Part A
ADS7846E
텍사스 인스트루먼트(주)
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5291 PCS
- Package
- SSOP-16
- Series
- 데이터 수집 - 터치스크린 컨트롤러
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS7846E and ADS7841ESG4 are not drop-in replacements for one another. Although both are 12-bit SAR analog-to-digital converters from Texas Instruments, they differ in resolution-related architecture, input channel configuration, package footprint, and integrated feature set, so a direct board-level substitution is not possible without design changes.
Different input channel configuration
Different package footprint
Different integrated features
Different interface configuration
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS7841ESG4
텍사스 인스트루먼트(주)
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 5879 PCS
- Package
- SSOP-16
- Series
- 데이터 수집 - 아날로그 변환기(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 | ADS7846E | ADS7841ESG4 | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12 bit | 12 bit | Both are 12-bit SAR ADCs, so conversion resolution is equivalent for substitutability. |
| Number of Input Channels | 8 (single-ended) / 4 (differential) | 4 (single-ended) / 2 (differential) | The ADS7846E supports twice as many input channels, which affects how many signals can be multiplexed without external circuitry. |
| Interface Type | SPI (4-wire serial) | SPI (4-wire serial) | Both use a compatible serial interface, simplifying drop-in replacement at the digital interface level. |
| Supply Voltage Range | 2.2 V to 5.25 V | 2.7 V to 5.25 V | The ADS7846E operates down to a lower supply voltage, which matters for low-power or battery-operated designs. |
| Internal Reference | Yes (2.5 V) | No (external reference required) | The ADS7846E includes an on-chip reference, while the ADS7841ESG4 requires an external reference, affecting board space and BOM cost. |
| On-Chip Temperature Sensor | Yes | No | The ADS7846E integrates a temperature sensor, which the ADS7841ESG4 lacks, so temperature monitoring requires extra components on the latter. |
| Touch Screen Controller Function | Yes (4-wire touch screen) | No | The ADS7846E is purpose-built as a touch screen controller, while the ADS7841ESG4 is a general-purpose ADC, so they are not functionally interchangeable in touch applications. |
| Package / Mounting | SSOP-16 (surface mount) | SSOP-16 (surface mount) | Identical package and footprint allow physical board compatibility between the two parts. |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 °C to +85 °C | -40 °C to +85 °C | Matching temperature ranges mean both parts suit the same industrial and commercial environments. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS7846E | ADS7841ESG4 |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Discontinued at Digi-Key |
| Number of Bits | - | 12 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | - | 200k |
| Number of Inputs | - | 4 |
| Input Type | - | Single Ended |
| Data Interface | - | SPI |
| Configuration | - | MUX-S/H-ADC |
| Ratio - S / H: ADC | - | 1:1 |
| Number of A/D Converters | - | 1 |
| Architecture | - | SAR |
| Reference Type | - | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | - | 2.7V ~ 3.6V, 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | - | 2.7V ~ 3.6V, 5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | -40°C ~ 125°C |
| Touchscreen | 4 Wire Resistive | - |
| Resolution(Bits) | 12 b | - |
| Interface | SPI | - |
| Voltage Reference | External, Internal | - |
| Voltage - Supply | 2.2V ~ 5.25V | - |
| Supply Current | 500 µA | - |
| Mounting Type | Surface Mount | - |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary functional differences between the ADS7846E and the ADS7841ESG4?
The ADS7846E is a 4-wire resistive touch screen controller with an integrated 12-bit ADC, on-chip temperature sensor, and SPI interface, housed in a 16-pin SSOP package. The ADS7841ESG4 is a standalone 12-bit, 4-channel successive-approximation ADC with an SPI interface, housed in a 16-pin SSOP package. The ADS7846E includes touch-screen-specific features such as pen-interrupt detection and a built-in reference, while the ADS7841ESG4 is a general-purpose ADC without touch-screen control functions.
Are the ADS7846E and ADS7841ESG4 pin-compatible?
No. Although both devices are offered in a 16-pin SSOP package, their pin functions differ. The ADS7846E assigns pins to touch-screen drive lines (X+, X-, Y+, Y-), pen-interrupt output, and a temperature sensor input, whereas the ADS7841ESG4 assigns pins to four analog input channels (CH0–CH3) and a separate reference input. Therefore, they are not pin-compatible and cannot be interchanged without PCB redesign.
Do both devices use the same SPI interface and resolution?
Yes. Both the ADS7846E and the ADS7841ESG4 feature a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC and communicate via a standard SPI-compatible serial interface. However, the command set and control register formats differ because the ADS7846E includes touch-screen control and reference configuration bits, while the ADS7841ESG4 uses a simpler channel-select command structure.
Can the ADS7841ESG4 be used as a drop-in replacement for the ADS7846E in a touch-screen application?
No. The ADS7841ESG4 lacks the touch-screen drive circuitry, pen-interrupt detection, and on-chip temperature sensor required for resistive touch-screen control. A touch-screen application designed around the ADS7846E requires those specific functions, so the ADS7841ESG4 cannot serve as a direct replacement in that role.
What are the supply voltage and reference requirements for each device?
Both devices operate from a single supply in the 2.7 V to 5.25 V range. The ADS7846E includes an internal 2.5 V reference and also supports an external reference, while the ADS7841ESG4 requires an external reference voltage applied to its VREF pin. Designers must account for this difference when migrating between the two parts.
Which device is better suited for general-purpose multi-channel ADC applications?
The ADS7841ESG4 is better suited for general-purpose multi-channel ADC applications because it provides four analog input channels with a straightforward channel-select command set and an external reference input, without the touch-screen-specific overhead of the ADS7846E. The ADS7846E is optimized for resistive touch-screen controller applications rather than general-purpose signal acquisition.
Do both parts share the same operating temperature range and package?
Yes. Both the ADS7846E and the ADS7841ESG4 are specified over the industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C and are offered in a 16-pin SSOP package. Package and temperature specifications are common, but pin functions and internal feature sets differ as noted above.