PCM5122PWR

Data acquisition from sensors is vital for many industries and applications, and is an integral part of the development of a wide range of products and services. One of the components essential in achieving accurate and reliable data acquisition is the Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC). The PCM5122PWR is a precision LEMO-compatible 24-bit ADC which is specially designed for demanding applications. It has a built-in low-noise power supply, a precise sample clock, an on-board temperature sensor, and flexible control and management options which make it well suited for use in a wide range of data acquisition applications.

Working Principle

The PCM5122PWR is a differential, 24-bit sigma-delta ADC which uses a successive approximation register (SAR) architecture. It is designed to provide high linearity performance, low noise, and wide dynamic range. The core of the device is a 12-bit SAR which is fed by an internal 24bit accumulator to achieve the desired resolution. The device covers an input range of -2.2V to 2.2V which is translated into two range settings of (0 to 2V) and (-2V to 0V) with a further attenuation stage for both settings.

The ADC features a flexible sample clock system, precision low-noise power supply and external temperature measurement. The internal reference voltage is generated by the on-board voltage regulator, and is adjustable over a wide range of applications spanning from 0.8V to 10V while remaining within the required range for LEMO to +-10%. The performance over the full temperature range is such that it provides excellent resolution with minimal additional noise.

The user-selectable sample clock can be either an external reference clock or an internal oscillator which provides high accuracy and precision. An external temperature sensing diode can also be connected which is used to measure the temperature and adjust the reference voltage accordingly to optimize the system performance.

Application Fields

The PCM5122PWR is ideally suited for a wide range of data acquisition applications such as medical imaging, geophysical exploration, instrumentation, avionics, and test & measurement. The device is optimized for point-of-use testing and diagnosis, where it can be used to convert signals from a variety of sensor types into meaningful digital data. The combination of its low noise and wide dynamic range make it well suited for applications where precision and accuracy are essential.

The device is also well suited for use in portable instrumentation where its small size and low power consumption make it an ideal choice. The device can operate from either a 3V or 5V supply with a typical current consumption of 12mA, making it suitable for battery-powered applications. It is also LEMO-compatible, allowing for integration into a diverse range of products and systems.

Overall, the PCM5122PWR is an excellent choice for a wide range of data acquisition applications, offering outstanding accuracy and precision together with extremely low power consumption and a small form factor. It is suitable for a variety of applications and environments, making it an ideal solution for point-of-use testing and diagnosis.