Optimize High-Voltage Measurements with Self-Adjusting Attenuator (.PDF Download)

It's a common challenge to measure voltages that exceed the operating voltage of the ADC used as part of the measurement circuit. One commonly employed method is to use a resistor string as a voltage divider, setting the resistor ratio such that the highest voltage of interest is scaled below the ADC’s reference voltage. It provides a fixed ratio, but small input voltages can’t take advantage of the dynamic range of the ADC. Also, unanticipated oversized signals may damage the input of the ADC circuit, as well as distort the signal due to changes in the circuit’s impedance...

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