of 4 kSPS, housed in a 24-pin TSSOP package, designed primarily for seismic and high-resolution energy exploration applications. The ADS1246IPWR is a 24-bit, single-channel delta-sigma ADC with a maximum data rate of 2 kSPS, housed in a 20-pin TSSOP package, designed for precision sensor measurement in industrial process control. Key differences include resolution (31-bit vs 24-bit), package pin count (24 vs 20), and maximum output data rate (4 kSPS vs 2 kSPS).
Are the ADS1281IPW and ADS1246IPWR pin-to-pin or package compatible?
No. The ADS1281IPW uses a 24-pin TSSOP (PW) package, while the ADS1246IPWR uses a 20-pin TSSOP (PW) package. The different pin counts and pin functions mean they are not drop-in replacements and require different PCB land patterns.
What are the maximum output data rates of the ADS1281IPW and ADS1246IPWR?
The ADS1281IPW supports a maximum data rate of 4 kSPS. The ADS1246IPWR supports a maximum data rate of 2 kSPS. Both are delta-sigma ADCs, but the ADS1281IPW is optimized for higher-speed, high-resolution seismic signal acquisition.
What resolution does each ADC provide?
The ADS1281IPW is a 31-bit delta-sigma ADC. The ADS1246IPWR is a 24-bit delta-sigma ADC. The higher bit depth of the ADS1281IPW supports very high dynamic range measurements, while the ADS1246IPWR targets general precision sensor measurement.
What are the typical target applications for the ADS1281IPW versus the ADS1246IPWR?
The ADS1281IPW is intended for seismic data acquisition, energy exploration, and high-resolution instrumentation requiring low noise and high dynamic range. The ADS1246IPWR is intended for industrial process control, precision sensor measurement, and portable instrumentation where a 24-bit ADC with integrated features is sufficient.
Do both devices support the same supply voltage range?
Both devices are specified for analog supply voltages in the 5 V class and digital supplies in the 1.8 V to 3.3 V range, but the exact recommended operating conditions, reference requirements, and internal PGA configurations differ. Designers must consult the respective manufacturer datasheets for verified supply, reference, and input range specifications before substitution.
Can the ADS1246IPWR be used as a substitute for the ADS1281IPW in an existing design?
No, not as a direct substitute. The devices differ in resolution (24-bit vs 31-bit), maximum data rate (2 kSPS vs 4 kSPS), package pin count (20 vs 24 pins), and target application requirements. Any substitution requires a full review of electrical specifications, package footprint, and system-level performance against the original design requirements.