AD7960 Alternatives: Complete 18-Bit 5 MSPS Precision ADC Comparison Guide

The Analog Devices AD7960 is the industry's leading 18-bit, 5 MSPS successive approximation register (SAR) ADC, delivering unmatched noise and linearity performance for high-precision data acquisition. With 99 dB SNR, -117 dB THD, and only 39 mW power dissipation at full speed, it has become the go-to choice for digital X-ray imaging, computed tomography, MRI gradient control, spectroscopy, and high-end test equipment. However, like many premium ADI precision converters, the AD7960 faces extended lead times that frequently exceed 6 months, creating significant supply chain risk for manufacturers of long-lifecycle instrumentation systems.

This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of all major AD7960 alternatives, categorized by compatibility level: direct pin-to-pin drop-in replacements (no PCB redesign) and functional alternatives (for new designs where architecture flexibility is acceptable).

What Are the Best AD7960 Alternatives?

The table below summarizes all major alternatives. Detailed comparisons follow in subsequent sections.

Part Number	Manufacturer	Compatibility	Resolution	Sample Rate	Key Advantage	Lead Time
JXA004	Shenxin Tech	Pin-to-Pin (Drop-in)	18-bit	5 MSPS	Direct drop-in, 6-week lead time	~6 weeks
AD7631	Analog Devices	Functional	18-bit	250 kSPS	High-voltage process, programmable input	12+ weeks
ADS1278	Texas Instruments	Functional	24-bit	128 kSPS	8-channel, ultra-high SNR	12+ weeks
MAX11905	Maxim (ADI)	Functional	20-bit	1.6 MSPS	Ultra-low power, 20-bit resolution	Varies

Which AD7960 Alternatives Are True Pin-to-Pin Drop-In Replacements?

For teams with existing AD7960 PCB designs that cannot afford board spins or driver rewrites, pin-to-pin replacements are the only viable option. A true pin-to-pin alternative must satisfy three conditions:

Package & Pinout Identical — Same 32-lead LFCSP (5mm × 5mm) package, same pin assignments. No PCB redesign needed.

Interface-Compatible — LVDS serial interface with self-clocked and echoed clock modes. Existing FPGA/-controller code can be reused.

Electrical Performance Comparable — 18-bit resolution, 5 MSPS throughput, differential input, and supply voltages match the original.

JXA004 — Shenxin Tech (Pin-to-Pin Drop-In)

The JXA004 is a Chinese-made 18-bit, 5 MSPS SAR ADC that is fully pin-to-pin compatible with the AD7960. It is a drop-in replacement that can be soldered directly onto an existing AD7960 PCB without any board redesign. The JXA004 matches the AD7960 in resolution, sample rate, interface, package, and supply architecture, making it the most straightforward second-source option for teams facing AD7960 supply constraints.

JXA004 vs AD7960: Detailed Specification Comparison

Parameter	JXA004	AD7960
Resolution	18-bit	18-bit
No Missing Codes	18 bits	18 bits
Throughput Rate	5 MSPS	5 MSPS
Architecture	SAR (charge redistribution)	SAR (charge redistribution)
SNR (REF = 5V)	99 dB (typical, per FAE target spec)	99 dB (typical)
Dynamic Range	100 dB (typical, per FAE target spec)	100 dB (typical)
SFDR	119 dB (typical, per FAE target spec)	119 dB (typical)
THD	-117 dB (typical, per FAE target spec)	-117 dB (typical)
INL	±0.8 LSB (typical)	±0.8 LSB (typical), ±2 LSB (max)
DNL	±0.5 LSB (typical)	±0.5 LSB (typical), ±0.99 LSB (max)
Input Voltage Range	±4.096V or ±5V (true differential)	±4.096V or ±5V (true differential)
Interface	Serial LVDS (self-clocked / echoed clock)	Serial LVDS (self-clocked / echoed clock)
Package	32-lead LFCSP (QFN), 5mm × 5mm	32-lead LFCSP (QFN), 5mm × 5mm
Power Dissipation	Comparable (see datasheet)	39 mW (ext ref, self-clocked); 46.5 mW (ext ref, echoed); 64.5 mW (int ref buffer, echoed)
Supply Voltages	VDD1 = 5V, VDD2 = 1.8V, VIO = 1.8V	VDD1 = 5V, VDD2 = 1.8V, VIO = 1.8V
Operating Temperature	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +85°C
Reference	External (2.048V buffered to 4.096V / 5V)	External (2.048V buffered to 4.096V / 5V)
Pinout	Identical	—
Lead Time	~6 weeks	6+ months (typical)
FAE Support	Direct, local	Through distributor

Note: JXA004 performance parameters shown as FAE-confirmed target specifications matching AD7960. AD7960 values are per the AD7960 Rev. C datasheet from Analog Devices. Detailed JXA004 datasheet available on request.

Migration Path: From AD7960 to JXA004

Hardware: Drop-in replacement. Same 32-lead LFCSP package, same footprint, same pin assignments. No PCB redesign required — simply swap the chip.

Interface: LVDS serial interface is pin-compatible. Self-clocked and echoed clock modes are supported. Existing FPGA LVDS receiver logic works unchanged.

Reference: External reference options match — 2.048V buffered to 4.096V (internal reference buffer), 4.096V, and 5V. No reference circuit changes needed.

Validation: Shenxin Tech provides reference designs, evaluation boards, and direct FAE support including schematic review and FPGA integration assistance.

Supply Chain: 6-week standard lead time vs. 6+ months for the incumbent. Direct factory relationship with local engineering support.

How Do SNR and Power Consumption Compare Across Alternatives?

The JXA004 matches the AD7960 with 99 dB SNR and 39 mW at 5 MSPS. The MAX11905 achieves 98.3 dB SNR at 9 mW but only 1.6 MSPS. The ADS1278 offers 111 dB SNR at 128 kSPS across 8 channels, while the AD7631 provides 18-bit resolution at 250 kSPS with 94 mW.

Typical performance per datasheet. JXA004 values are FAE-confirmed target specifications. ADS1278 uses delta-sigma architecture at much lower speed.

SNR Comparison (dB)

JXA004 (Shenxin Tech)99 dB

AD7960 (ADI)99 dB

MAX11905 (Maxim)98.3 dB

ADS1278 (TI) — 24-bit ΔΣ, 128 kSPS111 dB

Note: ADS1278 achieves higher SNR due to 24-bit delta-sigma architecture at 128 kSPS — not directly comparable to 18-bit 5 MSPS SAR ADCs.

Power Dissipation Comparison (mW)

JXA004 (Shenxin Tech)~39 mW (comparable)

AD7960 (ADI)39 mW

MAX11905 (Maxim) — 1.6 MSPS9 mW

AD7631 (ADI) — 250 kSPS94 mW

ADS1278 (TI) — 8-channel530 mW

AD7960 power at 5 MSPS with external reference buffer, self-clocked mode. AD7631 at 250 kSPS with internal reference. MAX11905 at 1.6 MSPS. ADS1278 total for 8 channels at 128 kSPS.

What Applications Are Best Suited for These Alternatives?

The JXA004 is ideal for applications that demand 18-bit precision at high throughput rates. Below are recommended deployment scenarios with circuit configuration guidance.

Digital X-Ray and CT Imaging — The AD7960's primary application. 18-bit resolution at 5 MSPS enables fine detail detection in medical and industrial X-ray systems. The JXA004 provides the same resolution and speed in a drop-in package, preserving image quality benchmarks. Circuit: Differential ADC driver (e.g., ADA4932-1 class) → JXA004 → LVDS → FPGA. External 5V reference (ADR4550 class) for best INL performance.

High-Speed Data Acquisition Systems — Multi-channel DAQ modules for industrial test and measurement. The LVDS interface enables clean, low-noise data transfer to FPGAs over longer board traces. Circuit: Signal conditioning front-end → anti-aliasing filter → JXA004 → LVDS → Kintex/Artix FPGA. Use echoed clock mode for multi-chip synchronization.

Spectroscopy and MRI Gradient Control — Precision measurement applications requiring excellent linearity (±0.8 LSB INL) and low distortion (-117 dB THD). The JXA004's SAR architecture provides zero pipeline latency, critical for real-time control loops. Circuit: Precision instrumentation amplifier → JXA004 → LVDS → DSP/MCU. External 4.096V reference for optimized dynamic range.

Application Selection Guide

Application	Recommended Part	Key Requirement	EVB Available	FAE Support
Digital X-Ray / CT	JXA004	18-bit, 5 MSPS, low noise	Yes	Schematic + FPGA review
High-Speed DAQ	JXA004	LVDS, zero latency	Yes	Timing analysis
Multi-channel industrial	ADS1278 (TI)	8-channel, 24-bit	Yes (TI)	Through distributor
Battery-powered portable	MAX11905 (Maxim)	Ultra-low power, 20-bit	Yes (Maxim)	Through distributor

What Functional Alternatives Exist for New AD7960 Designs?

For new designs where PCB layout flexibility exists, several functional alternatives offer different trade-offs in resolution, speed, architecture, and channel count. These are not drop-in replacements but may be suitable for new product development.

ADI AD7631 — 18-Bit, 250 kSPS PulSAR ADC

The AD7631 is an 18-bit SAR ADC from Analog Devices, fabricated on the iCMOS high-voltage process. While it matches the AD7960's 18-bit resolution, it operates at a significantly lower throughput of 250 kSPS — making it suitable for applications that prioritize resolution over speed. It features four programmable analog input ranges and both parallel and serial interfaces.

Parameter	AD7631	AD7960
Resolution	18-bit	18-bit
Throughput	250 kSPS	5 MSPS
Architecture	SAR (iCMOS)	SAR (charge redistribution)
Interface	Parallel or serial, 18-bit	Serial LVDS
Power	94 mW typ at 250 kSPS (int ref)	39 mW at 5 MSPS (ext ref)
Input Ranges	4 programmable ranges, differential	±4.096V or ±5V, true differential
Supplies	AVDD=5V, DVDD=5V, VCC=±15V	VDD1=5V, VDD2=1.8V, VIO=1.8V
Temperature	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +85°C

Source: AD7631 datasheet, Analog Devices. The AD7631 is 20× slower than the AD7960 and requires ±15V supplies, making it unsuitable as a drop-in replacement.

TI ADS1278 — 24-Bit, 128 kSPS, 8-Channel Delta-Sigma ADC

The Texas Instruments ADS1278 is a 24-bit, 8-channel, simultaneous-sampling delta-sigma ADC with data rates up to 128 kSPS. It offers excellent SNR (111 dB in high-resolution mode) and THD (-108 dB), but its delta-sigma architecture introduces digital filter latency and operates at much lower throughput than the AD7960's 5 MSPS. It is best suited for multi-channel, high-resolution, low-frequency applications.

Parameter	ADS1278	AD7960
Resolution	24-bit	18-bit
Throughput	128 kSPS (max)	5 MSPS
Architecture	Delta-Sigma	SAR
Channels	8 (simultaneous)	1
SNR	111 dB (high-res, 52 kSPS)	99 dB
THD	-108 dB	-117 dB
Power	530 mW (typical)	39 mW
Interface	SPI / Frame-Sync	Serial LVDS
Temperature	-55°C to +125°C	-40°C to +85°C

Source: ADS1278 datasheet, Texas Instruments. Different architecture, channel count, and speed class — not a drop-in replacement.

Maxim MAX11905 — 20-Bit, 1.6 MSPS SAR ADC

The MAX11905 (now part of Analog Devices' portfolio) is a 20-bit, 1.6 MSPS, fully differential SAR ADC with internal reference buffers. It offers excellent static and dynamic performance (98.3 dB SNR, -123 dB THD) with ultra-low power consumption of only 9 mW. However, its maximum throughput of 1.6 MSPS is significantly lower than the AD7960's 5 MSPS, and it uses an SPI interface rather than LVDS. It is ideal for battery-powered, high-resolution portable instruments where speed is secondary.

Parameter	MAX11905	AD7960
Resolution	20-bit	18-bit
Throughput	1.6 MSPS	5 MSPS
Architecture	SAR	SAR
SNR	98.3 dB	99 dB
THD	-123 dB	-117 dB
Power	9 mW at 1.6 MSPS	39 mW at 5 MSPS
Interface	SPI (serial)	Serial LVDS
Package	20-pin TQFN, 4mm × 4mm	32-lead LFCSP, 5mm × 5mm
Supplies	AVDD=1.8V, DVDD=1.8V, OVDD=1.5-3.6V	VDD1=5V, VDD2=1.8V, VIO=1.8V
Temperature	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +85°C

Source: MAX11905 datasheet, Maxim Integrated (now Analog Devices). Lower speed, different interface and package — suitable for portable, low-power applications only.

How Do All Parameters Compare Side by Side?

Parameter	JXA004	AD7960	AD7631	ADS1278	MAX11905
Manufacturer	Shenxin Tech	Analog Devices	Analog Devices	Texas Instruments	Maxim (ADI)
Compatibility	Pin-to-Pin	—	Functional	Functional	Functional
Resolution	18-bit	18-bit	18-bit	24-bit	20-bit
Sample Rate	5 MSPS	5 MSPS	250 kSPS	128 kSPS	1.6 MSPS
Architecture	SAR	SAR	SAR (iCMOS)	Delta-Sigma	SAR
Channels	1	1	1	8	1
SNR (typ)	99 dB*	99 dB	—	111 dB	98.3 dB
SFDR (typ)	119 dB*	119 dB	—	—	—
THD (typ)	-117 dB*	-117 dB	—	-108 dB	-123 dB
INL (typ)	±0.8 LSB	±0.8 LSB	—	—	±6 LSB (max, 20-bit)
Power (typ)	~39 mW*	39 mW	94 mW	530 mW	9 mW
Interface	LVDS	LVDS	Parallel/Serial	SPI/Frame-Sync	SPI
Package	32-lead LFCSP	32-lead LFCSP	LQFP	64-pin HTQFP	20-pin TQFN
Supplies	5V/1.8V/1.8V	5V/1.8V/1.8V	5V/5V/±15V	5V/1.8V	1.8V/1.8V/3.3V
Temp Range	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +85°C	-40°C to +85°C	-55°C to +125°C	-40°C to +85°C
Lead Time	~6 weeks	6+ months	12+ weeks	12+ weeks	Varies

*JXA004 values are FAE-confirmed target specifications. All other values per respective manufacturer datasheets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best pin-to-pin replacement for AD7960?
The JXA004 by Shenxin Tech is a pin-to-pin compatible alternative to the AD7960. It uses the same 32-lead LFCSP (5mm × 5mm) package, identical pin assignments, LVDS serial interface, and matches the AD7960's 18-bit resolution and 5 MSPS throughput. Standard lead time is approximately 6 weeks.

Is there a Chinese-made equivalent of the AD7960?
Yes. The JXA004 by Shenxin Tech is a China-based pin-to-pin compatible alternative to the AD7960 18-bit 5 MSPS SAR ADC. It offers the same resolution, sample rate, LVDS interface, and 32-lead LFCSP package with direct FAE support and approximately 6-week lead times.

What are the functional alternatives to AD7960 for new designs?
For new designs where PCB redesign is acceptable, functional alternatives include the ADI AD7631 (18-bit, 250 kSPS), TI ADS1278 (24-bit, 128 kSPS, 8-channel delta-sigma), and Maxim MAX11905 (20-bit, 1.6 MSPS). Each offers different trade-offs in resolution, speed, architecture, and channel count for specific application requirements.

How does the AD7960's power consumption compare to alternatives?
Per the AD7960 datasheet, it dissipates only 39 mW at 5 MSPS with external reference buffer in self-clocked mode — exceptionally low for its speed and resolution. The MAX11905 consumes 9 mW but at only 1.6 MSPS. The ADS1278 consumes 530 mW across 8 channels. The JXA004 offers comparable power to the AD7960 in the same package and speed class.

How long is the lead time for AD7960 alternatives?
The JXA004 by Shenxin Tech offers a standard lead time of approximately 6 weeks, compared to 6+ months typical for the AD7960 through authorized distributors. Other functional alternatives like the AD7631 and MAX11905 may also face extended lead times through traditional distribution channels.

Which Alternative Is Right for Your Application?

Requirement	Recommended Part	Reason
Drop-in replacement for existing AD7960 PCB	JXA004	Pin-to-pin compatible, same package and interface
Maximum resolution (24-bit) for low-frequency signals	ADS1278 (TI)	111 dB SNR, 8-channel, but only 128 kSPS
Ultra-low power for portable instruments	MAX11905 (Maxim)	9 mW at 1.6 MSPS, 20-bit, SPI interface
18-bit resolution, lower speed acceptable	AD7631 (ADI)	18-bit, 250 kSPS, programmable input ranges
Fastest lead time with full FAE support	JXA004	~6 weeks, direct local engineering support