1998 Product of the Year Award Winner

Data acquisition chip offers
sensor-to-system solution

The ADuC812 MicroConverter represents a unique integration of technologies
that promises better performance, shorter development time, and new opportunities
for data acquisition designs. The chip, which combines a microcontroller,
memory, and data conversion circuitry, was introduced as the industry's
first complete data acquisition system on a chip.

A complete data acquisition system on a chip, the ADuC812 makes it possible to
extend data acquisition into applications that require nonvolatile memory, remote
management, or the comounting of a standard transducer interface module with a sensor.

The MicroConverter's high level of integration should make it possible
to extend data acquisition into new applications that were previously impractical
because of restrictions on space or cost. Examples include designs that
require nonvolatile memory, remote manage- ment, or the comounting of a
standard transducer inter- face module with a sensor. Packaged in a 52-pin
PQFP measuring 10 x 10 mm, the IC is claimed to use one-fifth the board
area required for a multichip design with similar functionality.

The device features dual 12-bit D/A converters and a 12-bit A/D converter
coupled with flash memory and an '8051/'8052 microcontroller core. It complements
these functions with support circuitry and several standard serial-port
configurations.

According to the company, the ADuC812 is also the first chip to support
the IEEE 1451.2 common transducer interface standard, which defines the
requirements for smart transducers that can be treated as network-independent
devices.

The chip increases the speed and accuracy of the entire sensor system,
carrying out processing tasks like measurement calibration that were previously
done by a host processor. Another benefit is shorter development time for
the designer. To enhance this feature, the company offers a development
kit that contains an application board, a power supply, a user's development
Web site, a serial port cable, software, and documentation.

The company plans to introduce other versions of the MicroConverter
for applications that require higher accuracy, lower cost, or additional
network interfaces. A 16-bit device is expected this year. (Less than $10
ea/10,000–available now.)

Analog Devices
Norwood, MA
Information 781-937-1428
Fax 781-821-4273
http://www.analog.com