**The AD7680BRMZ: A Comprehensive Guide to the 16-Bit, 250 kSPS PulSAR® ADC**

In the world of data acquisition, the ability to accurately capture real-world analog signals and convert them into a precise digital representation is paramount. The **AD7680BRMZ from Analog Devices** stands as a quintessential component in this domain, offering a compelling blend of **high resolution, speed, and exceptional power efficiency**. This 16-bit, 250 kSPS successive approximation register (SAR) analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is a cornerstone for designers developing high-performance systems where accuracy and low power are critical.

At its core, the AD7680BRMZ is built on Analog Devices' proprietary **PulSAR® architecture**, a technology synonymous with precision and stability. Unlike delta-sigma (ΔΣ) ADCs that require a settling time for oversampling, the SAR architecture provides a deterministic response and a single conversion result per clock cycle. This makes the AD7680BRMZ **ideally suited for multiplexed applications** where multiple input channels are scanned rapidly, as it ensures there are no crosstalk or settling issues between channels.

The **16-bit resolution** guarantees no missing codes, providing an extensive dynamic range of 65,536 discrete levels. This allows for extremely precise measurement of analog signals, making it an excellent choice for demanding applications such as medical instrumentation (patient monitoring, portable diagnostics), industrial process control (PLC analog I/O modules, data loggers), and high-end automated test equipment.

A key specification of any ADC is its throughput rate. The AD7680BRMZ delivers a **solid 250 kSPS (thousand samples per second)**, enabling the capture of dynamic signals with fine temporal detail. This speed, combined with its high resolution, offers a strong balance for systems that need to digitize multiple sensors without sacrificing accuracy.

One of the most remarkable features of the AD7680BRMZ is its **ultra-low power consumption**. It consumes a mere 1.5 mW at 250 kSPS with a 5V supply, and this power scales linearly with the sampling rate. This characteristic is a game-changer for **battery-powered and portable devices**, significantly extending operational life. Furthermore, it includes a power-down mode that reduces consumption to just 1 µW, allowing for sophisticated power-cycling schemes in always-on applications.

Housed in a compact **10-lead MSOP package**, the ADC integrates a full-featured, flexible digital interface. It operates from a single power supply (2.7V to 5.25V) and features a serial peripheral interface (SPI)-compatible serial interface, simplifying connections to modern microcontrollers and digital signal processors (DSPs). It also includes an internal conversion clock, a high-speed, high-Z input buffer, and a internal low-noise reference, reducing the bill of materials and design complexity.

**ICGOOFind:** The AD7680BRMZ encapsulates the ideal traits of a modern precision ADC: **exceptional 16-bit accuracy, a useful 250 kSPS speed, and remarkably low power consumption**. Its robust PulSAR® architecture and integrated features make it a superior and reliable choice for design engineers tackling challenges in medical, industrial, and portable instrumentation markets.

**Keywords:** 16-Bit ADC, PulSAR Architecture, Low Power Consumption, 250 kSPS, High Precision Measurement