**AD7468BRMZ: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the 12-Bit, 1 MSPS SAR ADC**
The **AD7468BRMZ** from Analog Devices represents a high-performance, monolithic 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) utilizing a successive approximation register (SAR) architecture. Engineered for precision and speed in a compact form factor, this ADC is designed to meet the demanding requirements of a wide array of applications, including portable instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and medical monitoring equipment.
At the core of the AD7468BRMZ is a **high-speed, low-power SAR architecture** that achieves a **1 MSPS (Million Samples Per Second)** throughput rate. This speed makes it suitable for capturing fast-transient signals without significant latency. The converter operates from a single **2.35 V to 5.25 V supply**, offering significant flexibility in system design, whether for battery-powered portable devices or larger, line-powered systems. A standout feature is its remarkably **low power consumption**, drawing only 1.3 mA at 1 MSPS with a 3 V supply and scaling down to 1 µA in power-down mode. This ultra-low power characteristic is critical for extending battery life in portable applications.

The device features a **pseudo-differential analog input** stage. This architecture provides good common-mode noise rejection, which is beneficial in electrically noisy environments. The input span is set from 0 V to VREF, and the ADC can accommodate a reference voltage (VREF) ranging from 1.2 V up to VDD, allowing the user to optimize the input range for either higher resolution or wider dynamic range. The digital interface is a standard **high-speed SPI/QSPI/MICROWIRE/DSP-compatible serial bus**, simplifying connections to modern microcontrollers and digital signal processors (DSPs). The serial clock (SCLK) can operate at up to 40 MHz, facilitating the fast data transfer required for the 1 MSPS data rate.
Housed in a space-saving **10-lead MSOP package**, the AD7468BRMZ is ideal for applications where board real estate is at a premium. Its performance is further characterized by excellent **DC accuracy**, with ±1 LSB maximum integral nonlinearity (INL) and differential nonlinearity (DNL) ensuring no missing codes at the 12-bit level. Furthermore, it achieves a **high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)** of 71 dB typical, contributing to its strong dynamic performance.
**ICGOODFIND:** The AD7468BRMZ is a highly integrated solution that successfully balances speed, precision, and power efficiency. Its combination of a 1 MSPS conversion rate, ultra-low power consumption, and a small form factor makes it an exceptional choice for designers of power-sensitive, high-performance portable and industrial systems.
**Keywords:** **SAR ADC**, **1 MSPS**, **Low Power**, **SPI Interface**, **12-Bit Resolution**
