The Measurement Computing / IOtech ADC488/8SA is a 16-bit analog-to-digital converter for high-speed data acquisition over IEEE 488. It delivers 8 differential input channels with simultaneous sample-and-hold, capturing all analog inputs with inter-channel aperture uncertainty below 40 ns before conversion. The unit scans at rates up to 100 kHz with a per-channel acquisition time of 1.8 µs typical and conversion time of 8.1 µs typical.
With 96 dB dynamic range and 33 µV/bit sensitivity at ±1V, the ADC488/8SA resolves small signals across four programmable ranges (±1V, ±2V, ±5V, ±10V). Optical isolation between analog circuitry and digital control protects against ground differences and noise, rated to 500 V common mode. Maximum input voltage is 25 V p-p, with common mode rejection exceeding 70 dB from DC to 100 Hz.
The instrument sustains 200 Kbytes/s continuous throughput to IEEE 488 and disk, supporting long-duration acquisition beyond internal memory. Standard 2 Ksample buffer expands to 4 Msample via field-installable RAM boards. Channel expansion to 40 differential or 80 single-ended inputs is possible by cascading up to four slave ADC488A units with trigger synchronization within 250 ns.
Technical Specifications
• Resolution: 16-bit successive approximation
• Sampling Rate: Up to 100 kHz
• A/D Acquisition Time: 1.8 µs typical
• A/D Conversion Time: 8.1 µs typical
• A/D Aperture Time: 25 ns typical
• Aperture Uncertainty: 70 dB (DC to 100 Hz)
• Common Mode Input Voltage: 13 V maximum
• Channel-to-Digital Isolation: 250 V maximum
• Analog Isolation: 500 V CMS (optically isolated)
• Data Throughput: 200 Kbytes/s to IEEE 488
• Standard Memory: 2 Ksample (4 Kbyte)
• Maximum Expandable Memory: 4 Msample (8 Mbyte)
– Key Features
• 8 differential input channels with simultaneous sample-and-hold
• Expandable to 40 differential or 80 single-ended channels via slave units
• Trigger synchronization across cascaded units within 250 ns
• Optical isolation prevents ground-loop interference
• Field-installable memory expansion boards (MEMX series)
• FIFO and local storage buffering modes
– Compatibility & Integration
IEEE 488 bus interface enables remote operation and integration with automated test systems. Slave configuration supports multi-channel synchronized acquisition for distributed measurement applications.
