ADS111x ADC Family Selection and Sourcing Guide

Why the ADS111x family still appears everywhere #

Small ADS1115 breakout boards have been sold for years through development-board shops, marketplaces and module vendors. The attraction is obvious: a microcontroller gains a 16-bit delta-sigma ADC, an internal reference, low-speed sensor capability and a simple digital interface without a large analog board.

The familiar module name can hide a wider product family. As of July 31, 2026, Texas Instruments lists 13 general-purpose variants across the ADS1110, ADS1112, ADS1113, ADS1114, ADS1115, ADS1118 and ADS1119 branches when the catalog, Q1 automotive and L low-voltage-bus versions are counted separately:

ADS1110, ADS1112, ADS1113, ADS1113-Q1, ADS1114, ADS1114-Q1, ADS1114L, ADS1115, ADS1115-Q1, ADS1115L, ADS1118, ADS1118-Q1 and ADS1119.

They all belong to the small 16-bit delta-sigma ADC conversation, but they are not one pin-compatible generation. Interface, input multiplexer, PGA, comparator, temperature sensor, reference options, I²C addressing, supply range and package differ.

For procurement, the exact orderable suffix matters even more than the family name. It determines package, packing quantity, temperature rating, automotive qualification and sometimes which data-sheet limits apply.

The 13-model comparison #

The following table is a selection map, not a substitute for the current TI data sheet and orderable addendum.

“16 bit” does not mean 16 noise-free bits in every configuration. Data rate, PGA setting, source impedance, reference noise, PCB layout, grounding and input filtering determine usable resolution.

Direction one: ADS1110 and ADS1112 for compact legacy designs #

ADS1110: a six-pin single-channel measurement system #

The ADS1110 integrates a differential input, 2.048-V reference, oscillator and PGA in SOT-23-6. It supports 15, 30, 60 and 240 SPS and PGA gains up to 8. That remains an efficient solution for one slow channel:

• battery or rail monitoring within the allowed input range;
• pressure or temperature sensors with suitable conditioning;
• compact transmitters;
• low-speed board-level voltage measurement.

Its limitation is not nominal resolution but system flexibility. There is one measurement channel, a 240-SPS ceiling and a much older register/interface architecture than the 860-SPS branch.

TI’s current web parametric table and older data-sheet ordering information do not present temperature coverage identically for every orderable code. Buyers must verify the exact ADS1110AxIDBVR/DBVT variant and current documentation instead of assuming one temperature range from the family name.

ADS1112: more inputs, still the older conversion core #

The ADS1112 adds a multiplexer for two differential or three single-ended measurements. Two address pins provide eight selectable I²C addresses. It retains the internal reference, oscillator, PGA and 15-to-240-SPS rates.

This device can make sense when maintaining an approved industrial design, but it is rarely the automatic choice for a new low-cost four-channel module. Its channel arrangement, speed, package and address behavior must match the existing board.

The broader lesson is important for sourcing: an older part with fewer headline features can cost more than a high-volume newer part. Lower integration does not guarantee a lower current purchase price.

Direction two: ADS1113, ADS1114 and ADS1115 #

These devices share TI’s mainstream 860-SPS I²C architecture:

• 16-bit delta-sigma conversion;
• 8-to-860-SPS programmable data rates;
• internal low-drift reference and oscillator;
• single-shot and continuous conversion;
• single-cycle settling;
• 2.0-to-5.5-V supply;
• approximately 150 µA typical current in continuous-conversion mode;
• four pin-selectable I²C addresses.

The selection difference is mainly the input MUX, PGA and comparator.

ADS1113: use it after the analog range is already fixed #

The ADS1113 keeps the 860-SPS converter, reference, oscillator and I²C interface but omits the PGA, comparator and multichannel MUX. It fits a single signal that has already been amplified and limited to the required ADC range.

It is less attractive for a configurable measurement tool because firmware cannot select the same range steps available from the PGA devices, and there is no comparator output for an autonomous threshold alert.

ADS1114: one input with the full PGA and alert path #

The ADS1114 adds a programmable gain amplifier and digital comparator with an ALERT/RDY pin. It suits one physical channel that needs small-signal range selection, threshold detection or a conversion-ready interrupt.

For a four-input desktop logger, the ADS1115 is normally more flexible. For one carefully conditioned bridge or current channel, the ADS1114 avoids paying board area for unused analog inputs.

ADS1115: the volume leader is often the practical default #

The ADS1115 provides four single-ended inputs or two differential measurements through its MUX, plus the PGA and comparator. TI documents differential combinations including AIN0–AIN1, AIN0–AIN3, AIN1–AIN3 and AIN2–AIN3, as well as four inputs measured relative to ground.

Its PGA offers full-scale ranges from ±6.144 V down to ±0.256 V. This does not permit an analog pin to exceed the supply rails; the absolute-input limits still apply. The wider numeric full-scale setting mainly changes code scale when the device supply is lower.

ADS1115’s broad module ecosystem and production volume can make it cheaper than simpler or older siblings at some quantities. That is a supply-scale effect, not evidence that the ADC is lower quality.

What the L suffix changes #

ADS1114L and ADS1115L are not reduced-accuracy versions. Their defining feature is compatibility with a 1.8-V I²C bus while the ADC supply remains in its specified 2.0-to-3.6-V range.

This leads to a practical rule:

• 3.3-V MCU and ordinary board space: standard ADS1115 is usually simpler.
• 1.8-V host I/O without a level translator: ADS1115L is the natural branch.
• 5-V ADC supply: do not select the L version.
• Extremely small layout: evaluate the DSBGA option, assembly yield and inspection capability first.

The L suffix must not be inferred as “low power,” “lite” or “lower precision” in a purchasing database.

Direction three: ADS1118 for SPI and temperature-aware measurements #

The ADS1118 retains a 16-bit, 860-SPS, four-single-ended/two-differential converter with PGA, internal reference and oscillator, but changes two major system features:

• the digital interface is SPI rather than I²C;
• the comparator is replaced by an internal temperature sensor.

ADS1118 can suit thermocouple acquisition, but the internal sensor measures the ADC die temperature. Cold-junction compensation is credible only when the ADC and thermocouple connector are thermally coupled and protected from heat sources such as processors, displays, regulators or power resistors.

SPI also makes device selection explicit through chip select. It can be preferable when deterministic point-to-point communication matters more than placing many addressed ADCs on two wires.

Direction four: ADS1119 for buffered and ratiometric systems #

The ADS1119 is not simply “ADS1115 plus 140 SPS.” It targets a different signal-chain problem:

• rail-to-rail input buffers for high input impedance;
• internal or external voltage reference;
• gain choices of 1 and 4;
• four single-ended or two differential inputs;
• 20, 90, 330 and 1000 SPS data rates;
• simultaneous 50-Hz and 60-Hz rejection at 20 SPS;
• 16 pin-selectable I²C addresses;
• 16-pin WQFN or TSSOP packages.

The buffers reduce loading on high-impedance sensors or divider networks. The external-reference inputs enable ratiometric architectures in which the same excitation drives a sensor and the ADC reference:

```text Shared excitation/reference ├── sensor excitation └── ADS1119 external VREF ```

Supply variation then affects the sensor output and reference in the same direction, reducing one source of measurement error.

ADS1119’s tradeoff is reduced PGA flexibility. Gain is 1 or 4 rather than the ADS1115’s multiple full-scale ranges. Choose ADS1115 for convenient electronic range switching; choose ADS1119 when source loading, external reference or address count is the controlling requirement.

What Q1 means—and what it does not mean #

The four Q1 products in this comparison are:

• ADS1113-Q1
• ADS1114-Q1
• ADS1115-Q1
• ADS1118-Q1

TI states that these devices are AEC-Q100 qualified for automotive applications, with Grade 1 coverage from −40°C to +125°C ambient for the listed ADS111x-Q1 family. TI also labels the I²C Q1 family “Functional Safety-Capable,” with documentation available to support system design.

Q1 does not mean that a catalog ADS1115 can be substituted into an automotive approved BOM, nor that the complete ECU is automatically ISO 26262 compliant. The exact Q1 orderable code, package, qualification evidence, safety documentation and customer approval remain necessary.

Reported Q1 price premium in the July 28 snapshot #

The following figures come from the user-provided TI website Excel export captured on July 28, 2026 at 04:00. They are a historical price snapshot, not a current LimChip quote. Currency, region, order quantity, package and TI account conditions were not supplied, so the percentages are illustrative only.

Do not build a sourcing decision around these historical unit figures. Request the exact orderable code, quantity, date code, packaging and delivery schedule for a live comparison.

Why ADS1115 can cost less than older or simpler parts #

The same snapshot reported:

ADS1115 being the lowest-priced catalog model in that export is plausible because price reflects manufacturing scale, package, demand, inventory and quantity breaks—not a linear feature hierarchy. ADS1112’s older 240-SPS architecture can cost more when production and demand are smaller.

For SEO and purchasing records, avoid phrases such as “ADS1115 is always the cheapest.” The accurate statement is that it was the lowest listed catalog model in this specific dated export.

Package and assembly choices #

Package dimensions below are nominal family-level guidance. Confirm the mechanical drawing for the exact orderable code.

Module photos are not reliable package evidence. Many marketplace boards use a VSSOP ADS1115 or a pin-compatible alternative while the listing title remains unchanged.

Pin-compatible alternatives: treat P2P as an engineering claim #

Domestic and international suppliers offer ADCs advertised as pin-to-pin replacements for common ADS111x devices. A matching footprint is only the first check.

Engineering should compare:

• complete register map and reset values;
• I²C address behavior and clock-stretching details;
• comparator polarity, latching and ALERT/RDY timing;
• PGA ranges and absolute input limits;
• noise-free resolution at the required data rate;
• input impedance and source-settling behavior;
• internal-reference accuracy and drift;
• oscillator tolerance and 50/60-Hz rejection;
• power-on reset, single-shot timing and conversion latency;
• package marking, temperature grade and qualification evidence.

Firmware that works on a bench can still fail during brownout, bus recovery, channel switching or threshold operation. A P2P replacement should pass schematic review, register-level regression, analog accuracy testing and environmental validation before BOM approval.

Breakout-board and module procurement risks #

ADS1115 modules are useful for development, but they are not automatically suitable for production:

• the module may contain a compatible ADC rather than a TI device;
• input protection and RC filtering may differ between board revisions;
• pull-up resistors may force an unsuitable I²C voltage;
• the PCB can add leakage, noise or ground error;
• the seller may not provide lot traceability or moisture-control history;
• module dimensions and pin labels may remain constant while the BOM changes.

For engineering prototypes, record the board revision and photograph the marking. For production, buy the exact IC or a controlled module with a frozen BOM, incoming inspection plan and change-notification agreement.

Selection summary #

This is a starting point, not an automatic substitution table. Input common-mode range, source impedance, required effective resolution, data rate, reference strategy and package assembly must still be calculated.

RFQ and incoming-inspection checklist #

For an ADS111x RFQ, provide:

• complete TI orderable part number, not only “ADS1115”;
• target quantity and annual demand;
• catalog, L or Q1 requirement;
• package and tape-and-reel quantity;
• acceptable date-code window and single-lot requirement;
• prototype, industrial or automotive end use;
• required traceability and certificate documents;
• shipping destination and requested delivery date.

On receipt, verify:

1. manufacturer label and full orderable code; 2. lot, date code and quantity consistency; 3. package dimensions and top marking against TI documentation; 4. moisture-barrier bag, desiccant and humidity indicator where applicable; 5. reel, pocket and orientation consistency; 6. sample electrical behavior, register ID assumptions and conversion noise; 7. X-ray or further authentication when source risk justifies it.

Current stock, price, date code, lot condition and packaging must be confirmed before purchase.

Conclusion #

ADS111x is not one ADC repeated under several names. ADS1110 and ADS1112 preserve a compact legacy architecture; ADS1113, ADS1114 and ADS1115 form the mainstream 860-SPS I²C branch; ADS1114L and ADS1115L solve 1.8-V bus compatibility; ADS1118 moves to SPI and adds die-temperature measurement; ADS1119 prioritizes buffered inputs, external reference support and more I²C addresses.

ADS1115 remains the broadest default for low-speed multichannel acquisition, but the right procurement decision starts with the signal source and interface—not marketplace module popularity. Freeze the complete orderable code, verify the current data sheet and qualify any claimed P2P alternative before releasing production.

Official references #

• TI ADS1110 product page and data sheet
• TI ADS1112 product page and data sheet
• TI ADS1113 product page and ADS111x family data sheet
• TI ADS1114 product page
• TI ADS1115 product page
• TI ADS1115L product page and ADS111xL data sheet
• TI ADS1118 product page and data sheet
• TI ADS1118-Q1 automotive product page
• TI ADS1113-Q1 automotive family product page
• TI ADS1119 product page and data sheet