Date: 04/02/2009

Data acquisition chip for high slice CT scanners for improved image quality

Analog Devices has launched a new current-to-digital converter chip, ADAS1128, that enables high slice count CT systems to capture real-time moving images - such as a beating heart - with a high degree of accuracy and detail.
Use of CT (computed tomography) scanning is increasing as technology improvements provide clearer, more detailed pictures of the human body for physician analysis and diagnosis. At the same time, healthcare facilities are faced with a growing need for better quality, faster, and more affordable diagnostic imaging equipment.
The ADAS1128 is a 24-bit current-to-digital converter that changes photodiode array signals into digital signals. The product offers 128 data conversion channels, provides an unparalleled increase in speed from 6kSPS (kilosamples per second) to 20kSPS, and supports four times more channels (128 versus 32) than any other integrated converter solution available on the market today. This level of performance and integration means a 50 percent reduction of a CT detection system's electronics cost versus older designs.
The ADAS1128 replaces previous converter-based technology having low levels of channel integration. The product integrates a 24-bit resolution ADC with 128 simultaneously sampled data converter channels, selectable sample rates up to 20 kSPS, and on-chip temperature sensor and reference buffer into a 1 cm2 single-chip solution.
The ADAS1128 consumes less than half the power of other solutions (4.5 mW/channel versus 10 mW/channel at full speed). It also offers overall performance specs, such as no charge loss, more choices of full scale ranges, and ultra-low noise (down to 0.4 fC for low-dose X-ray systems).

Availability:The ADAS1128 is available now in volume production now.

Package: housed in a compact mini BGA (ball grid array) package.

Price: $192 for 250-piece quantities

For more information, visit http://www.analog.com