A new converter (ADC) has been introduced by Linear Technology Corporation with low 0.5ppm (typ) and 2ppm (max) Integral Non-Linearity (INL) error.
INL is a key specification in precision applications, such as seismic monitoring and semiconductor fabrication, indicating how much the ADC transfer function deviates from its ideal.
Since linearity effectively cannot be calibrated at the system level, the ADC’s INL specification often sets the overall system accuracy. The 0.5ppm INL of the LTC2378-20 supports precision systems with true 20-bit accuracy. The architecture leads to a stable 2ppm (max) INL and -114dB THD (max) over the device’s entire operating range of -40°C to 85°C.
The device achieves a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 104dB. The wide dynamic range and true 20- bit resolution reduce or eliminate the need for additional gain in the signal chain, thereby improving total system accuracy and noise.
Fast 1Msps throughput with no latency enables the use of multiplexers to replace costly, independent ADCs with slower throughputs, thus reducing system cost and complexity.
Linear Technology Corporation
