ADCs' Input Channels Offer Simultaneous Signal Sampling

Designed specifically for motor control and power management applications are a pair of 12-bit, dual 500-kHz A/D converters-the ADS7861 and ADS7862-featuring four fully differential input channels grouped into two pairs for high speed, simultaneous sampling signal acquisition. The devices reportedly sample twice as fast as the competition, while dissipating only 40 mW of power. In a three-phase motor control system, the chips' four channel/two-pair input gives the designer the ability to monitor and adjust two critical variables, such as voltage and current, at the same time. Also, when operating the devices from a common reference, the simultaneous sampling of the voltage and current provides the opportunity to double the data conversion throughput rate to 1 MHz.