Part A
ADS1231IDR
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 4314 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-16
- Series
- Acquisition de données - Convertisseur analogique - numérique (ADC)
Replacement verdict
Not a drop-in replacement
The ADS1231IDR and ADS1286UL are not drop-in replacements for one another. The ADS1231IDR is a 24-bit bridge sensor ADC with an integrated low-noise PGA and on-chip oscillator, while the ADS1286UL is a 12-bit successive-approximation ADC with a differential input and serial interface. They differ in resolution, architecture, input configuration, and package, so a direct substitution is not feasible without redesign of the surrounding circuitry and firmware.
Different ADC architecture
Different resolution
Different input configuration
Different package
Parts at a glance
Part B
ADS1286UL
Texas Instruments
- Lifecycle
- Active
- Stock
- 9742 PCS
- Package
- SOIC-8
- Series
- Acquisition de données - Convertisseur analogique - numérique (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 | ADS1231IDR | ADS1286UL | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution (bits) | 24 | 12 | Resolution determines the smallest signal change the ADC can distinguish; a 24-bit device offers far finer measurement granularity than a 12-bit device. |
| Number of input channels | 1 (differential) | 1 (differential) | Both are single-channel differential devices, so channel count is not a differentiator for substitutability. |
| Interface type | Serial (SPI-compatible, 2-wire) | Serial (SPI-compatible) | The digital interface must match the host controller; both use serial interfaces but with different framing and clocking requirements. |
| Supply voltage (V) | 2.7 to 5.3 | 2.7 to 5.25 | Supply range affects compatibility with the system power rail; the two parts have nearly identical but not identical operating ranges. |
| Data rate / output rate (SPS) | 10 or 80 (selectable) | Up to 20 kSPS | Output data rate determines how fast measurements can be taken; the ADS1286UL supports much higher throughput than the ADS1231IDR. |
| Input type / PGA | Integrated PGA (gain 1 or 128) | No integrated PGA | An integrated PGA allows direct connection of low-level sensors such as bridge transducers without external amplification, which the ADS1286UL lacks. |
| Package | SOIC-8 | SOIC-8 | Package footprint affects PCB layout and drop-in compatibility; both share the same SOIC-8 footprint. |
| Operating temperature range (°C) | -40 to 85 | -40 to 85 | Temperature range determines suitability for industrial and harsh environments; both cover the standard industrial range. |
| Typical application focus | Low-speed, high-resolution weigh scales and bridge sensors | General-purpose medium-speed data acquisition | The intended application domain indicates whether the part fits the target design's accuracy and speed requirements. |
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Full specification comparison
Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.
| Specification | ADS1231IDR | ADS1286UL |
|---|---|---|
| Supplier | - | Rochester Electronics, LLC,Texas Instruments |
| Part Status | Active | Obsolete |
| Number of Bits | 24 | 12 |
| Sampling Rate(Per Second) | 80 | 20k |
| Number of Inputs | 1 | 1 |
| Input Type | Differential | Differential |
| Data Interface | SPI | SPI |
| Configuration | ADC | S/H-ADC |
| Ratio - S / H: ADC | - | 1:1 |
| Number of A/D Converters | 1 | 1 |
| Architecture | Sigma-Delta | SAR |
| Reference Type | External | External |
| Voltage - Supply, Analog | 3V ~ 5.3V | 5V |
| Voltage - Supply, Digital | 3V ~ 5.3V | 5V |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ 85°C | 0°C ~ 70°C |
Frequently asked questions
What are the primary differences between the ADS1231IDR and the ADS1286UL?
The ADS1231IDR is a 24-bit, single-channel delta-sigma ADC with an integrated low-noise PGA and a low-noise voltage reference, designed primarily for weigh-scale and bridge-sensor applications, and is supplied in an 8-pin SOIC package. The ADS1286UL is a 12-bit, single-channel, micro-power successive-approximation (SAR) ADC with a differential input and an SPI-compatible serial interface, supplied in an 8-pin SOIC package. They differ fundamentally in resolution (24-bit vs 12-bit), architecture (delta-sigma vs SAR), and target application (precision bridge sensing vs general-purpose low-power signal acquisition).
Are the ADS1231IDR and ADS1286UL pin-compatible or directly interchangeable?
No. Although both devices are offered in 8-pin SOIC packages, their pin functions and internal architectures differ, so they are not pin-compatible or directly interchangeable. A replacement requires a full review of pin assignments, supply requirements, interface timing, and external component values against the respective manufacturer datasheets.
What are the resolution and architecture differences between these two ADCs?
The ADS1231IDR provides 24-bit resolution using a delta-sigma modulator with an integrated low-noise programmable gain amplifier, making it suited to low-level differential signals such as load cells. The ADS1286UL provides 12-bit resolution using a successive-approximation register architecture, which is appropriate for lower-resolution, lower-power general-purpose measurement tasks.
How do the supply voltage and power consumption requirements compare?
The ADS1231IDR operates from a single 5 V analog supply (with a separate digital supply) and draws a few milliamps during normal conversion, reflecting its low-noise, high-resolution signal chain. The ADS1286UL is a micro-power SAR converter designed for low supply current operation, making it preferable where low power consumption is a primary constraint. Exact limits should be confirmed from the respective datasheets.
What digital interfaces do the ADS1231IDR and ADS1286UL provide?
The ADS1231IDR provides a simple two-wire serial interface (data and clock) for reading conversion results, with no on-chip register configuration required. The ADS1286UL provides an SPI-compatible serial interface for output data and control. The interface protocols are not interchangeable, so host firmware must be adapted accordingly.
Which device is better suited for weigh-scale or bridge-sensor applications?
The ADS1231IDR is specifically designed for weigh-scale and bridge-sensor applications, as it integrates a low-noise PGA and a low-noise voltage reference to directly interface with low-level differential bridge outputs at 24-bit resolution. The ADS1286UL, with 12-bit resolution and a SAR architecture, is generally not the preferred choice for high-precision bridge measurement.
Can the ADS1286UL be used as a drop-in replacement for the ADS1231IDR in an existing design?
No. Because the two devices differ in resolution, architecture, interface protocol, supply requirements, and pin functions, the ADS1286UL cannot serve as a drop-in replacement for the ADS1231IDR. Any substitution requires redesign of the analog front end, firmware, and PCB layout, validated against both manufacturer datasheets.