LT Releases Universal Temperature Sensor IC with EEPROM

New Device Directly Digitizes RTDs, Thermocouples and Thermistors with an EEPROM for Storing Data

Linear Technology (now part of Analog Devices) has released the new LTC2984, a high performance digital temperature measurement IC that directly digitizes RTDs, thermocouples, thermistors and external diodes with 0.1°C conformity and 0.001°C resolution. The LTC2984 builds on Linear Technology's LTC2983 by adding EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable readonly memory) that stores user configuration data and custom sensor coefficients. This addition eliminates any IC or sensor programming by a host processor and facilitates the use of self-contained temperature sensing boards or modules. The LTC2984 is pin and software compatible with the LTC2983. The nonvolatile memory in the LTC2984 results in simplified designs and increased reliability for modular and custom sensor systems.

The LTC2984 includes all of the features found on the LTC2983, plus EEPROM. A high performance analog front end combines low noise and low offset buffered ADCs with all the necessary excitation and control circuits for each sensor. Measurements are performed under the control of a digital engine combining all the algorithms and linearization required for each. The LTC2984 provides a multiplexed high precision interface to virtually any sensor. It precisely measures absolute microvolt level signals from thermocouples and ratiometric resistance measurements from RTDs and thermistors, linearizes the results and outputs them in °C or °F. Up to twenty analog inputs are available and digitized measurements can be output in centigrade or Fahrenheit. The SPI interface works with virtually any digital system and a comprehensive software support system with drop-down menus enables easy customization of the LTC2984.

The simple, feature-rich LTC2984 interfaces with a wide variety of temperature sensors, including type B, E, J, K, N, S, R, T thermocouples, 2-, 3-, or 4-wire RTDs, 2.25kohm to 30kohm thermistors and temperature sensing diodes. The LTC2984 works with ground referenced sensors without the need for amplifiers, negative supplies, or level shift circuitry. Signals are simultaneously digitized with three, high accuracy, 24bit Sigma-Delta ADCs, using an internal 15ppm/°C reference. Automatic thermocouple cold junction compensation can be done using any type of external sensor. Included on-chip are linearization algorithms for all common sensor types. Custom sensors can be linearized with custom coefficients programmed and stored in the chip. Dual programmable excitation current sources feature current reversal and current ranging to improve accuracy and reduce noise. To ensure accuracy of resistive measurements, current reversal eliminates thermocouple effects in the resistive sensor. Sensor specific fault detection alerts the user of short circuits, open circuits, overtemperature, undertemperature and ADC overranging.

Features of the LTC2984 include:

The LTC2984 is currently available in a LQFP48 Package and can be ordered from Analog Devices in tray packaging.

For more information on the LTC2984 Universal Temperature Sensor IC with EEPROM, visit the Analog Devices website at Linear Technology LTC2984 product page.

The Analog Devices website address is www.analog.com
[Reprinted with kind permission from Linear Technology - Release Date: 29th June, 2015]