Two new chips have been added to Analog Devices' family of MicroConverter products. MicroConverters feature ADI's precision data conversion technologies integrated with a flash microcontroller core to produce user-programmable, system-on-chip ICs ideal for high-performance signal processing in industrial and instrumentation applications. The new chips now boast processing capabilities 12 times faster than the company's previous offerings.
The ADuC844 MicroConverter incorporates two high-resolution sigma-delta analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and a programmable 8-bit, single-cycle, flash microcontroller that runs at up to 12 MIPS. The on-chip code flash/EE memory space allows for in-circuit re-programmability while the separate data memory space provides a nonvolatile read/write block with security enhancements. In addition, 2304 bytes of RAM complete the memory section.
This device comes in three flash memory size options, 62K/4K bytes, 32K/2K bytes and 8K/640 bytes of code/data flash. The MCU core is an optimised single-cycle 8052 offering up to 12,58 MIPs performance while maintaining the 8051 instruction set. It is particularly suited for designers using the C programming language; its unique combination of memory and processing functionality allows users more flexibility in customising systems. The ADuC844 analog section includes a 24-bit, primary sigma-delta ADC in addition to an auxiliary 16-bit sigma-delta ADC.
The ADuC846 is identical to the ADuC844 except that the primary ADC has a resolution of 16-bits and is therefore a lower cost option.
Both devices include a temperature sensor, a programmable gain amplifier on the primary ADC to allow direct measurement of low-level signals, a 12-bit voltage output DAC, dual PWM outputs, two current sources, a reference, an oscillator and PLL which generates the 12,58 MHz clock from a 32 kHz crystal, and UART, SPI and I2C communications ports. The ADI patented chopping scheme is implemented on both the primary and auxiliary ADCs for excellent DC offset and offset drift specifications, which is extremely beneficial in applications where low drift, noise rejection and optimum EMI rejection are important.
Applications
MicroConverters are ideally suited for today's leading-edge industrial and instrumentation applications that require the precise measurement of low-frequency signals that have a wide dynamic range. These include intelligent sensor calibration and conditioning, smart transmitters, weigh scales, temperature and pressure transducers, 4-20 mA control-loops, patient monitoring and portable test/measurement equipment.
Development
ADI offers its QuickStart system development kit that provides all software and hardware tools necessary to develop, debug, and test MicroConverter-based applications in assembly under ASPIRE, a new IDE (integrated development environment). QuickStart Plus is an enhanced development system incorporating an entry-level C compiler, macro assembler, simulator and realtime emulator, and device-specific prototyping target board.
Information supplied by Analog Data Products. For more information contact them on 011 259 9400.
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