19-1538; Rev 0; 9/99
1% Accurate, Digitally Trimmed,
Rail-to-Rail Sensor Signal Conditioner
General Description
Features
ꢀ Medium Accuracy ( 1%), Single-Chip Sensor
The MAX1478 highly integrated, analog sensor signal
processor is optimized for piezoresistive sensor calibra-
tion and compensation without any external compo-
nents. It includes a programmable current source for
sensor excitation, a 3-bit programmable-gain amplifier
(PGA), a 128-bit internal EEPROM, and four 12-bit digi-
tal-to-analog converters (DACs). Achieving a total error
factor within 1% of the sensor’s repeatability errors, the
MAX1478 compensates offset, offset temperature coeffi-
cient, full-span output (FSO), FSO temperature coeffi-
cient (FSO TC), and FSO nonlinearity of silicon
piezoresistive sensors.
Signal Conditioning
ꢀ Rail-to-Rail® Output
ꢀ Sensor Errors Trimmed Using Correction
Coefficients Stored in Internal EEPROM—
Eliminates Laser Trimming and Potentiometers
ꢀ Compensates Offset, Offset TC, FSO, FSO TC,
and FSO Linearity
ꢀ Programmable Current Source (0.1mA to 2.0mA)
for Sensor Excitation
The MAX1478 calibrates and compensates first-order
temperature errors by adjusting the offset and span of
the input signal via DACs, thereby eliminating the quan-
tization noise associated with digital signal path solu-
tions. Built-in testability features on the MAX1478 result
in the integration of three traditional sensor-manufactur-
ing operations into one automated process:
ꢀ Fast Signal-Path Settling Time (<1ms)
ꢀ +5V Single Supply
ꢀ Accepts Sensor Outputs from +10mV/V to
+40mV/V
ꢀ Fully Analog Signal Path
• Pretest: Data acquisition of sensor performance
Pilot Production System
under the control of a host test computer.
To simplify your pressure sensor design, Maxim has
developed a fully automated pilot production system
that will smooth the difficult transition from prototype to
production. Details appear at the end of this data sheet.
• Calibration and compensation: Computation and
storage (in an internal EEPROM) of calibration and
compensation coefficients computed by the test
computer and downloaded to the MAX1478.
• Final test operation: Verification of transducer cali-
bration and compensation without removal from the
pretest socket.
Ordering Information
PART
TEMP. RANGE
PIN-PACKAGE
MAX1478C/D
MAX1478AAE
0°C to +70°C
Dice*
Although optimized for use with piezoresistive sensors,
the MAX1478 may also be used with other resistive
sensors (i.e., accelerometers and strain gauges) with
some additional external components.
-40°C to +125°C
16 SSOP
*Dice are tested at T = +25°C, DC parameters only.
A
Functional Diagram appears at end of data sheet.
______________________Customization
Pin Configuration
For high-volume applications, Maxim can customize the
MAX1478 for unique requirements. With a dedicated
cell library consisting of more than 90 sensor-specific
functional blocks, Maxim can quickly provide cus-
tomized MAX1478 solutions.
TOP VIEW
SCLK
CS
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16 I.C.
15
V
DD
I.C.
14 INM
13 BDRIVE
12 INP
________________________Applications
Piezoresistive Pressure and Acceleration
Transducers and Transmitters
Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) Sensors
Automotive Systems
TEMP
FSOTC
DIO
MAX1478
11 I.C.
WE
10 OUT
Hydraulic Systems
V
9
ISRC
SS
Industrial Pressure Sensors
Strain-Gauge Sensors
SSOP
Industrial Temperature Sensors
Rail-to-Rail is a registered trademark of Nippon Motorola, Ltd.
________________________________________________________________ Maxim Integrated Products
1
For free samples & the latest literature: http://www.maxim-ic.com, or phone 1-800-998-8800.
For small orders, phone 1-800-835-8769.