Signal smaller than the ADC’s input range

Set the signal chain gain so that the amplifiers' total noise is the same or a bit less than the ADC's.

Any higher gain makes the ADC driver work harder without helping the system SNR.

Don't feel obligated to gain the signal up to match the ADC's full input range unless that helps system SNR

Set the signal chain gain so that the amplifiers' total noise is the same or a bit less than the ADC's.

Any higher gain makes the ADC driver work harder without helping the system SNR.

Don't feel obligated to gain the signal up to match the ADC's full input range unless that helps system SNR