
AD7946
Preliminary Technical Data
Rev Pr D | Page 14 of 27
Analog Input
Figure 23 shows an equivalent circuit of the input structure of
the AD7946.
The two diodes, D1 and D2, provide ESD protection for the
analog inputs IN+ and IN. Care must be taken to ensure that
the analog input signal never exceeds the supply rails by more
than 0.3 V because this will cause these diodes to become
forward-biased and start conducting current. However, these
diodes can handle a forward-biased current of 130 mA
maximum. For instance, these conditions could eventually
occur when the input buffer’s (U1) supplies are different from
VDD. In such a case, an input buffer with a short-circuit
current limitation can be used to protect the part.
CIN
RIN
D1
D2
CPIN
IN+
OR IN–
GND
VDD
Figure 23. Equivalent Analog Input Circuit
This analog input structure allows the sampling of the
differential signal between IN+ and IN. By using this
differential input, small signals common to both inputs are
rejected, as shown in Figure 24, which represents the typical
CMRR over frequency. For instance, by using IN to sense a
remote signal ground, ground potential differences between the
sensor and the local ADC ground are eliminated.
Figure 24. Analog Input CMRR vs. Frequency
During the acquisition phase, the impedance of the analog
input IN+ can be modeled as a parallel combination of
capacitor C1 and the network formed by the series connection
of R1 and C2. C1 is primarily the pin capacitance. R1 is typically
600 and is a lumped component made up of some serial
resistors and the on resistance of the switches. C2 is typically
30 pF and is mainly the ADC sampling capacitor. During the
conversion phase, where the switches are opened, the input
impedance is limited to C1. R1 and C2 make a 1-pole, low-pass
filter that reduces undesirable aliasing effect and limits the
noise.
When the source impedance of the driving circuit is low, the
AD7946 can be driven directly. Large source impedances
significantly affect the ac performance, especially total
harmonic distortion (THD). The dc performances are less
sensitive to the input impedance. The maximum source
impedance depends on the amount of THD that can be
tolerated. The THD degrades as a function of the source
impedance and the maximum input frequency, as shown in
Figure 25.
Figure 25. THD vs. Analog Input Frequency and Source Resistance