Adafruit MCP3421 18-Bit ADC
TheĀ Adafruit MCP3421 18-Bit ADCĀ is a simple, inexpensive, and easy to use 18-bit, 240 SPS, single-channel ADC with an I2C interface that can run up to 3.4MHz clock rate. A perfectĀ component whenever you need an ADC that has differential inputs, adjustable gain, and a built in precision/low-drift reference voltage.
One of the trade-offs with getting 18-bit precision is that the ADC is not going to be very fast: you can configure the chip to do a faster 12-bit conversion at 240 SPS, but at 18-bits it slows down to 3.5 SPS.Ā That's because the way aĀ sigma-delta ADCĀ works, it 'guesses' the analog voltage and uses a comparator to determine whether the input is higher or lower. Each 'guess' takes an extra step, and thus halves the throughput, so 12-bit is 240 SPS, and 14-bit is 1/4 (2-bit) slower, 60 SPS. Ditto 16-bit is 1/4 slower, 15 SPS, and finally 18-bit is 3.75 SPS.
TheĀ MCP3421Ā is already set up for differential inputs, which means that you can read positive or negative differences between the two inputs,Ā as long as both signals are between 0 and 2.048V. This means its not going to be great for reading stuff like potentiometers, where you have a single-end reading referenced to ground, and you want to read the full range from 0 to Vcc. It is great, however, for reading sensors like strain gauges, pressure sensors, or thermocouples.
AdafruitĀ have a ready to go Arduino library that makes usage simple: select the sample rate / precision you want and one-shot or continuous mode. Then read values over I2C! This sensor has a fixed address, soĀ you may want to use a multiplexorĀ if you want to connect multiple MCP3421's on a single I2C bus.
To get you going fast, we spun up a custom-made PCB in theĀ STEMMA QTĀ form factor, making it easy to interface with. TheĀ STEMMA QT connectorsĀ on either side are compatible with theĀ SparkFun QwiicĀ I2C connectors. This allows you to make solderless connections between your development board and the MCP or to chain it with a wide range of other sensors and accessories using aĀ compatible cable.
QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop.
Comes with a bit of 0.1" standard header in case you want to use it with a breadboard or perfboard.Ā Four mounting holes for easy attachment.
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Adafruit MCP3421 18-Bit ADC
Adafruit MCP3421 18-Bit ADC
TheĀ Adafruit MCP3421 18-Bit ADCĀ is a simple, inexpensive, and easy to use 18-bit, 240 SPS, single-channel ADC with an I2C interface that can run up to 3.4MHz clock rate. A perfectĀ component whenever you need an ADC that has differential inputs, adjustable gain, and a built in precision/low-drift reference voltage.
One of the trade-offs with getting 18-bit precision is that the ADC is not going to be very fast: you can configure the chip to do a faster 12-bit conversion at 240 SPS, but at 18-bits it slows down to 3.5 SPS.Ā That's because the way aĀ sigma-delta ADCĀ works, it 'guesses' the analog voltage and uses a comparator to determine whether the input is higher or lower. Each 'guess' takes an extra step, and thus halves the throughput, so 12-bit is 240 SPS, and 14-bit is 1/4 (2-bit) slower, 60 SPS. Ditto 16-bit is 1/4 slower, 15 SPS, and finally 18-bit is 3.75 SPS.
TheĀ MCP3421Ā is already set up for differential inputs, which means that you can read positive or negative differences between the two inputs,Ā as long as both signals are between 0 and 2.048V. This means its not going to be great for reading stuff like potentiometers, where you have a single-end reading referenced to ground, and you want to read the full range from 0 to Vcc. It is great, however, for reading sensors like strain gauges, pressure sensors, or thermocouples.
AdafruitĀ have a ready to go Arduino library that makes usage simple: select the sample rate / precision you want and one-shot or continuous mode. Then read values over I2C! This sensor has a fixed address, soĀ you may want to use a multiplexorĀ if you want to connect multiple MCP3421's on a single I2C bus.
To get you going fast, we spun up a custom-made PCB in theĀ STEMMA QTĀ form factor, making it easy to interface with. TheĀ STEMMA QT connectorsĀ on either side are compatible with theĀ SparkFun QwiicĀ I2C connectors. This allows you to make solderless connections between your development board and the MCP or to chain it with a wide range of other sensors and accessories using aĀ compatible cable.
QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop.
Comes with a bit of 0.1" standard header in case you want to use it with a breadboard or perfboard.Ā Four mounting holes for easy attachment.
Original: $6.60
-65%$6.60
$2.31Product Information
Product Information
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Description
TheĀ Adafruit MCP3421 18-Bit ADCĀ is a simple, inexpensive, and easy to use 18-bit, 240 SPS, single-channel ADC with an I2C interface that can run up to 3.4MHz clock rate. A perfectĀ component whenever you need an ADC that has differential inputs, adjustable gain, and a built in precision/low-drift reference voltage.
One of the trade-offs with getting 18-bit precision is that the ADC is not going to be very fast: you can configure the chip to do a faster 12-bit conversion at 240 SPS, but at 18-bits it slows down to 3.5 SPS.Ā That's because the way aĀ sigma-delta ADCĀ works, it 'guesses' the analog voltage and uses a comparator to determine whether the input is higher or lower. Each 'guess' takes an extra step, and thus halves the throughput, so 12-bit is 240 SPS, and 14-bit is 1/4 (2-bit) slower, 60 SPS. Ditto 16-bit is 1/4 slower, 15 SPS, and finally 18-bit is 3.75 SPS.
TheĀ MCP3421Ā is already set up for differential inputs, which means that you can read positive or negative differences between the two inputs,Ā as long as both signals are between 0 and 2.048V. This means its not going to be great for reading stuff like potentiometers, where you have a single-end reading referenced to ground, and you want to read the full range from 0 to Vcc. It is great, however, for reading sensors like strain gauges, pressure sensors, or thermocouples.
AdafruitĀ have a ready to go Arduino library that makes usage simple: select the sample rate / precision you want and one-shot or continuous mode. Then read values over I2C! This sensor has a fixed address, soĀ you may want to use a multiplexorĀ if you want to connect multiple MCP3421's on a single I2C bus.
To get you going fast, we spun up a custom-made PCB in theĀ STEMMA QTĀ form factor, making it easy to interface with. TheĀ STEMMA QT connectorsĀ on either side are compatible with theĀ SparkFun QwiicĀ I2C connectors. This allows you to make solderless connections between your development board and the MCP or to chain it with a wide range of other sensors and accessories using aĀ compatible cable.
QT Cable is not included, but we have a variety in the shop.
Comes with a bit of 0.1" standard header in case you want to use it with a breadboard or perfboard.Ā Four mounting holes for easy attachment.
