
High-Precision Applications 9
In this chapter we will look at high-precision applications. High precision is not an
easy term to define, but for our purposes, we will say that it is any application that
requires more than 10 bits of accuracy.
A requirement for high precision usually stems from one of two places: a need
to measure very small values, or a need to measure a wide dynamic range. High
precision typically translates into more resolution: a 12- or 16-bit ADC instead of
an 8- or 10-bit part. However, added resolution brings new problems. A 10-bit
ADC with a 5 V range has a resolution of 4.88 mv per ADC step. A 12-bit ADC has
a resolution of