Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. announced that it is now shipping the MAX11156, the industry's smallest 12-pin, 18-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC). Available in a tiny 3mm x 3mm TDFN package, the MAX11156 integrates an internal reference and reference buffer, saving cost and at least 70% board space over competing solutions. With 18-bit resolution, this high-performance ADC features Beyond-the-Rails(TM) technology, which supports a +5V input from a single positive 5V input rail. This technology eliminates the need for negative power supplies and simplifies designs. With 18-bit resolution and a 500ksps sampling rate, the MAX11156 is ideal for automatic test equipment (ATE), industrial control systems, medical instrumentation, and robotics, where high accuracy and tiny size are paramount. Due to its monotonic transfer characteristic, fast settling time, and lack of latency, the MAX11156 is ideal for fast, high-precision digital control-loop systems. In fact, the MAX11156 provides 18-bit resolution with no missing codes; excellent DC accuracy (0.5 LSB DNL and 2.5 LSB INL (typ)); and excellent AC performance (94.6dB SNR and -105dB THD (typ)). Additionally, the MAX11156 communicates using a SPI-compatible serial interface, which can be used to daisy-chain multiple ADCs in parallel for multichannel applications. This interface can also provide a busy indicator to simplify system synchronization and timing. Reduced board space: industry's smallest 18-bit SAR ADC integrates a reference buffer and internal reference, which saves cost and simplifies designs; Improved performance: the 18-bit performance produces 94.6dB SNR, -105dB THD (typ), and guarantees no missing codes; Bipolar input range: measures a +5V (10VP-P) input range while operating from a single 5V supply; simplifies external signal conditioning.

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. declared cash dividend of $0.24 per share will be paid on June 5, 2013, to stockholders of record on May 22, 2013. The company reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the third quarter ended March 30, 2013. For the period, the company’s total revenues were $604,884,000, against $571,212,000 for the same period in the last year. Operating income was $154.278 million against $111.886 million a year ago. Income from continuing operations was $128,785,000 against $22,708,000 for the same period in the last year. Income before provision for income taxes was $151,609,000 against $111,656,000 for the same period in the last year. Net income was $131,388,000 against $54,517,000 for the same period in the last year. Diluted earnings per share were $0.44 against $0.18 for the same period in the last year. Net cash provided by operating activities was $211,693,000 against $196,499,000 for the same period in the last year. Payments for property, plant and equipment was $54,945,000 against $70,053,000 for the same period in the last year. GAAP net income excluding special expense items was $134,589,000 or $0.45 per diluted share against $99,529,000 or $0.33 per diluted share a year ago. Net capital expenditures were $45 million. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations were $0.43 against $0.07 for the same period in the last year. The company provided earnings guidance for the fourth quarter ending June 2013. Revenue is expected to be in the range of $610 million to $640 million, gross margin is expected in the range of 60% to 63% GAAP (61% to 64% excluding special items) and EPS is expected to be in the range of $0.42 to $0.46 GAAP ($0.45 to $0.49 excluding special items). Fourth quarter and future tax rate, excluding special items, is estimated at 15% to 20%. Net capital expenditures are expected to be up from the third quarter, as the company invests in new manufacturing technologies. Special items in gross margin are estimated at $8 million, primarily for amortization of intangible assets. Special items in operating expenses are estimated at $4 million, primarily for amortization of intangible assets.

Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. announced it is sampling the MAX14920/MAX14921, high-accuracy, 12/16-channel cell-measurement analog front-ends (AFEs) that lower battery-management electronics costs by up to 35%. These devices double the accuracy of cell voltage readings through the use of high-accuracy common-mode level shifting and an integrated high-precision amplifier that simplifies ADC data conversion. Higher accuracy improves state-of-charge determination and cell balancing that in turn lengthen the life of rechargeable Lithium-ion (Li+) battery packs and maximize available energy, especially important for modern battery chemistries that exhibit flat voltage discharge curves, such as those with LiFePO4 cathodes. The MAX14920/MAX14921 enable the high accuracy cell voltage measurements (0.5mV, max). Ideal for 48V to 65V pack voltages required in uninterruptible power-supply (UPS) systems, smart grid energy-storage packs, and telecom power backup-battery packs, the MAX14921 eliminates up to two 6-channel AFEs required for 13S-16S channel battery packs. Key Features: increases individual cell accuracy; improves cell balancing. Lower cost: one chip supports battery management of up to 16 cell packs. Flexible solution: suitable for use in both lower cost applications (using the ADC integrated in a microcontroller) and higher accuracy applications (utilizing an external ADC).