SBASB61 August 2026 ADS124S18
PRODUCTION DATA
The devices incorporate two programmable, matched current sources (IDAC1 and IDAC2). The current sources provide excitation current to resistive temperature devices (RTDs), thermistors, diodes, and other resistive sensors that require constant current biasing. Each current source is independently programmable to output values between 1μA to 1mA.
Use the STEPx_I1MAG[3:0] and STEPx_I2MAG[3:0] bits in combination with the STEPx_IUNIT[1:0] bit to set the desired output current for each IDAC. The STEPx_IUNIT bit sets the base current for both IDAC1 and IDAC2 to either 1μA or 10μA. The STEPx_I1MAG[3:0] and STEPx_I2MAG[3:0] bits act as multipliers of that base current to configure the individual IDAC1 and IDAC2 output currents.
Best matching between current sources is achieved when both IDACs are set to the same current value. In three-wire RTD applications, the matched current sources can be used to cancel errors caused by sensor lead resistance (see the Software-Configurable RTD Measurement Input section for more details).
Each current source can be routed to any of the analog inputs AINx using the STEPx_I1MUX[4:0] and STEPx_I2MUX[4:0] bits. Both current sources can also be combined onto the same pin by setting STEPx_I1MUX[4:0] and STEPx_I2MUX[4:0] to the same bit values, if excitation current values up to 2mA are required. On ADS1x4S18, analog inputs AIN8 to AIN17 can be configured as analog inputs, reference inputs, or GPIOs irrespective of the IDAC routing. A pin that is selected as a current source output can still be used as an analog or reference input at the same time. Figure 7-1 shows the IDAC connections through the input multiplexer.
The current sources require voltage headroom to the AVDD supply to operate. This voltage headroom is also called the compliance voltage. When driving resistive loads, take care not to exceed the compliance voltage of the IDACs, otherwise the specified accuracy of the IDAC current is not always met. For the IDAC compliance voltage specifications, see the Electrical Characteristics table.
The IDACs remain active in idle mode, but turn off in standby and power-down mode.