Analog Devices Sigma-Delta Converter is Unmatched in Speed and Resolution for Precision Sensing

NORWOOD, Mass.--(EON:Enhanced Online News)--Analog Devices, Inc. (NYSE: ADI), the global leader in data converter technology, is enabling industrial equipment manufacturers to expand the operating speed and precision of sensitive measurement instruments with the introduction today of a sigma-delta ADC (analog-to-digital converter) that features the industry’s best combination of data rate and noise-free resolution. While the resolution of competing devices degrades quickly at speeds beyond 1 kHz, ADI’s 24-bit AD7190 sigma-delta ADC achieves greater than true 16-bit noise-free resolution up to 2.4 kHz across all input voltages from 40 mV to 5 V.

“Laboratory scales are among the most precise instruments in the world, and when reading an extremely small signal they need high gain and a virtually noise-free environment to ensure an accurate, flicker-free reading”

This level of performance allows designers to measure much smaller signals faster and with greater accuracy, which can significantly improve system performance for precision instruments, such as weigh scales, process measurement and control modules, scientific instrumentation and medical monitoring devices. Additionally, designers can achieve an industry-leading 21-bit noise-free resolution for their high-precision dc systems given the devices’ noise performance of only 7 nV rms (root mean squared) for an input signal of 40 mV at a 4.7 Hz data rate. Delivering superior noise-free resolution across the widest data rate and input signal range of any sigma-delta ADC, the AD7190 offers manufacturers the flexibility to use the same data converter solution in multiple lines of end equipment.

“Laboratory scales are among the most precise instruments in the world, and when reading an extremely small signal they need high gain and a virtually noise-free environment to ensure an accurate, flicker-free reading,” said Mike Britchfield, product line director, precision signal processing, Analog Devices. “At the other end of the spectrum, industrial manufacturers using high-speed hopper and conveyor scales demand fast, error-free processing of packaged goods. The AD7190 is a single-chip solution that performs highly accurate measurements across a broad range of input signal magnitudes and data rates, to deliver faster throughput without sacrificing system resolution.”

On-chip PGA Delivers Ultra-low Noise Performance and Industry-leading Offset Drift

The AD7190 sigma-delta ADC includes an advanced, on-chip PGA (programmable gain amplifier) with ultra-low noise and drift from dc to 4.8 kHz. The innovative design of the integrated PGA allows the AD7190 sigma-delta ADC to realize an ultra-low noise of only 7 nV rms (root mean squared) at 4.7 Hz data rate with a gain of 128, and an industry-leading offset drift of only 5 nV/ degrees C. In addition to delivering two bits better resolution than competing sigma-delta ADCs designed to convert small input signals at kHz data rates, the highly integrated AD7190 reduces signal chain cost by up to 25 percent through on-chip features that include an oscillator; temperature sensor; bridge power-down switch; reference detect monitor; and a choice of single-ended, pseudo-differential or fully differential input channels. Also included on-chip are simultaneous 50-/60-Hz rejection; offset and gain calibration; open sensor detection; a choice of chopped or non-chopped signal; and four general-purpose output pins. A zero-latency mode is selectable in order to reduce software overheads if a valid conversion per data output is desired.

Pricing and Availability

The AD7190 sigma-delta ADC is sampling now and will be available in production quantities in November 2008. The AD7190 comes in a 24-lead TSSOP (thin-shrink small-outline package) and is priced at $5.90 per unit in 1,000-unit quantities. For more information, visit www.analog.com/pr/AD7190.

Data Converters: Bridging the Analog and Digital Worlds

More designers turn to Analog Devices than any other supplier for the high-performance conversion technology required to bridge the analog and digital worlds in today’s myriad electronic systems. With the industry’s leading portfolio of ADCs (analog-to-digital converters) and DACs (digital-to-analog converters), Analog Devices’ converter products feature the right combination of sampling rates, accuracy and reduced noise, power, price and package size required in industrial and instrumentation, medical equipment, automotive systems, communications infrastructure, and consumer electronics. Evaluation tools help customers quickly validate, select, and design in the optimal data converters to reduce design complexity, development schedules, and bill-of-material costs. To view ADI’s ADC selection guide, visit www.analog.com/ADCsearch. For ADC drivers, visit: www.analog.com/adcdrivers. To view ADI’s DAC selection guide, visit www.analog.com/DACsearch.

About Analog Devices

Innovation, performance, and excellence are the cultural pillars on which Analog Devices has built one of the longest standing, highest growth companies within the technology sector. Acknowledged industry-wide as the world leader in data conversion and signal conditioning technology, Analog Devices serves over 60,000 customers, representing virtually all types of electronic equipment. Celebrating over 40 years as a leading global manufacturer of high-performance integrated circuits used in analog and digital signal processing applications, Analog Devices is headquartered in Norwood, Massachusetts, with design and manufacturing facilities throughout the world. Analog Devices' common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “ADI” and is included in the S&P 500 Index. http://www.analog.com

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