What is an analog-to-digital converter?
Without the analog-to-digital converter, our communication devices and thus our networked world would not function. As an elementary component, it is hidden in cell phones, digital cameras or digital microphones, for example. It translates analog signals, such as sounds, into digital data for further processing and transmission. In industry and research, the analogue-to-digital converter forms the basis for digitization because it converts analogue measured values into digital data streams. The conversion of these analog (environmental, physical) phenomena into digital formats should be as precise as possible. In technical jargon, the abbreviation ADU or A/D converter is also used, as well as the English variant ADC (analog-to-digital converter). Its counterpart is the digital-to-analog converter, which converts digital data into analog signals. An example of this is the conversion of music data in a CD player into audible sounds.
Digitization of measured values in the industry
Differential and galvanically isolated analog inputs on the Measuring and testing devices Delphin guarantees precise, unadulterated measurements in industry. An analog-to-digital converter is built into every DAQ product of the Delphin measurement technology, so that users can dispense with additional measuring transducers. The range of applications is wide. In mechanical engineering, for example, there are high requirements for highly complex systems and control systems. Manufacturing processes must be constantly monitored and optimized with the help of sensors. The individually adaptable and precise Delphin measurement technology can optimize the efficiency of entire production lines. With the help of the analog-digital converter, fault analysis is carried out within a very short time in the event of conspicuous data. The A/D converter also converts measured values such as temperatures, vibration levels and pressure ratios in production for process sequence control or occupational safety.
Digitize test benches
The analog-to-digital converter is also used in the metrological equipment of test benches. The metrological testing of products and appliance performance using Delphin measurement technology extends across numerous industries. Electricians use it to test heating appliances, heating systems and household appliances in private households for safety, energy efficiency and quality. During the development and series testing of drive motors, temperatures, pressure values, speeds, electrical variables and torques are measured synchronously. Several processes also run independently of each other when testing electrical energy storage devices, batteries and accumulators. The analog-digital converter reliably converts the analog results from the pump test benches of micro-metering pumps, vacuum pumps or large pumps into usable data sets. The Measurement technology from Delphin Technology is also often used in valve test benches for pressure, flow and leakage due to its precision.
Be able to analyze process monitoring
By using the analog-to-digital converter in Delphin Technology's measurement technology, the analog results of process monitoring can be analyzed digitally. A detailed fault analysis of conspicuous data increases production efficiency and reduces expensive downtimes in the future. The data can be used to detect pressure peaks in piping systems and containers or for wear monitoring and fault analysis on crane systems. The conversion of measurement data for clean rooms also ensures compliance with FDA Part 11 regulations. According to these regulations, measured values for temperature, humidity, particle count and pressure must be recorded, monitored and archived reliably and tamper-proof in cleanrooms. All analog-to-digital converters used by Delphin Technology guarantee absolutely precise conversion of this sensitive data thanks to their particularly high resolution.
Digitize laboratory measurements using an A/D converter
The use of an analog-to-digital converter is also indispensable for laboratory measurements. Laboratory technicians should be able to evaluate series tests, laboratory automation or dosing applications quickly and precisely. Laboratories in the chemical industry or university teaching mainly require data on current/voltage and temperature signals. Pharmaceutical laboratories also frequently measure flow rates, conductivity and pH values in experiments. The digitization of these analogue laboratory values is highly accurate and reliable thanks to the extremely high resolution of the analogue-to-digital converters used by Delphin.
High-precision analog-to-digital converter with 24-bit resolution
The precision requirements of the A/D converter used depend on the application. When measuring static and quasi-static (slow) signals, users do not need a maximum speed system, but they do need the highest possible resolution of the amplitude axis. The analogue-digital converters used by Delphin are characterized by particularly high accuracy. They also record very small changes in measured values, which avoids step effects in the measured values. Temperature measurements should be particularly precise. The Measuring and testing devices of Delphin make this possible by using A/D converters with a resolution of 24 bit and precise internal current sources for the reference current supply. The analog inputs can be configured for any thermocouple or resistance sensor in a 4-wire circuit.
Analog-digital converter with galvanic isolation
Galvanic isolation is a major advantage of the analog-digital converters in Delphin measuring devices. With Delphin, the analog inputs are always differentially and galvanically isolated - from each other and from the supply voltage. Galvanic isolation prevents electrical conduction between two circuits. This is intended to prevent faulty signal evaluation caused by earth current loops, for example. These occur when certain parts of signals with an earth reference are not transmitted via the analog line but via earth. Galvanic isolation prevents this. Galvanically isolated measuring inputs also solve the problem of possible potential shifts. The reference potentials can shift undesirably if several measuring circuits are linked. The measuring circuits can also suffer electromagnetic interference, especially with long cable runs. Together with suitable signal filtering, galvanic isolation then ensures undisturbed transmission of the useful signal. Users therefore enjoy increased reliability of the measured values at several points. As the measuring devices from Delphin Technology already have a built-in, galvanically isolated analog-to-digital converter, users can dispense with additional isolating converters and thus save money.
Conclusion: Analog-to-digital converters, the widely used communication aid
The analog-to-digital converter converts analog signals into digital data and ensures particularly reliable measured values thanks to galvanic isolation. In industry and research, it is the basis of digitization - precise, widely used and versatile. Delphin sets standards by using analog-to-digital converters with the highest resolution rates of 24 bit.