ZMD has introduced the ZSSC3008 sensor signal conditioning IC for resistive bridge sensor systems that require second-order linearity correction for an array of sensors. The IC is optimised for applications with sensors that do not require temperature compensation. This includes ceramic pressure sensors, thin-film pressure sensors with good TC (temperature co-efficient) performance, and oil-filled stainless steel sensors. The calibrated IC and a specific sensor are mated digitally. The IC offers on-board diagnostics and protection features such as EEPROM signature, bridge connection checks, bridge input-short, and output current limits for short-circuit protection. For sensor correction, the IC employs offset correction and gain programming to calibrate the bridge output signal. The IC offers two analogue and one digital output and is implemented in a standard PC environment using the ZSSC3008KIT development kit that includes the device, development board, USB cable, and calibration software. The supply voltage of the IC ranges from 2.7 to 5.5V, or up to 30V with external junction gate field-effect transistor. Depending upon configuration, the IC's current consumption ranges from 1mA to 250μA with a response time of 1ms.
