Fast 16-bit SAR converter introduced

MAY 29--Analog Devices Inc. (ADI; Norwood, MA: www.analog.com), a global supplier of signal-processing semiconductors and data converters, claims to have developed the first 1-Msample/s, 16-bit SAR (successive-approximation register), analog-to-digital converter. The AD7671 PulSAR converter doubles performance for a variety of high-precision applications, including medical instruments, spectrum analyzers, data-acquisition systems, scanners, wired communications, and fiberoptic networking equipment.

According to Mike Britchfield, ADI product line director, precision converters, the AD7671 converter delivers twice the speed at half the power consumption of other products in its class. SAR converters are the preferred architecture for analog-to-digital conversion, and this newest member is expected to set a new standard in performance.

The AD7671's conversion rate is twice that of what was previously available on the market, has no data latency, and operates at three different speeds: 1-Msample/s "warp" mode for asynchronous sampling applications, 800-ksample/s "normal" mode, and an "impulse" mode in which power consumption varies with throughput.

The device uses a single 5-V power supply and typically dissipates only 115 mW, even less in the impulse mode; a power-down mode further extends battery life. It accommodates variable input ranges by offering bipolar/unipolar inputs, provides calibration and error correction circuits, an internal clock, and 8- or 16-bit and two-wire serial interfaces.

With its 9 x 9-mm, 48-lead low-profile quad flat pack package, the AD7671 saves board space, is pin compatible with the ADI PulSAR family of 16-bit SAR converters, and is specified to operate from -40 to +85°C.