Linear Technology Corp. has just introduced the LTC2379-18, a serial 18-bit, 1.6Msps SAR analog to digital converter (ADC) that achieves an unrivaled 101dB SNR and -118dB THD while supporting a fully differential ±5V input range. This breakthrough performance establishes Linear’s position as a leader in high performance ADCs.

The Linear Technology’s LTC2379-18 features a maximum INL of ±2LSB with no missing codes and guaranteed specifications over the -40ºC to 125ºC temperature range. Operating from a 2.5V supply, the LTC2379-18 consumes only 18mW and is available in small 3mm x 4mm DFN and MSOP-16 packages. The LTC2379-18’s high SNR, low power dissipation, fast throughput make it ideal for high performance medical, automotive and industrial applications.

Complementing the Linear Technology’s LTC2379-18 is the pin- and software-compatible 16-bit, 2Msps LTC2380-16. The LTC2380-16 achieves an impressive 96dB SNR and ±0.5LSB maximum INL. The LTC2379-18 and LTC2380-16 are the first in a family of 18-/16-bit high performance SAR ADCs with speeds ranging from 250ksps up to 2Msps. These devices offer a revolutionary new digital gain compression feature that eliminates the need for a negative supply on the ADC driver, dramatically lowering the total power consumption of the signal chain. The devices’ shutdown mode further reduces power dissipation to 1.25µW when idle. The true no-latency operation enables accurate one-shot measurements even after lengthy idle periods with no minimum sample rate required.

The explicit Busy and Chain pins, along with a user-friendly SPI interface, support I/O voltages from 1.8V to 5V, simplify digital timing and minimize external component count.

The LTC2379-18 and LTC2380-16 are now available, priced at $29.95 each for the LTC2379-18 and $24.50 each for the LTC2380-16 in 1,000 piece quantities. To achieve uncompromised AC performance, we recommend the fast settling LT6350 ADC driver for single-ended to differential conversion of input signals. We also recommend the LTC6655, a precision external reference with high accuracy, low noise and low power.

Linear Technology LTC2379-18 Features:

• 1.6Msps Throughput Rate
• ±2LSB INL (Max)
• Guaranteed 18-Bit No Missing Codes
• Low Power: 18mW at 1.6Msps, 18μW at 1.6ksps
• 101dB SNR (typ) at fIN = 2kHz
• Guaranteed Operation to 125°C
• 2.5V Supply
• Fully Differential Input Range ±VREF
• VREF Input Range from 2.5V to 5.1V
• No Pipeline Delay, No Cycle Latency
• 1.8V to 5V I/O Voltages
• SPI-Compatible Serial I/O with Daisy-Chain Mode
• 16-pin MSOP and 4mm x 3mm DFN Packages
• Internal Conversion Clock