Part A
ADS1246IPW
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6549 Stückzahl
- Package
- TSSOP-16
- Series
- Datenerfassung mit Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS1246IPW and ADS1241E/1KG4 are not drop-in replacements for one another. Although both are 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs, they differ in resolution architecture, input channel configuration, package footprint, and reference/supply requirements, so a direct board-level substitution is not possible without redesign and revalidation.
Different channel count
Different package footprint
Different input configuration
Different reference architecture
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS1241E/1KG4
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7404 Stückzahl
- Package
- SSOP-28
- Series
- Datenerfassung mit 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 | ADS1241E/1KG4 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution (bits) | 24 | 24 | Both are 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs, so resolution alone does not differentiate them for substitutability. |
| Number of input channels | 1 (single-ended/differential) | 8 (single-ended) / 4 (differential) | Channel count determines how many sensors can be connected; the ADS1241 offers far more inputs, so it is not a drop-in replacement for single-channel designs. |
| Input type | Differential | Differential / Single-ended | The ADS1241 supports both single-ended and differential inputs, while the ADS1246 is differential only, affecting sensor interface flexibility. |
| Data rate (SPS) | Up to 2 kSPS | Up to 1 kSPS | Maximum sample rate affects achievable measurement bandwidth and settling time in the application. |
| PGA gain range | 1 to 128 | 1 to 128 | Both provide programmable gain up to 128, allowing direct interfacing with low-level sensors such as thermocouples and RTDs. |
| Supply voltage | 2.7 V to 5.25 V (analog and digital) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V (analog and digital) | Matching supply ranges means both can operate from the same system rails, simplifying power design. |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | Both use a serial SPI interface, so the host microcontroller communication protocol is compatible. |
| Package | TSSOP-16 | SSOP-28 | Different package footprints and pin counts mean the two parts are not physically interchangeable on the same PCB layout. |
| Internal reference | Yes (internal reference) | No (external reference required) | The ADS1246 includes an internal reference, while the ADS1241 requires an external reference, changing the external component count and accuracy budget. |
| Operating temperature range | -40 °C to +105 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | The wider temperature range of the ADS1246 suits harsher environments, whereas the ADS1241 is limited to standard industrial conditions. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS1246IPW | ADS1241E/1KG4 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Discontinued at Digi-Key |
| Number of Bits | 24 | 24 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | 2k | 15 |
| Number of Inputs | 1 | 8 |
| Input Type | Differential, Single Ended | Differential, Single Ended |
| Data Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Configuration | MUX-PGA-ADC | MUX-PGA-ADC |
| Number of A/D Converters | 1 | 1 |
| Architecture | Sigma-Delta | Sigma-Delta |
| Reference Type | External, Internal | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 2.7V ~ 5.25V | 2.7V ~ 3.3V, 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 2.7V ~ 5.25V | 2.7V ~ 5.25V |
| Features | PGA, Temperature Sensor | PGA |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 105°C | -40°C ~ 85°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the key architectural differences between the ADS1246IPW and the ADS1241E/1KG4?
The ADS1246IPW is a 24-bit, single-channel delta-sigma ADC with a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) and an SPI interface, housed in a TSSOP-20 package. The ADS1241E/1KG4 is a 24-bit, 8-channel delta-sigma ADC with an on-chip PGA and SPI interface, supplied in a SSOP-28 package. The ADS1241E/1KG4 provides more input channels, while the ADS1246IPW is a single-channel device.
Are the ADS1246IPW and ADS1241E/1KG4 pin-to-pin or package compatible?
No. The ADS1246IPW uses a 20-pin TSSOP package, while the ADS1241E/1KG4 uses a 28-pin SSOP package. The pin counts, package dimensions, and pin functions differ, so they are not drop-in replacements and require different PCB land patterns.
Do both devices support the same SPI interface and supply voltage range?
Both devices use a serial peripheral interface (SPI) for communication and operate from a single analog supply in the 2.7 V to 5.25 V range, with a separate digital supply. However, the register maps and command sets differ between the two devices, so firmware must be adapted accordingly.
How do the input channel counts and PGA capabilities compare?
The ADS1246IPW provides a single differential input channel with a low-noise PGA. The ADS1241E/1KG4 provides eight input channels (configurable as differential or single-ended pairs) with an on-chip PGA. Designs requiring multiple sensor inputs should use the ADS1241E/1KG4, while single-channel high-resolution measurement suits the ADS1246IPW.
Can the ADS1246IPW be used as a direct substitute for the ADS1241E/1KG4 in an existing design?
No. Because of the different package (TSSOP-20 vs SSOP-28), different channel count, and different register/command architecture, the ADS1246IPW cannot directly replace the ADS1241E/1KG4. A redesign of the PCB layout and firmware is required, and the reduced channel count must be validated against the application requirements.
What are the typical applications for each device?
The ADS1246IPW is suited to single-channel precision measurement such as temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and weigh scales. The ADS1241E/1KG4 is suited to multi-channel data acquisition systems, industrial process control, and instrumentation where several sensor inputs must be digitized by one ADC.