Linear Tech releases universal temperature sensor IC with 0.1°C accuracy

Linear Technology Corp. introduces the LTC2983 high performance digital temperature measurement IC which directly digitizes RTDs, thermocouples, thermistors and external diodes with 0.1°C accuracy and 0.001°C resolution. A high performance analog front end combines low noise and low offset buffered ADCs with all the necessary excitation and control circuits for each sensor. Measurements are performed under the control of a digital engine combining all the algorithms and linearization required for each. The LTC2983 provides a multiplexed high precision interface to virtually any sensor. It precisely measures absolute microvolt level signals from thermocouples and ratiometric resistance measurements from RTDs and thermistors, linearizes the results and outputs the results in °C or °F. Up to twenty analog inputs are available and digitized measurements can be output in Centigrade or Fahrenheit. The SPI interface works with virtually any digital system and a comprehensive software support system with drop-down menus allows easy customizing of the LTC2983.

The simple, yet feature-rich, LTC2983 interfaces with a wide variety of temperature sensors, including type B, E, J, K, N, S, R, T thermocouples, 2,3, or 4-wire RTDs, 2.25 to 30 kΩ thermistors and temperature sensing diodes. The LTC2983 works with ground referenced sensors without the need for amplifiers, negative supplies, or level shift circuitry. Signals are simultaneously digitized with three, high accuracy, 24-bit ΔΣ ADCs using an internal 10 ppm/°C reference. Automatic thermocouple cold junction compensation can be done using any type of external sensor. Included on the chip are linearization algorithms for all common sensor types. Custom sensors can be linearized with custom coefficients programmed into the chip. Dual programmable excitation current sources feature current reversal and current ranging to improve accuracy and reduce noise. To ensure resistive measurements are accurate, current reversal eliminates thermocouple effects in the resistive sensor. Sensor specific fault detection alerts the user of short circuits, open circuits, over temperature, under temperature, and ADC overranging.

The LTC2983 is offered in commercial and industrial versions, supporting operating temperature ranges from 0°C to 70°C and -40°C to 85°C respectively. The LTC2983 is available today in a RoHS compliant, 7 x 7mm LQFP-48 package. Pricing starts at $19.49 each in 1,000 piece quantities.

Summary of Features: LTC2983

Directly Digitize RTDs, Thermocouples, Thermistors & Diodes
Single 2.85V to 5.25V Supply
20 Flexible Inputs Allow Multiple Sensor Types
Automatic Thermocouple Cold Junction Compensation
Standard & User-Programmable Coefficients for Linearizing Thermocouples, RTDs & Thermistors
Configurable 2-, 3-, 4-Wire RTD Configurations
Measures Negative Thermocouple Voltages Without a Negative Supply
Automatic Burn Out, Short-Circuit & Fault Detection
Buffered Inputs Allow External Protection & Direct Interface to Resistive Sensors
Simultaneous 50Hz/60Hz Rejection
Includes 10ppm/°C (Max) Reference
48-Lead 7mm x 7mm LQFP Package