Campbell (MAXREFDES4#): 16-Bit High-Accuracy 4-20mA Input Isolated Analog Front End (AFE) - Sub-System Board - Maxim

This document explains how the Campbell (MAXREFDES4#) subsystem reference design meets the higher resolution and isolation needs of industrial control and industrial automation applications. Hardware and firmware design files as well as FFTs and histograms from lab measurements are provided. Introduction In industrial control and industrial automation applications, high-resolution data converters are often required. Although today's field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and microcontrollers may integrate analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), in many cases, the resolution is not high enough and isolation is lacking. The Campbell (MAXREFDES4#) subsystem reference design is a 16-bit high-accuracy industrial analog front end (AFE) that accepts a 4–20mA current loop or a 0.2V to 4.096V voltage input signal, and features isolated power and data—all integrated into a small form factor. The Campbell design integrates a precision low-noise buffer (MAX44250), a high-accuracy ADC (MAX11100), an ultra-high-precision 4.096V voltage reference (MAX6126), 600VRMS data isolation (MAX14850), and isolated/regulated 5V power rails (MAX256/MAX1659). This AFE solution can be used in any application that needs high-accuracy analog-to-digital conversion, but it is mainly targeted for industrial sensors, industrial automation, process control, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and medical applications.