Devices enable precise position and motion sensing in almost any environment

Texas Instruments (TI) has produced the world's first multichannel inductance-to-digital converters (LDC).


The four devices in the LDC1614 series offer two or four matched channels and resolutions of up to 28bit). Unlike other technologies, says TI, LDC enabled inductive sensing employs sensors which can be located remotely from the converter. Differential and ratiometric measurements allow designers to compensate for environmental and aging conditions such as temperature, humidity and mechanical drift.

With a frequency range of 1kHz to 10MHz and consuming 6.9mW during standard operation, the devices workwith a range of inductors andsensors, as well as small PCB coils, which reduces overall sensing solution cost and size.

By integrating up to four channels in one device, the LDC1614 series allows designers to distribute sensors throughout a system, while centralising electronics on fewer PCBs. This can benefit precision linear or rotational sensing and metal detection in a variety of equipment including white goods, printers, cameras and automotive infotainment consoles.