Analog to Digital Converters
Analog-to-Digital Converters
Analog-to-digital converters, often abbreviated to ADC, A/D or A to D, are devices which convert continuous signals to discrete digital numbers. Analog signals are variable signals that are continuous in time and amplitude, representing some measurement or physical quantity (e.g. length, width, pressure). By contrast, digital signals are representations of values (e.g. numbers, letters, sounds, pictures) that are discrete (discontinuous).
Usually, an analog-to-digital unit is an electronic device that converts an analog voltage to a digital number proportional to the magnitude of the input voltage. AD converters are used anywhere where an analog system has to be processed, stored or transported in digital form. The resolution of the converter is an indicator of the number of discrete (digital) values it can produce over the range of analog (continuous) values. These are usually stored electronically in binary form, expressed in bits. Consequentially, the level (number of discrete values available) is usually a power of two. Other coding schemes include Gray code or two’s complement binary.
Sidekick Family
Semrad Pty Ltd offers a range of analog to digital converters, counters and relays, compatible with the H-350, H-510, H-500 and other Data Loggers with SDI-12 inputs. The Sidekick Family range can be mixed and matched to fit the application and has low sleep power, typically 100uA or less. They are rugged and weather resistant, with common connectors for quick and easy hookup regardless of the data logger or application.
The Sidekick Family includes:
- the H-411 Quadrature Output – converts a quadrature shaft encoder into a SDI-12 sensor, scaling the encoder position into units of feet, inches, etc.
- H-412 Event Counter- two counter input channels, reports total counts and change. Typically used with tipping bucket rain gauge.
- H-415 Analog to Digital Converter – two 0 to 5VDC input channels. Temperature probles are a typical application it is used with.
- H- 423 SDI-12 to RS-485 Converter- compatible with all SDI-12 loggers and sensors, with enhanced lightening protection.