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Manual Number: 00650-004-5
Page 6-2
ADIO1600 Manual
External Noise
Voltages can be introduced onto signal lines via electro-magnetic radiation and/or capacitive cou-
pling. If the differential measurement mode is used, that noise appears in phase on both the high and
low lines and the common mode rejection capability of this measurement mode will severely attenu-
ate the noise. In extreme cases, twisted pair and/or shielding will also reduce the noise problem.
Input Range and Resolution Specifications
Resolution of an A/D converter is usually specified in number of bits; i.e. 8 bits, 12 bits, etc. Input
range is specified in volts; i.e. 0-5V, ±10 V, ±20 mV, etc. To determine the voltage resolution of an
A/D converter, simply divide the full scale voltage range by the number of parts of resolution. For
example, for a unipolar range of 0-10 volts, a 12-bit A/D resolves the input into 4096 parts. Thus,
voltage resolution (the "weight" of one bit) is 2.44 mV. For a bipolar range of ±10V, one LSB is
worth 4.88mV.
If an amplifier is incorporated in the circuit providing gain, then divide the voltage resolution by the
gain of the amplifier. For example, a 12-bit A/D with ±10V full-scale input range and an amplifier
gain of 100 will provide an overall input resolution of about 49
m
V.
Current Measurements
Current signals can be converted to voltage for measurement by the A/D converter by addition of a
shunt resistor installed across the input terminals. For example, to accommodate 4-20 mA current
transmitter inputs, connect a 250
W
shunt resistor across the A/D input terminals. The resultant
1-5V signal can then be measured. The UTB screw terminal accessory board, for example in-
cludes a breadboard area with plated through holes that allow insertion of shunt resistors. If an
AT16-P multiplexer expansion board is being used, pre-wired pads are provided on the AT16-P. If
all the inputs are 4-20mA range current inputs from current transmitters, then there is a configura-
tion of the multiplexer expansion board called AT16I-P. That model includes the shunt resistors and
has offset and gain set such that the "live zero" is compensated for and the full 12-bit resolution of
the A/D is realized.
Note:
Accuracy of measurement will be directly affected by the accuracy of these resistors. Ac-
cordingly, precision resistors should be used. Also, if the ambient temperature will vary significantly,
these precision resistors should be low temperature coefficient wire-wound resistors.
Measuring Large Voltages
Voltages larger than the input range of the A/D can be measured by using a voltage divider. As
above, it is necessary to use precision resistors. Also if the raw voltage is a direct analog of a
parameter being measured, then it will be necessary to apply a scale factor in software in order to
arrive at the correct engineering units.