AD7984: Working with true differential input precision SAR ADCs

Question

Accepted Answer

Hi, all, 
 I'm using an AD7984 to capture the output of a dual slope integrator circuit. I'm using it in /CS mode, 3-wire, with no busy indicator. Sampling at 500 KHz. Vref = 3.3V. SCLK runs at 12 MHz. It's a 16 channel system, but I'm using 16 devices, so they all operate in parallel. We are dropping 2 LSB's to make it a 16 bit system (I know - what a waste of good bits!). We're using it in single-ended mode (long story), and driving it with a MAX4452, with an RC filter at the input using 18 ohms/1 nF. 
 The portion of the waveform I need to capture is a short period of constant voltage roughly 320 nS wide, which comes at the end of a slope down from 2.2V. I'm having trouble getting the correct output codes on a number of channels, though not all. I can apply DC voltages of about 2.2V at the input and get the correct output codes. Also, shorting IN+ and IN- gives output codes around 1090, which I guess makes sense and together these would seem to prove the ADC is functioning correctly for DC signals. 
 But when the dual slope integrator is running, five of the channels produce output codes in the range of 15,280, with a few bits of noise, even though I can find no evidence of signals at that level. I've put the scope on Vref, VDD and VIO and they're all clean, especially Vref. 
 Here's my question: The data sheet says the acquisition time is 250 nS. But what exactly does that mean? My CNV pulse is 500 nS wide, so it stays low (acquisition mode) for 1.5 uS. But does the acquisition time spec mean that the analog input has to stay constant for 250 nS before the rising edge of CNV? If that's the case I'm probably violating that spec, but we've tried stretching that constant voltage area, with no resolution of the problem. 
 The scope traces I've attached show the signal on top, CNV in the middle, and SDO on the bottom, for the 'running' case, and for the case where the input is shorted to ground. 
 Any help you can provide would be appreciated! 
 Ed 
 
 Hi Ed, 
 You cannot use a true differential ADC in this single ended manner without a SE-to-diff amplifier stage. I am assuming you are grounding the negative input (IN-)? The ADC must maintain a strict common mode spec of Vref/2 +/-5% which is specified on page 3 of the datasheet. This means the inputs must swing equally and anti-phase around Vref/2. If you want a single ended or pseudo diff input you should replace the AD7984 with the 16 bit version, AD7983. It is lower cost, already 16 bits and will accept a single ended input with IN- grounded. The AD7983 is also pin and package compatible so can be dropped in directly as a replacement without any board/software rework. 
 Best Rgds, 
 Alan 
 Thanks, Alan. That looks like it must be my issue. Yes, the IN- is tied to ground in my system. I'm ordering the AD7983 and will pop it in one channel of my circuit tomorrow. My read through the data sheet would suggest it will work without issue. But clearly, I miss things, like I did on page 3 of the 7984 data sheet! 
 This FAQ was generated from the following discussion: Strange output from AD7984

Popular Forums

Product Forums

Application Forums

Design Center Forums

Highlighted Webinar

Places

Libraries

Challenge Yourself!

What's Brewing

Places

Resources

Visit ContentZone

The Latest Read

New Release

Recent Technical Insights

Products Mentioned

AD7984: FAQ