8:1 sensor interface AFE simplifies sensor conditioning

The onboard 10-bit DAC offers ±560mV of offset correction and allows an independent offset value for each of the eight differential inputs. The programmable gain instrumentation amplifier offers eight fixed-gain settings (from 2 to 760V/V), ensuring the amplified sensor signal falls within the optimum input range of the downstream ADC. The integrated LDO provides a regulated 3 or 2.65V voltage to power the sensors. The XR18910 is controlled via an I2C serial interface and typically consumes 457µA of supply current and offers a sleep mode which reduces the supply current to only 45µA.

Dale Wedel, Vice President, High Performance Analog, Exar, commented: “The XR18910 provides designers with an easy-to-use sensor interface that calibrates and amplifies signals from eight different analog sensors, improving overall system sensitivity and accuracy. It offers more functionality with lower power than discrete solutions and is suitable for a variety of applications such as force sensing, pod racers and power monitoring for solar energy and data centres. It also occupies a significantly smaller footprint than our original XR10910 16:1 sensor interface, making it more attractive when fewer channels are required.”

The XR18910 is available in a RoHS compliant, green/halogen free, space-saving 3.5x3.5mm QFN package, priced at $6.10 in 1,000 unit quantities.