e2v introduces new high resolution, high stability integrated circuit for resistive sensors
e2v, the leading designer, developer and manufacturer of specialised components and subsystems, has announced the availability of RPIC1.2, its high-resolution, low noise, low drift and high stability resistive sensor interface platform integrated circuit (RPIC).
RPIC1.2 is part of e2v’s platform IC family, dedicated to the high resolution measurement of resistive sensing elements such as platinum temperature sensors, MEMS resistive sensors, strain gauges, piezo-resistive sensors and magneto-resistive sensors for measurement of, for example: pressure, altitude, humidity, strain, angle, liquid level or gas concentration.
This IC is ideal for applications where two channels are essential, for example resistive humidity sensors, where an extra channel for temperature sensing is required for calibration.
RPIC1.2 provides:
• two channels of auto-zero preamplifier with offset drift of better than 1?V/°C
• a high resolution 16 bit sigma delta converter with 8kHz output data rate
• a low noise level of 6?V (4kHz bandwidth)
• a digital UART output for both channels, or one channel can be output using a 14 bit DAC
• an embedded EEPROM for storage of user parameters
• an easy-to-use microcontroller interface (I2C)
• a wide operational temperature range; from -40°C to 150°C
“RPIC1.2 and its companion CAPRI2 motherboard are already being used by engineers to plug-and-play their own proof-of-concept for a range of resistive sensing elements" commented Franck Berny, Marketing and Applications Manager for e2v's MSA business unit, adding “a good example of which has been our ability to quickly and easily measure liquid levels with a resolution better than 1mm of water or 10 pascals"
e2v's Mixed Signal ASIC (MSA) business unit specialises in providing solutions for sensor data acquisition in automotive, medical and industrial markets; specifically for safety and security, energy management & pollution reduction, and health & sport applications.
e2v’s platform Integrated Circuits (ICs) are state-of-the-art analogue front-ends containing all the IP required to interface with a range of transducers including capacitive, resistive and optical types.
RPIC1.2 is available as a stand-alone device, or populated on a daughterboard for immediate use with e2v’s mixed-signal ASIC development kit, CAPRI2. This kit also includes a motherboard with a companion FPGA (embedding a small-footprint 32 bits microcontroller IP) for the development of the digital element of the future derivative mixed signal ASIC. Hence, deriving an ASIC or ASSP from this platform is quick and straight forward.
Please contact your local e2v sales office for pricing, datasheets and additional information.
Press contact:
Sylvie Mattei, Communications Manager
Phone: +33 4 76 58 30 25, mailto:sylvie.mattei@e2v.com
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
e2v
e2v’s objective is to be a global leader in the design and supply of specialised components and sub-systems that enable the world’s leading systems companies to deliver innovative solutions for medical & science, aerospace & defence, and commercial & industrial markets.
e2v is organised into four divisions:
• High performance electron devices and subsystems for applications including defence electronic countermeasures, radiotherapy cancer treatment, radar systems, industrial heating, satellite communications amplifiers and digital television transmitters.
• Advanced CCD and CMOS imaging sensors and cameras for applications including space, science and life science imaging, industrial process control, intra-oral and panoramic dental X-ray systems, military surveillance and automotive imaging.
• Specialist Semiconductors – including logic, memory and microprocessors for high reliability microprocessor and MRAM requirements, in partnership with Freescale Semiconductor and Everspin, mission-critical avionics and defence programs requiring high reliability integrated circuits, high speed data converters and sensor data acquisition utilising mixed signal application specific devices.
• A range of professional sensing products for applications including environmental safety, x-ray spectroscopy, automotive alarm and security systems, microwave radar and safety and arming devices, fire rescue and security thermal imaging.
For the year ended 31 March 2009, e2v achieved sales of £233m and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. In October 2008 e2v acquired QP semiconductor, a leading US-based designer and supplier of specialty semiconductor components used in military and aerospace applications, establishing e2v’s first US manufacturing base.
The Company is headquartered in the United Kingdom and has approximately 1700 employees in six production facilities across Europe and North America. e2v also operates a global network of sales and technical support offices, supported by local distributors and resellers.
Further information is available from www.e2v.com