TI intros 2-channel, 2-MSPS SAR ADCs in 12-, 10- and 8-bit resolution for portable data acquisition

DALLAS, USA: Texas Instruments Inc. (TI) has introduced three new successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that deliver low power in a small package with the widest analog supply and reference range in their class.

The ADS7947, ADS7948 and ADS7949 provide 2-MSPS and 2-channel data conversion at 12-, 10-, and 8-bit resolution, respectively, and were designed for applications such as portable data acquisition, X-Y positioning, battery monitoring, and instrumentation and control.

Key features and benefits:
* Maintains high AC performance and low power consumption by delivering 2 MSPS and 72 dB of signal to noise ratio (SNR) at 7.5 mW power consumption. Additional power savings can be achieved with an easy-to-implement, simplified power-down mode and power scaling to 8 uW/kSPS for data rates under 500 kSPS, extending the battery life of portable devices.

* Pseudo-differential inputs reduce the need for additional common-mode signal-conditioning circuitry, and precision offset and gain over temperature eliminate calibration over temperature, saving system cost and simplifying design.

* Provides a best-in-class analog power supply range of 2.7 V to 5.5 V, with full-scale input range extending to 5 V, enabling one converter to accommodate both 3.3 V and 5 V applications.

* Provides pin-for-pin compatibility between the ADS7947, ADS7948 and ADS7949, making it easy to achieve 12-, 10- and 8-bit resolution flexibility without requiring board or software control changes.

The ADS7947, ADS7948 and ADS7949 ADCs are available now in a 3-mm x 3-mm WQFN package. Pricing starts at $1.95 for the ADS7947, $1.70 for the ADS7948 and $0.99 for the ADS7949 in 1,000-unit quantities.