Analog Devices has introduced an integrated RMS-to-DC converter with a 100µV to 3V dynamic range. The AD8436 converter features AC conversion accuracy of ±0.5% and zero DC offset voltages at the converter output simplify calibration, claims the company. Uniform settling for variant input values is claimed to enable consistent conversion rates with results displayed for near-zero and high-level AC inputs. The converter is claimed to be immune to temperature, crest factor and supply voltage variations. It is housed in a 4x4mm package integrated with an FET input and precision DC buffer amplifiers and consumes 300µA of power. It is suitable for remote, portable battery-powered instrumentation, energy and automotive applications. The SoC design computes the DC equivalent of the RMS value and provides a good level of linearity and accuracy across the entire input range, claims the company. The converter is claimed to extend the crest-factor to 10 with minimal loss of accuracy. It is laser trimmed and characterised at 300mV RMS input and comes with dual and single power supplies. It operates between -40 and +125°C and is also available in a 0 to 70°C temperature range version. It has an input frequency range of 65kHz for additional 1% error. The converter has a ±2.4 to ±18V dual supply range and a 4.8 to 36V single supply range.
