**AD7684BRM: A 16-Bit, 250 kSPS PulSAR ADC for Precision Data Acquisition Systems**

In the realm of precision data acquisition, the performance of the Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) is paramount. The **AD7684BRM from Analog Devices** stands as a critical component, engineered to deliver exceptional accuracy and speed for demanding measurement applications. This 16-bit, 250 kSPS successive approximation register (SAR) ADC combines high resolution with robust performance, making it an ideal solution for a wide array of industrial, medical, and instrumentation systems.

At the core of the AD7684BRM is Analog Devices' proprietary **PulSAR® architecture**, a technology renowned for its precision and stability. This architecture ensures no missing codes at the 16-bit level, guaranteeing exceptional linearity and reducing the need for complex calibration routines. The device achieves an outstanding **signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 91 dB** and a typical total harmonic distortion (THD) of -100 dB, enabling it to accurately digitize even the most subtle analog signals. This level of performance is crucial for applications such as seismic monitoring, precision sensor interfaces, and automated test equipment where signal integrity cannot be compromised.

A key advantage of the AD7684BRM is its remarkable flexibility and ease of use. It operates from a single **2.3 V to 5.5 V power supply**, accommodating a broad range of system voltages. Its serial interface is compatible with both SPI, QSPI, MICROWIRE, and DSP standards, simplifying communication with most modern microcontrollers and digital signal processors. Furthermore, the ADC features a versatile analog input range that can be configured for unipolar (0 to VREF) or bipolar (±VREF) operation, provided by an external reference voltage. This flexibility allows designers to tailor the ADC's input to match various sensor outputs directly.

Power efficiency is another hallmark of this converter. The AD7684BRM consumes only **6.5 mW at 250 kSPS with a 5 V supply**, and its power consumption scales linearly with the sampling rate. This makes it exceptionally well-suited for portable, battery-powered instruments that require a careful balance between high performance and low energy consumption. An integrated power-down feature reduces consumption to just 1 µW, further enhancing its suitability for power-sensitive applications.

Housed in a compact **10-lead MSOP package**, the AD7684BRM offers its high performance in a minimal footprint, addressing the needs of space-constrained PCB designs. Its design also emphasizes robustness, with excellent ac performance and strong immunity to power supply noise, ensuring reliable operation in electrically noisy environments.

ICGOODFIND: The AD7684BRM is a superior 16-bit ADC that masterfully blends high speed (250 kSPS), exceptional accuracy, and low power consumption. Its PulSAR architecture ensures reliable, high-fidelity data conversion, making it an indispensable component for engineers designing next-generation precision data acquisition systems.

**Keywords:** 16-Bit Resolution, 250 kSPS, PulSAR ADC, Low Power Consumption, SPI Interface.