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Use of 24-bit, delta-sigma (ΔΣ) analog-to-digital converters in medical analog front ends

cermakmara
Prodigy 40 points
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: ADS1292

Hi, sorry for my, i believe for many of you stupid question, but i have a question in using 24-bit, delta-sigma (ΔΣ) analog-to-digital converters in medical analog front ends. I understand that you dont have to implify signal if you use this type of ADC and many other advantages which this ADC has, and understand why is this ADC very suitable for medical application. What i dont understand is why it wasnt used earlier, because I know that commonly 12bit ADC was used in medical application, even though delta-sigma ADC was long known.

Thank you for your answer

Marek 

  • 0
    TI__Mastermind 18285 points

    Marek,

    Are you referring to any of our products in particular?

  • 0 in reply to Amy Schnoor
    Prodigy 40 points

    Hi, 

    I work with your AFE ADS1292, and in my opinion its really fabulous chip. I also think that one of biggest advantages is using mentioned 24bit ADC. So I am wondering why it wasnt common using those ADC in medical application earlier? In every book about desing of medical technique like ecg monitors, holters etc. its mentioned using 10-12 bit ADC.

    Many thanks for answer

    Marek 

  • 0 in reply to cermakmara
    TI__Mastermind 18285 points

    Marek,

    This part belongs to a different forum so I am moving your post to the precision data converters forum.

  • 0 in reply to cermakmara
    TI__Mastermind 38745 points
    Hi Marek,

    Great question! I'm not totally sure why a higher resolution ADC was not used in the past. I'm sure there are historical or economical reasons (perhaps an "if it ain't broke, why fix it" attitude). There is tremendous pressure in the electronics industry today to make everything smaller. That tends to lead to market forces pushing more functionality into an IC. Where it may have been the prevailing architecture in the past to amplify the ECG signal externally so that an acceptable level of dynamic range is achieved with a lower-bit ADC, with today's push for smaller board sizes, it makes a lot of sense to use a higher resolution ADC instead. I hope this answers your question.

    Brian Pisani
  • 0 in reply to Brian Pisani
    Prodigy 40 points

    Hi Brian, 

    thank you very much for your answer. I was afraid that i am missing something, but your response clarify this issue to me.

    Marek