Data Acquisition - Analog Front End (AFE)

Image Part Number Description / PDF Quantity Rfq
AD7730LBRZ-REEL

AD7730LBRZ-REEL

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 1 CHAN 24BIT 24SOIC

0

AD9878BST

AD9878BST

Analog Devices, Inc.

MIXED SIGNAL FRONT END

1593

AD73311LARS-REEL7

AD73311LARS-REEL7

Analog Devices, Inc.

FRONT-END PROCESSOR FOR TELECOM

3500

AD9675KBCZ

AD9675KBCZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 8 CHAN 14BIT 144CSPBGA

0

AD7730BRU

AD7730BRU

Analog Devices, Inc.

ADC, DELTA-SIGMA, 6-BIT, 2-CH

119

AD73360ASU

AD73360ASU

Analog Devices, Inc.

6-CHANNEL AFE PROCESSOR

108

AD73360LARZ

AD73360LARZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 6 CHAN 16BIT 28SOIC

8

ADA8282WBCPZ-R7

ADA8282WBCPZ-R7

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 4 CHAN 16BIT 32LFCSP

0

AD73322LYRU

AD73322LYRU

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL VOICEBAND CODEC

6952

ADPD105BCBZR7

ADPD105BCBZR7

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 4 CHAN 14BIT 16WLCSP

2638

AD73311LAR

AD73311LAR

Analog Devices, Inc.

FRONT-END PROCESSOR FOR TELECOM

208453

AD9978BCPZRL

AD9978BCPZRL

Analog Devices, Inc.

DUAL-CHANNEL, 14-BIT CCD SIGNAL

120011

AD15700BCA

AD15700BCA

Analog Devices, Inc.

1 MSPS 16/14-BIT ANALOG I/O PORT

217

ADAS1000-2BCPZ-RL

ADAS1000-2BCPZ-RL

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 5 CHAN 19BIT 56LFCSP

0

AD8450ASTZ

AD8450ASTZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 2 CHAN 80LQFP

30

AD9876ABSTRL

AD9876ABSTRL

Analog Devices, Inc.

BROADBAND MODEM FRONT-END

8000

AD73360LARZ-REEL7

AD73360LARZ-REEL7

Analog Devices, Inc.

6-CHANNEL AFE PROCESSOR

484

MAX5863ETM

MAX5863ETM

Analog Devices, Inc.

7.5MSPS ANALOG FRONT END

24212

AD73360ARZ-REEL

AD73360ARZ-REEL

Analog Devices, Inc.

AD73360 - SIX-INPUT CHANNEL ANAL

785

AD8451ASTZ

AD8451ASTZ

Analog Devices, Inc.

IC AFE 2 CHAN 80LQFP

55

Data Acquisition - Analog Front End (AFE)

1. Overview

Analog Front End (AFE) ICs are critical components in data acquisition systems, serving as the interface between analog sensors/transducers and digital processing units. They perform signal conditioning, amplification, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) driving functions. AFEs ensure signal integrity and measurement accuracy in applications ranging from medical devices to industrial automation, playing a pivotal role in modern precision electronics.

2. Major Types and Functional Classification

Type Functional Features Application Examples
Precision AFE Low noise, high linearity, programmable gain amplifiers (PGA) Medical imaging equipment, precision weighing scales
High-Speed AFE Wide bandwidth (>100MHz), fast settling time Ultrasound systems, radar receivers
Integrated AFE Complete signal chain in single chip (PGA + ADC + DSP) Smart sensors, IoT edge devices
Isolated AFE Galvanic isolation with >5kV rating Power grid monitoring, industrial safety systems

3. Structure and Composition

Typical AFE architecture includes:

  • Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA) for signal scaling
  • Anti-aliasing filter (low-pass/band-pass)
  • ADC driver amplifier with fast transient response
  • Reference voltage generator
  • Digital control interface (I2C/SPI)
  • Optional isolation barriers (magnetic/optical)

Advanced designs integrate calibration circuits and fault detection modules.

4. Key Technical Specifications

Parameter Description Importance
Effective Number of Bits (ENOB) Actual ADC resolution considering noise/distortion Determines measurement accuracy
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) Ratio of desired signal to background noise (dB) Impacts dynamic range
Input Referred Noise Amplifier noise converted to input equivalent (nV/ Hz) Limits minimum detectable signal
Common-Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR) Ability to reject common-mode interference (dB) Essential for noisy environments
Power Supply Rejection Ratio (PSRR) Noise suppression from power rails (dB) Ensures stable operation

5. Application Fields

Major application areas include:

  • Medical: ECG/EKG machines, blood glucose monitors
  • Industrial: Programmable logic controllers (PLCs), vibration sensors
  • Communications: Software-defined radios, optical transceivers
  • Automotive: Battery management systems, LiDAR receivers
  • Consumer: Smart wearables, voice assistants

6. Leading Manufacturers and Products

Manufacturer Representative Product Key Features
Analog Devices AD7768 24-bit Sigma-Delta ADC with 2 V offset error
Texas Instruments ADS1298 8-channel ECG frontend with built-in lead-off detection
STMicroelectronics LTC2358 18-bit SAR ADC with 1MSPS throughput
NXP Semiconductors MCP3911 6-channel energy measurement AFE with harmonic analysis

7. Selection Guidelines

Key considerations when selecting AFEs:

  • Match ADC resolution with system accuracy requirements
  • Evaluate bandwidth requirements vs. power consumption trade-offs
  • Consider integration level (discrete vs. system-on-chip)
  • Verify temperature stability (-40 C to +125 C range)
  • Assess digital interface compatibility (SPI/I2C speed)
  • Check for required certifications (medical/industrial safety)

8. Industry Trends

Current development trends include:

  • Increasing integration with AI acceleration for edge processing
  • Sub-1V supply operation for IoT devices
  • Emerging wide bandgap (GaN/SiC) compatible isolation technologies
  • Development of 32-bit+ precision converters
  • Standardization of wireless AFE modules for Industry 4.0
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