An AD converter makes analog signals usable for digital systems and is therefore indispensable in modern electronics. Find out here how it works, what it is used for, and what types are available.
An AD converter (analog-to-digital converter, ADC) is an electronic component or circuit that converts an analog signal (e.g., voltage, current, or a measured variable such as temperature) into digital values. The continuous signal is translated into a sequence of discrete numerical values that can be further processed by a microcontroller, processor, or computer. Without AD converters, many modern systems would be unable to capture analog information and evaluate it digitally.
An AD converter is always needed when analog measured variables are to be processed or stored digitally. Typical applications include the acquisition of sensor signals, the processing of audio signals, and the digitization of images. The AD converter makes it possible to process real variables such as sound, light, or temperature in such a way that they become understandable and usable for digital systems. It thus forms the interface between the analog and digital worlds.
AD converters are found in almost all areas of modern electronics. In measurement technology, they are used to capture precise sensor data. In signal processing, they are crucial for audio devices, medical technology, and communication systems. They also play a central role in the automotive industry, for example in driver assistance systems or engine control units. In addition, they are indispensable in industrial plants, automation technology, smart home devices, mobile phones, and other consumer electronics products.
A good AD converter has several characteristics. Important parameters include resolution (e.g., 8, 12, 16, or even 24 bits), which determines how finely a signal can be quantized, and sampling rate, which specifies how many measured values are recorded per second. Accuracy, low noise, low signal distortion, and low latency also play a major role, especially in audio and measurement technology. Depending on the application, low power consumption and compact designs are also crucial. A high-performance AD converter combines high precision with efficiency and reliability. This makes it the heart of many modern electronic systems.
AD converters differ in terms of their design and operating principle. Each architecture has its strengths in terms of speed, accuracy, and energy consumption. The most important types are:
In measurement technology, AD converters are indispensable, especially when paired with sensors: the sensors convert the desired physical quantity (such as pressure, acceleration, or temperature) into an electrical analog measurement variable (voltage or current), which is then made available to the digital world by the AD converter. This digitization enables precise evaluation, storage, and further processing of the measurement data in computers or microcontrollers.
The accuracy of the AD converter is particularly crucial in laboratory equipment, calibration technology, and industrial measurement systems—it determines how precisely a measured value is recorded. High-resolution converters such as delta-sigma ADCs are therefore often used in precision scales, sensor systems, and medical measuring devices, while faster types such as SAR ADCs are preferred for dynamic measurements in automation technology.
The ADCstamp is more than just a high-precision AD converter: it is a fully-fledged System-On-Module (SoM) that greatly simplifies the development of powerful measurement systems. With its compact dimensions of only 68 × 25.4 × 12 mm, it integrates all functions from signal conditioning to digital data processing and transmission.
Thanks to its 5 kV galvanic isolation, it is ideal for high-voltage applications, while its high sampling rate of up to 4 MHz and 24-bit resolution ensure maximum precision in the measurement of electrical signals. Thanks to the integrated sensor power supply, various signal sources with AC/DC, unipolar/bipolar, and differential signals can be connected directly, making the ADCstamp a flexible solution for a wide range of applications. Developers benefit from quick commissioning thanks to the provided FPGA source codes and starter kits, which enable easy integration into existing systems. Whether in the power analysis of electric motors, acoustic research, or the monitoring of high-speed processes, the ADCstamp is a reliable and efficient solution for demanding measurement tasks.
Overall, the ADCstamp offers a flexible, precise, and safe solution for developers and engineers who want to develop powerful measurement systems without having to deal with the complex challenges of analog signal processing and high-voltage safety.
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