Inductance-to-digital converter revolutionizes position and motion sensing

DALLAS, Sept. 16, 2013 — (PRNewswire) —  Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today unveiled the industry's first inductance-to-digital converter (LDC), a new data converter category that uses coils and springs as inductive sensors to deliver higher resolution, increased reliability, and greater flexibility than existing sensing solutions at a lower system cost. Inductive sensing is a contactless sensing technology that can be used to measure the position, motion, or composition of a metal or conductive target, as well as detect the compression, extension or twist of a spring. For more information about this new data converter technology and the industry's first LDC, the LDC1000, visit www.ti.com/ldc1000-pr.

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Applications for inductive sensing range from simple push buttons, knobs, and on/off switches to high-resolution heart rate monitors, turbine flow meters, and high-speed motor/gear controllers. Given their versatility, LDCs can be used in many different markets, including automotive, white goods, consumer electronics, mobile devices, computing, industrial, and medical.

"LDC technology enables engineers to create sensors using low-cost and readily available PCB traces or metal springs. LDCs provide high-resolution sensing of any metal or conductor – including the human body," said Dave Heacock, senior vice president of TI Silicon Valley Analog. "LDCs provide system designers with a new platform for developing breakthrough solutions to difficult system problems. We can't wait to see what they come up with."

Key benefits of LDC technology:

• Higher resolution: Enables sub-micron resolution in position-sensing applications with 16-bit resonance impedance and 24-bit inductance values.
• Increased reliability: Offers contactless sensing that is immune to nonconductive contaminants, such as oil, dirt and dust, which can shorten equipment life.
• Greater flexibility: Allows the sensor to be located remotely from the electronics, where PCBs cannot be placed.
• Lower system cost: Uses low-cost sensors and targets and does not require magnets.
• Limitless possibilities: Supports pressed foil or conductive ink targets, offering endless opportunities for creative and innovative system design.
• Lower system power: Consumes less than 8.5 mW during standard operation and less than 1.25 mW in standby mode.

Tools and support

The LDC1000EVM, which includes an MSP430F5528 microcontroller (MCU), is available to evaluate the device and can be purchased today for US$29.00.

System designers can create a custom sensor coil and configure the LDC in seconds with TI's new WEBENCH® Inductive Sensing Designer. The online tool simplifies the sensor coil design process and provides configuration settings for the LDC based on the coil's characteristics, application requirements and system performance needs. The optimized design can be easily exported to a variety of popular CAD programs, to quickly incorporate the sensor coil into the overall system design.

Support is available on the Inductive Sensing Forum in the TI E2E™ Community, where engineers can ask questions and get answers from TI experts.

Package, availability and pricing

The LDC1000 is available to order today in a 16-pin, 4-mm by 5-mm SON package for US$2.95 in 1,000-unit quantities. An automotive-qualified version will be available the first half of 2014.

TI analog for industrial

TI is the industrial semiconductor leader, providing a diverse and readily available portfolio of analog integrated circuits (ICs) for a broad range of applications, including smart grid, factory automation, high-voltage power, LED lighting and control. TI data converters, amplifiers, interface, isolation, clocking, and power management devices enable customers to differentiate their products, while TI software, design tools and reference designs simplify and accelerate design cycles. Learn how TI analog innovations are improving industrial safety, efficiency and reliability at www.ti.com/analogindustrial-pr.

Learn more about inductive sensing with an inductance-to-digital converter by visiting the links below:

• Buy the LDC1000EVM from the TI eStore to experience the industry's first LDC.
• Request samples of the LDC1000.
• Download the data sheet.
• Watch a video demonstration on how to achieve high resolution sensing with the LDC1000 and a PCB coil.
• Download our Guide to Inductive Sensing infographic to learn how to build an inductive sensor using an LDC.  

About WEBENCH tools from Texas Instruments

The WEBENCH Designer and Architect component libraries include more than 24,000 components from 120 manufacturers. Price and availability is updated hourly by TI's distribution partners for design optimization and production planning. Offered in eight languages, the user can compare complete system designs and make supply chain decisions in minutes. To start a cost-free design, visit TI's WEBENCH design environment at www.ti.com/webench-pr.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks

WEBENCH is a registered trademark and E2E and is a trademark of Texas Instruments. All other trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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