**AD7490BCPZ: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the 16-Channel, 12-Bit SAR ADC**

In the realm of data acquisition systems, the ability to accurately and efficiently digitize multiple analog signals is paramount. The **AD7490BCPZ** from Analog Devices stands as a robust solution, integrating a **16-channel multiplexer** with a high-performance **12-bit successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC)**. This combination makes it exceptionally suited for a wide array of industrial, medical, and communication applications where multi-point monitoring is required.

**Architecture and Core Operation**

At the heart of the AD7490BCPZ is a classic SAR ADC architecture, renowned for its **excellent balance of speed, accuracy, and power consumption**. The conversion process is initiated through a control signal, after which the internal capacitor DAC sequentially approximates the input voltage against a reference voltage. This architecture ensures no pipeline delay, providing a single conversion result upon completion, which is critical for real-time control systems.

A key feature of this device is its integrated **16-channel multiplexer**. This allows a single ADC core to sequentially digitize up to 16 different analog input sources, significantly reducing the system's component count, board space, and overall cost. The channel selection is easily programmable via the serial interface, offering tremendous flexibility.

**Performance Characteristics and Key Specifications**

The AD7490BCPZ delivers strong performance metrics that define its utility:

* **Resolution:** **12-bit resolution** provides 4096 possible digital codes, ensuring fine granularity for precise measurements.

* **Throughput Rate:** It supports a **1 MSPS (Million Samples Per Second)** throughput rate, enabling the rapid sampling of multiple channels.

* **Low Power Consumption:** Operating from a single **2.7 V to 5.25 V supply**, the device consumes only 13.5 mW (typical) at 1 MSPS with a 5 V supply. Its power-down mode reduces consumption to just 1 µW, making it ideal for battery-powered or power-sensitive applications.

* **Flexible Input Range:** The analog input range is configurable from **0 V to VREF**, with the reference voltage (VREF) typically set between 2.5 V and VDD. This provides design flexibility to match the sensor's output range.

* **Serial Interface:** It features a high-speed, versatile **SPI-/QSPI-/MICROWIRE-/DSP-compatible serial interface** for communication with a host microcontroller or processor, simplifying integration into digital systems.

**Applications and Use Cases**

The combination of high channel count, solid performance, and low power makes the AD7490BCPZ a versatile choice. Its typical applications include:

* **Industrial Control and Automation Systems:** For monitoring multiple sensor nodes such as temperature, pressure, and flow transducers.

* **Medical Instrumentation:** Used in patient monitoring equipment for acquiring data from various physiological sensors.

* **Power Management Systems:** Monitoring battery voltages and current levels in multi-battery systems.

* **Communication Infrastructure:** Base station systems for monitoring power amplifier parameters and environmental conditions.

**ICGOODFIND Summary**

**ICGOODFIND:** The AD7490BCPZ is a highly integrated and efficient **16-channel, 12-bit SAR ADC** that excels in multi-channel data acquisition systems. Its **1 MSPS sampling rate, low power operation, and flexible serial interface** make it a superior choice for designers seeking to optimize performance, space, and power budgets in complex embedded applications.

**Keywords:**

1. **SAR ADC**

2. **16-Channel Multiplexer**

3. **12-Bit Resolution**

4. **1 MSPS**

5. **Low Power Consumption**