Q: What is the 0.5Hz conversion rate given for MAX6682? How is this different from the max conversion time of 80ms also given in the datasheet?
A: The MAX6682 does a conversion every 2 seconds by default hence the conversion rate is specified as 0.5Hz. A conversion can also be triggered by a rising edge of the /CS. So the max 80ms conversion time tells us to not toggle the /CS for at least 80ms after a conversion was started. If for instance you made /CS high, a conversion will start and if you were to make /CS low before the conversion is complete, the ongoing conversion is stopped and the interface resets.
So when communicating with the part, please make sure to allow adequate time between conversions.