The ADS1000-Q1 is fabricated in a small-geometry low-voltage process. The analog inputs feature protection diodes to the supply rails. However, the current-handling ability of these diodes is limited, and the ADS1000-Q1 can be permanently damaged by analog input voltages that remain more than approximately 300 mV beyond the rails for extended periods. One way to protect against overvoltage is to place current-limiting resistors on the input lines. The ADS1000-Q1 analog inputs can withstand momentary currents of as large as 10 mA.

This process does not apply to the I²C ports, which can both be driven to 6 V regardless of the supply.

If the ADS1000-Q1 is driven by an operational amplifier with high voltage supplies, such as ±12 V, protection must be provided, even if the operational amplifier is configured to not output out-of-range voltages. Many operational amplifiers seek to one of the supply rails immediately when power is applied, usually before the input has stabilized; this momentary spike can damage the ADS1000-Q1. Sometimes this damage is incremental and results in slow, long-term failure that can be disastrous for permanently installed, low-maintenance systems.

If using an operational amplifier or other front-end circuitry with the ADS1000-Q1, be sure to take the performance characteristics of this circuitry into account; a chain is only as strong as the weakest link.

Any data converter is only as good as the reference. For the ADS1000-Q1, the reference is the power supply, and the power supply must be clean enough to achieve the desired performance. If a power-supply filter capacitor is used, place this capacitor close to the V_DD pin, with no vias placed between the capacitor and the pin. The trace leading to the pin must be as wide as possible, even if the trace must be necked down at the device.