PrideSilicon Data Converters

PrideSilicon offers three main types of data converters: SAR ADCs for high-speed applications requiring fast conversion times up to 1 MSPS

Sigma-Delta ADCs for high-resolution measurement applications demanding excellent noise performance up to 24-bit resolution

and DACs for precision control and signal generation. SAR ADCs are ideal for multiplexed systems and control loops. Sigma-delta converters excel in precision instrumentation with outstanding dynamic range and integrated programmable gain amplifiers.

Choose SAR ADCs for high-speed data acquisition and sigma-delta ADCs for precision measurement applications. Contact our FAE team for detailed selection guidance.

Resolution selection depends on your measurement accuracy requirements. For general industrial control, 12-bit resolution provides sufficient accuracy. For precision instrumentation, 16-bit resolution offers 0.0015% accuracy suitable for most test equipment. For high-precision measurement like weigh scales and medical devices, 20-24 bit resolution provides the necessary accuracy. Consider the full signal chain including sensor accuracy, signal conditioning, and ADC resolution to achieve optimal system performance.

Calculate your required accuracy based on system specifications, then select ADC resolution with margin. Our FAE team can help with resolution calculations.

SAR ADCs use successive approximation to achieve fast conversion times, making them ideal for multiplexed systems and applications requiring high sampling rates. They offer good resolution (12-16 bit) with low latency. Sigma-delta ADCs use oversampling and noise shaping to achieve very high resolution (16-24 bit) with excellent noise performance, but with lower sampling rates and higher latency. SAR ADCs are best for control systems and data acquisition, while sigma-delta ADCs excel in precision measurement and sensor applications.

Select SAR ADCs for high-speed applications and sigma-delta ADCs for high-precision measurement. Contact our FAE team for application-specific recommendations.

PrideSilicon data converters support multiple interface options to accommodate different system requirements. SPI is the most common interface, offering high-speed communication with simple implementation and full-duplex operation. I2C provides lower speed but requires fewer pins, making it suitable for space-constrained designs and systems with multiple devices. Parallel interfaces offer the highest throughput for demanding applications. All interfaces support standard protocol features and are compatible with popular microcontrollers and processors.

Use SPI for high-speed applications, I2C for multi-device systems with pin constraints. Contact our FAE team for interface selection guidance.

ENOB is the actual resolution achieved considering noise and distortion. It is calculated from the Signal-to-Noise and Distortion Ratio (SINAD) using the formula: ENOB = (SINAD - 1.76) / 6.02. For example, an ADC with 80 dB SINAD has approximately 13 ENOB. Factors affecting ENOB include input signal frequency, reference noise, power supply quality, and PCB layout. PrideSilicon ADCs are characterized for ENOB across temperature and frequency to ensure consistent performance.

Evaluate ENOB at your operating conditions to ensure the ADC meets accuracy requirements. Contact our FAE team for ENOB analysis and layout recommendations.