Data Acq ICs Targeted at Auto Apps

March 14th, 2006

Devices in the AS8500/AS8501 family from Austria Microsystems are high-precision sensor interfaces are designed to connect to sensors for the measurement of physical quantities. They feature a resolution of less than 10mA in a measuring range of up to 1500A and are ideal for use in extreme environments, such as vehicles, factories, and medical facilities.

The AS8500/AS8501 devices feature chopper input circuit, a programmable preamplifier, and a 16-bit A/D converter. Once the data has been converted to a digital format, the data is processed with DSP, which enables users to correct offset errors and calibrate the data. Data rates of up to 16 kSamples/sec are possible, despite the complex processing procedure.

The new products also include a high-precision voltage reference, an integrated IC temperature measurement element, and an internal calibration parameter storage.

The devices’ excellent noise values of under 1uV in the frequency range of up to 10Hz are achieved through overall circuit optimization, for instance, special focus was put on internal decoupling between analog and digital IC circuitry. The outstanding analog performance of the AS8501 is ensured by a specifically designed robot system that tests the IC’s individual analog parameters, determines specific trim parameters by means of a complex calibration routine, and stores these data in the IC. The AS8500, on the other hand, is delivered with a standard trim setting.

The devices AS8500 and AS8501 are available in a lead-free SOIC16 package. For product specific information and to request samples, go to the Austria Microsystems’ website.

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