AD7685BRMZ vs AD7688BRM

This in-depth comparison of the AD7685BRMZ and AD7688BRM provides valuable insights into their specifications and key features. We cover important factors in detail, including RoHS compliance, REACH status, series, mounting style, package type, and other relevant characteristics. Presenting the differences side by side simplifies component selection, making it easier for you to select the best option for your specific application.

Technical review by ETEI Component Engineering Source: manufacturer documentation

Replacement verdict

Compatible functional replacement candidate

The AD7688BRM is a strong functional replacement candidate for the AD7685BRMZ, sharing the same 16-bit SAR architecture, 250 kSPS throughput, and MSOP-10 footprint, though the differential input configuration and reference architecture require validation before substitution in existing designs.

Resolution and Throughput High match
Package and Pinout High match
Input Configuration Validation required
Reference Architecture Validation required

Parts at a glance

Part A

AD7685BRMZ

Analog Devices Inc.

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
1331 PCS
Package
TFSOP-10
Series
Data Acquisition - Analog to Digital Converters (ADC)
Part B

AD7688BRM

Analog Devices Inc.

Lifecycle
Active
Stock
7676 PCS
Package
MSOP-10
Series
Data Acquisition - 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 AD7685BRMZ AD7688BRM Why it matters
Resolution (bits) 16 16 Both are 16-bit ADCs, so resolution is identical and not a differentiator for substitutability.
Sampling Rate (max) 250 kSPS 500 kSPS The AD7688 offers twice the throughput, which matters for higher-bandwidth signal acquisition.
Input Type Pseudo-differential (single-ended) Fully differential Input topology affects signal conditioning, common-mode rejection, and whether the part can directly replace the other in a given front-end.
Number of Input Channels 1 1 Both are single-channel devices, so channel count is not a differentiator.
Interface SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE / DSP compatible SPI / QSPI / MICROWIRE / DSP compatible Identical serial interface simplifies drop-in replacement at the digital interface level.
Supply Voltage (analog) 2.7 V to 5.5 V 4.5 V to 5.5 V The AD7685 supports lower analog supplies, enabling 3.3 V operation that the AD7688 cannot support.
Package 10-lead MSOP 10-lead MSOP Same package footprint allows physical board compatibility between the two parts.
Operating Temperature Range -40 °C to +85 °C -40 °C to +85 °C Identical temperature ratings mean environmental constraints are the same for both.
Power Consumption (typical) 3.5 mW at 5 V, 250 kSPS 15 mW at 5 V, 500 kSPS Power budget differs significantly; the AD7688 draws more due to higher throughput, affecting thermal and energy-sensitive designs.

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Full specification comparison

Use manufacturer datasheets as the final authority.

Specification AD7685BRMZ AD7688BRM
Supplier - Rochester Electronics, LLC
Part Status Active Obsolete
Number of Bits 16 16
Series PulSAR® -
Sampling Rate(Per Second) 250k -
Number of Inputs 1 -
Input Type Pseudo-Differential -
Data Interface SPI, DSP -
Configuration S/H-ADC -
Ratio - S / H: ADC 1:1 -
Number of A/D Converters 1 -
Architecture SAR -
Reference Type External -
Voltage - Supply, Analog 2.3V ~ 5.5V -
Voltage - Supply, Digital 2.3V ~ 5.5V -
Operating Temperature -40°C ~ 85°C -

Frequently asked questions

What are the key differences between the AD7685BRMZ and the AD7688BRM?

The AD7685BRMZ is a 16-bit, 250 kSPS PulSAR analog-to-digital converter, while the AD7688BRM is a 16-bit, 500 kSPS PulSAR ADC. The AD7688BRM offers twice the throughput of the AD7685BRMZ. Both are available in a 10-lead MSOP package and share a similar pinout, but they differ in maximum sampling rate and some dynamic performance specifications.

Are the AD7685BRMZ and AD7688BRM pin-compatible?

Yes, both devices are offered in a 10-lead MSOP (RM) package and share the same pin configuration, including VDD, VIO, GND, REF, IN+, IN-, CNV, SDO, SCK, and SDI. This pin compatibility allows the AD7688BRM to be used as a higher-throughput drop-in replacement for the AD7685BRMZ in many designs, provided the rest of the system supports the higher sampling rate.

What is the maximum sampling rate of each device?

The AD7685BRMZ has a maximum throughput of 250 kSPS. The AD7688BRM has a maximum throughput of 500 kSPS. The higher rate of the AD7688BRM requires the digital host to support the corresponding serial clock frequency and conversion timing.

Do both ADCs use the same serial interface?

Yes, both the AD7685BRMZ and AD7688BRM use a SPI-compatible serial interface with separate CNV, SCK, SDO, and SDI pins. The interface supports daisy-chain operation and readback during conversion. The AD7688BRM's higher throughput means the serial clock must be able to run fast enough to read the 16-bit result within the shorter conversion cycle.

What is the resolution and architecture of these ADCs?

Both the AD7685BRMZ and AD7688BRM are 16-bit successive-approximation register (SAR) ADCs based on Analog Devices' PulSAR architecture. They provide no missing codes at 16 bits and are designed for high-accuracy, low-power data acquisition applications.

What are the supply voltage requirements for these devices?

Both devices operate from a single analog supply (VDD) of 2.7 V to 5.5 V and a separate digital I/O supply (VIO) of 1.8 V to 5.5 V, allowing direct interfacing to low-voltage digital logic. The reference voltage (REF) is applied externally and can range up to VDD.

Can the AD7688BRM replace the AD7685BRMZ in an existing design?

In many cases yes, because the two devices are pin-compatible and share the same package and interface. However, the replacement must be validated: the digital host must support the 500 kSPS rate of the AD7688BRM, the reference and analog front-end must meet the dynamic performance requirements at the higher throughput, and power dissipation should be reviewed. Always confirm against the respective manufacturer datasheets before substitution.