TI claims industry's first inductance-to-digital converter

Texas Instruments recently revealed what it claims as the industry's first inductance-to-digital converter (LDC), a new data converter category that uses coils and springs as inductive sensors to deliver higher resolution, increased reliability, and greater flexibility than existing sensing solutions at a lower system cost.

"LDC technology enables engineers to create sensors using low-cost and readily available PCB traces or metal springs. LDCs provide high-resolution sensing of any metal or conductor – including the human body," said Dave Heacock, senior vice president of TI Silicon Valley Analog. "LDCs provide system designers with a new platform for developing breakthrough solutions to difficult system problems. We can't wait to see what they come up with."

Inductive sensing is a contactless sensing technology that can be used to measure the position, motion, or composition of a metal or conductive target, as well as detect the compression, extension or twist of a spring. Applications for inductive sensing range from simple push buttons, knobs, and on/off switches to high-resolution heart rate monitors, turbine flow meters, and high-speed motor/gear controllers. Given their versatility, LDCs can be used in many different markets, including automotive, white goods, consumer electronics, mobile devices, computing, industrial, and medical.

Further information regarding TI's new inductance-to-digital converter (LDC) can be found here.