Programmable signal converter provides sensor interface

A four-channel programmable signal converter (PSC) designed for complete four-channel signal processing and filtering in a short time frame. The QF4A512 PSC is equipped with a 16-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter featuring four differential or single-ended inputs. Each channel is individually programmable for gain, anti-aliasing filter cutoff frequency, A/D converter sampling frequency, and filtering requirements unique to that input (up to 512 taps per channel). The device includes four independent finite impulse response (FIR) filters capable of generating brick wall filters. For instance, a lowpass filter with a 1-kHz cutoff frequency, 80 dB of rejection, and a total transition band of only 5 Hz can be configured rapidly. Each channel can have distinct signal bandwidths, A/D sample rates, and filter function designs. The QF4A512 signal converter line from Quickfilter allows engineers to create custom circuits for signal conditioning, conversion, and processing without the complexity and cost associated with discrete component circuit boards and digital signal processing (DSP) programming. Quickfilter's design software facilitates rapid configuration and filter design, offering selectable filter templates for various applications. This ease of programming and reprogramming enables customers to personalize products, implement just-in-time manufacturing, and innovate new products. The QF4A512 PSC is applicable in industrial control, machine monitoring, medical diagnostics, industrial smart sensors, homeland security monitoring, and other areas. The Quickfilter development kit features a Windows-based graphical user interface (GUI) that guides engineers through the relevant filter specifications for common digital filter types (lowpass, notched lowpass, highpass, bandpass, dual bandpass, bandstop, and dual bandstop). Users can configure chip parameters such as gain, A/D converter sampling rate, power consumption, output speeds, and run configurations. The software uploads this information to the chip, allowing engineers to visualize the signal output as a fast Fourier transform (FFT) graph using the included white noise file or other signal sources. A complete development kit for the QF4A512 PSC is available for $199, which includes all necessary hardware and software for designing, implementing, and testing a complete filter design, including a development card, input and output cables, software, and sample signal input files. Samples of the QF4A512 PSC can be obtained now, with production quantities expected in March, priced at $9.89 for 1,000-piece orders.

The QF4A512 PSC is a sophisticated solution for engineers seeking efficient signal processing capabilities. The architecture of the device allows for high flexibility in configurations, accommodating a wide range of applications. Each of the four channels can be tailored to meet specific requirements, including different filtering algorithms and sampling rates, which enhances its utility in diverse settings such as industrial automation and medical diagnostics. The programmable nature of the device simplifies the design process, allowing for rapid prototyping and iteration.

The inclusion of a user-friendly GUI in the development kit streamlines the filter design process. Engineers can easily select from predefined templates or create custom filters, reducing the time needed to bring a product from concept to deployment. The ability to visualize the output in real-time through FFT graphs aids in the immediate assessment of filter performance, facilitating adjustments and optimizations.

In terms of performance, the QF4A512 PSC’s capability to create brick wall filters with steep roll-off characteristics makes it particularly valuable for applications requiring precise signal integrity. The 80 dB rejection and narrow transition band ensure that unwanted frequencies are effectively attenuated, which is critical in environments with significant noise or interference.

Overall, the QF4A512 PSC represents a significant advancement in programmable signal processing technology, enabling engineers to design highly specialized circuits with ease while maintaining high performance and reliability. This device is poised to support a broad spectrum of applications, making it an essential tool for modern electronic design.A four-channel programmable signal converter (PSC) that it said will enable complete four-channel signal processing and filtering in minutes. The QF4A512 PSC features a 16-bit analog-to-digital (A/D) converter with four differential or single ended inputs.Each channel can be individually programmed for gain, anti-aliasing filter cutoff frequency,

A/D converter sampling frequency, and the filtering requirements unique to that input (up to 512 taps per channel). The four independent finite impulse response (FIR) filters are capable of generating brick wall filters.

As an example, a lowpass filter with a 1-kHz cutoff frequency, 80 dB of rejection, and a total transition band of only 5 Hz can be designed in minutes, said Bob Silco, CEO of the fabless IC company. Each channel can have a different signal bandwidth, A/D sample rate, and filter function design. Quickfilter`s QF4A512 signal converter product line allows engineers to design and implement a custom circuit for signal conditioning, conversion and processing — without the cost and complexity of designing a circuit board containing discrete components in addition to programming a digital signal processing (DSP), Silco said.

Quickfilter`s design software has been created for rapid configuration and filter design, according to Silco. Filter templates are selectable in Quickfilter`s design software for a variety of applications. "By making it extremely easy to program and re-program at any time, we are enabling our customers to personalize their products, implement just-in-time manufacturing and create new products, " he said.

The QF4A512 PSC is suited for industrial control, machine monitoring, medical monitoring and diagnostics, industrial smart sensors, homeland security monitoring, and a variety of other applications. The Quickfilter development kit includes a Windows-based graphical user interface (GUI) that prompts engineers for all the relevant filter specifications of any common digital filter type (lowpass, notched lowpass, highpass, bandpass, dual bandpass, bandstop, and dual bandstop).

The user configures the rest of the chip for parameters such as gain, A/D converter sampling rate, power consumption, output speeds, and run configurations. The software then loads the information into the chip and using the included white noise file, or other signal source, the engineer views the signal output on his computer screen as a fast Fourier transform (FFT) graph.

A complete development kit for the QF4A512 PSC is available for $199. The kit includes all hardware and software necessary to design, implement, and test a complete filter design, including a development card, input and output cables, software and sample signal input files. Samples of the QF4A512 PSC are available now and production quantities are slated for March. The QF4A512 is priced at $9. 89 in 1, 000-piece quantities. Click here for the QF4A512 PSC data sheet. 🔗 External reference