Part A
ADS1246IPW
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 6549 Stückzahl
- Package
- TSSOP-16
- Series
- Datenerfassung mit Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
Replacement verdict
Compatible functional replacement candidate
The ADS1246IPW and ADS1256IDBRG4 are both 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs from the same family and share a common TSSOP-28 footprint, making the ADS1256IDBRG4 a viable functional upgrade candidate for the ADS1246IPW. However, the ADS1256IDBRG4 offers a higher channel count, faster programmable data rate, and additional features such as a PGA bypass and GPIO, so the system firmware, input multiplexing, and timing must be revalidated before substitution.
Resolution
High match
Channel Count
Validation required
Maximum Data Rate
Validation required
Package Type
High match
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS1256IDBRG4
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 7726 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 | ADS1256IDBRG4 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution (bits) | 24 | 24 | Both are 24-bit delta-sigma ADCs, so resolution alone does not distinguish them for substitutability. |
| Number of input channels | 1 differential (2 single-ended) | 4 differential (8 single-ended) | Channel count determines how many sensors or signals can be measured; the ADS1256 supports multiplexed multi-channel acquisition while the ADS1246 is single-channel. |
| Maximum data rate (SPS) | 2000 | 30000 | Higher throughput enables faster sampling of dynamic signals; the ADS1256 offers significantly higher output data rates. |
| PGA gain range | 1 to 128 | 1 to 64 | Programmable gain amplifies small sensor signals; the ADS1246 supports higher gain for very low-level inputs. |
| Interface | SPI | SPI | Both use SPI, so host microcontroller compatibility is similar for either device. |
| Supply voltage (analog) | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | 4.75 V to 5.25 V | The ADS1246 operates over a wider low-voltage range, while the ADS1256 requires a nominal 5 V analog supply, affecting system power design. |
| Package | 16-pin TSSOP | 28-pin SSOP | Different footprints and pin counts mean the two parts are not drop-in replacements on an existing PCB. |
| Internal oscillator | No | No | Neither integrates an oscillator, so both require an external clock source for operation. |
| Operating temperature range | -40 °C to +105 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | The ADS1246 supports a wider temperature range, which matters for industrial and harsh-environment applications. |
Need help validating a replacement?
Send your BOM and application constraints for technical and sourcing review.
Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS1246IPW | ADS1256IDBRG4 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Discontinued at Digi-Key |
| Number of Bits | 24 | 24 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | 2k | 30k |
| Number of Inputs | 1 | 4, 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 | 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 2.7V ~ 5.25V | 1.8V ~ 3.6V |
| 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 ADS1256IDBRG4?
The ADS1246IPW is a 24-bit, single-channel delta-sigma ADC in a 20-pin TSSOP package, while the ADS1256IDBRG4 is a 24-bit, 8-channel (4 differential/8 single-ended) delta-sigma ADC in a 28-pin SSOP package. The ADS1256IDBRG4 includes an input multiplexer and supports a wider range of data rates up to 30 kSPS, whereas the ADS1246IPW is a single-channel device with data rates up to 2 kSPS.
Are the ADS1246IPW and ADS1256IDBRG4 pin-compatible?
No. The ADS1246IPW uses a 20-pin TSSOP package, and the ADS1256IDBRG4 uses a 28-pin SSOP package. They have different pin counts, pin functions, and PCB land patterns, so they are not drop-in replacements for each other.
Do both devices share the same SPI interface and register structure?
Both devices use a SPI-compatible serial interface and share a similar register map architecture from the same ADS124x/ADS125x family, but the ADS1256IDBRG4 includes additional registers and control bits for multiplexer configuration and channel selection that are not present on the single-channel ADS1246IPW. Firmware must be adapted accordingly.
How do the input configurations differ between the two ADCs?
The ADS1246IPW provides a single differential input channel (two analog inputs), while the ADS1256IDBRG4 provides an 8-channel input multiplexer configurable as 4 differential or 8 single-ended inputs. Designs requiring multiple sensor channels should use the ADS1256IDBRG4; single-channel designs can use the ADS1246IPW.
What are the maximum data rates for each device?
The ADS1246IPW supports programmable data rates up to 2 kSPS. The ADS1256IDBRG4 supports programmable data rates up to 30 kSPS. The higher throughput of the ADS1256IDBRG4 makes it suitable for faster-sampling multi-channel applications.
Do both devices operate from the same supply voltage?
Both devices operate from a 5 V analog supply (AVDD) and a 2.7 V to 5.25 V digital supply (DVDD), consistent with the ADS124x/ADS125x family datasheet specifications. Designers should still verify the exact supply ranges in the respective manufacturer datasheets for the target operating conditions.
Can the ADS1246IPW be used as a substitute for the ADS1256IDBRG4 in an existing design?
Not directly. The ADS1246IPW has fewer channels, a different package and pinout, a lower maximum data rate, and a reduced register set compared with the ADS1256IDBRG4. Substitution requires PCB redesign, firmware changes, and validation against the target application requirements.