ADC features novel front-end design

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Mar 23, 2007

16-channel delta-sigma analogue-to-digital convertor communicates via an I2C-compatible serial interface and includes a unique analogue input architecture.

Linear Technology has introduced the LTC2499, a 16-channel delta-sigma analogue-to-digital convertor (ADC) that communicates via an I2C-compatible serial interface and includes a unique analogue input architecture.

The LTC2499's Easy Drive front-end design results in zero average differential input current, allowing measurements of high impedance input sources without the use of an internal buffer.

This patented sampling scheme simplifies the design of front-end signal conditioning circuits and allows the ADC to be driven directly from bridges, RTDs, thermocouples and high impedance sensors.

Rail-to-rail input signals can be directly digitised while maintaining excellent DC accuracy (2ppm INL).

The LTC2499 includes a high accuracy internal temperature sensor that offers 1/30C resolution and 2C absolute accuracy.

The ADC converts the output of the temperature sensor or the input multiplexer, which can be configured for 16 single-ended channels, eight differential channels, or combinations of both.

After a new channel is selected, the LTC2499's No Latency Delta-Sigma digital filter settles in a single cycle.

The LTC2499 performs conversions at rates of 15 or 7.5Hz while using the internal oscillator and can be configured to reject line frequencies of 50, 60 or simultaneous 50/60Hz, while maintaining 600nV RMS noise across the full input voltage range.

Three address-select pins allow 27 unique address combinations, in addition to a separate global address for synchronising multiple devices.

For lower resolution applications, Linear Technology is also introducing the LTC2497, a pin-compatible 16bit ADC.

The LTC2499 and LTC2497 are each available in QFN-38 (5 x 7mm) packages, offering a pin-compatible and code-compatible family for performance/cost optimisation.

The LTC2498 and LTC2496 are equivalent 24 and 16bit Easy Drive ADCs that communicate via a four-wire SPI-compatible interface.

Both the LTC2499 and LTC2497 are available in commercial and industrial temperature ranges.

Pricing begins at US $3.45 each for the LTC2499 and $2.65 each for the LTC2497, in 1000-piece quantities.