Texas Instruments Introduces Low-Power 24-bit Data Converter For High-Resolution Measurements In Portable Applications

TUCSON, Ariz. (Dec. 12, 2002) - Texas Instruments (TI) Incorporated (NYSE: TXN) today introduced a 24-bit delta-sigma analog-to-digital converter (ADC) from the company's Burr-Brown product line featuring low power consumption (90µA) and miniature size (MSOP-10). This easy-to-use ADC is ideal for high-resolution measurements where performance, space and power consumption are critical, such as handheld instrumentation, portable medical equipment, industrial process control and weigh scales.

The ADS1244 consists of a third-order delta-sigma modulator and digital filter. The analog modulator has a +/-5V differential input stage. The digital filter rejects both 50Hz and 60Hz signals, completely settles in one cycle and outputs data at 15 samples per second."By combining high resolution, low power, simplicity-of-use and small size, the ADS1244 provides an unequaled price/performance value for space-constrained measurement applications," said Jim Todsen, product manager for TI's data acquisition products.

The ADS1244 is designed to easily connect to microcontrollers, such as TI's MSP430 family of ultra-low-power microcontrollers, to offer a complete data acquisition solution. Multiple ADS1244s can be connected together to create a synchronously sampling multi-channel measurement system.

A simple two-wire serial interface provides all the necessary control. Data retrieval, self-calibration and Sleep Mode are handled with a few simple waveforms. When only single conversions are needed, the Sleep Mode can be used to shut down the ADS1244 when idle between measurements -- dramatically reducing overall power consumption. Power is typically less than 270uW in normal operation and less than 1uW in Sleep Mode. The ADS1244 supports 2.5V to 5.25V analog supplies and 1.8V to 3.6V digital supplies.

Available Today

The ADS1244 comes in an MSOP-10 package, and is available now from TI and its authorized distributors. Suggested resale pricing is $2.95 in 1,000 piece quantities.