Test and Measurement: Know It All

Chapter 17. Real-World Measurement Applications - Precision Measurement and Sensor Conditioning

17.1. Introduction

The high-resolution Σ-Δ measurement ADC has revolutionized the entire area of precision sensor signal conditioning and data acquisition. Modern Σ-Δ ADCs offer no-missing-code resolutions to 24 bits and greater than 19 bits of noise-free code resolution. The inclusion of on-chip PGAs coupled with the high resolution virtually eliminates the need for signal conditioning circuitry—the precision sensor can interface directly with the ADC in many cases.

The Σ-Δ architecture is highly digitally intensive. It is therefore relatively easy to add programmable features and offer greater flexibility in their applications. Throughput ...