Re: 16-bits ADC anyone?

"CBFalconer" <cbfalconer@xxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:466659E8.2AB9A675@xxxxxxxxxxxx
mw wrote:
Vladimir Vassilevsky wrote:

I am wondering of what could be a sensor which requires the ADC
with the true 16-bit accuracy. For the sensor application, that
sounds unreasonable to me. Especially considering that the rest
of application is handled by a small micro. Apparently there is
a problem with the concept.

Plenty of sensors are read with 16-bit ADCs. Examples: pressure
sensor, strain gauge, position sensors, etc. Just take a look
at the Analog Devices app notes.

Yes, but the question is why? That gives a result to 1 part in
65535 over the range, and even if we assign the high order bit to
allow overruns by a factor of 2, it is still 1 part in 32767. I
find such precision requirements to be extremely rare.

I'm use to processing photosensor data. Photodiodes can be linear over a
huge dynamic range - I was told 14 decades but I've only tried six. I
typically want 10-bit accuracy, so some of this can be handled with a gain
switch.

I've processed temperature sensor data with 0.001°C resolution (but less
accuracy), required for good closed loop performance.

Audio data is another that needs good linearity but can tolerate scale
errors.

But I would help if the OP explained what he wanted the ADC for so that we
can assess what aspects of the system require 16-bitness.

--
Peter


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