The ADS1115 is a precision, low-power, 16-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with four channels, widely used to add high-resolution analog input capabilities to microcontrollers like Arduino and Raspberry Pi. It communicates via an I2C interface and features an integrated programmable gain amplifier (PGA) to measure very small signals with high accuracy.
Technical Specifications:
According to the official Texas Instruments datasheet and expert documentation from Adafruit, the device operates with the following parameters:
Resolution: 16-bit precision, offering 65,536 discrete levels compared to the 1,024 levels of standard 10-bit ADCs.
Supply Voltage: Wide range from 2.0V to 5.5V, making it compatible with both 3.3V and 5V systems.
Current Consumption: Extremely low at 150µA in continuous mode, dropping to 0.5µA in power-down/single-shot mode.
Programmable Data Rate: Selectable from 8 SPS to 860 SPS (Samples Per Second).
Operating Temperature: Specified for harsh environments from –40°C to +125°C.
Interface: I2C-compatible with four pin-selectable addresses (0x48, 0x49, 0x4A, 0x4B), allowing up to four devices on a single bus.
Key Features:
Flexible Input Multiplexer (MUX): Can be configured as four single-ended inputs or two differential inputs.
Internal Programmable Gain Amplifier (PGA): Offers selectable input ranges from ±0.256V up to ±6.144V, enabling measurement of both large and minute voltage fluctuations.
Internal Low-Drift Reference: Includes a built-in voltage reference and oscillator, reducing the need for external components.
Digital Comparator: Features a programmable comparator for threshold-based monitoring, useful for under- or overvoltage detection.
Conversion Modes: Supports continuous-conversion for constant monitoring and single-shot mode for battery conservation.
Applications and Performance:
Reviewers from Components101 and How2Electronics highlight its reliability for precision tasks:
Sensor Interfacing: Ideal for weak analog signals from thermocouples, strain gauges, and pH meters.
Battery Monitoring: Used for accurate cell voltage and current measurement in power management systems.
Precision Measurement: Replaces standard microcontroller ADCs for industrial automation, data acquisition, and portable instrumentation.
Measurement Accuracy: Stated typical accuracy of 0.01%, with the smallest measurable voltage increment reaching as low as 76 microvolts.
Downloads:
ADS1115 Datasheet
Raspberry Pi Python Library
Arduino ADS1X15 Library
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