Analog Devices EVAL-ADXL382

The Analog Devices EVAL-ADXL382 is a low noise density, low power, 3-axis accelerometer designed for precision sensing applications. Its low noise and power consumption make it ideal for capturing delicate signals like audio or heart sounds, even in noisy environments. The ADXL382 supports selectable measurement ranges of ±15 g, ±30 g, and ±60 g, making it versatile for various applications. It features multifunction pins that can be used for SPI, I2C communications, or audio functions like pulse density modulation (PDM) and time division multiplexing (TDM). The device also includes a micropower temperature sensor, tap detection capabilities, and a state machine to prevent false triggers, ensuring reliable system-level performance. Operating on a wide supply range of 2.25 V to 3.6 V (or 1.8 V), the ADXL382 is housed in a compact 14-terminal LGA package, making it suitable for space-constrained applications. 

EVAL-ADXL382 Features  

The ADXL382 evaluation board offers a comprehensive platform to explore the capabilities of the ADXL382 accelerometer. This high-performance device excels in low noise, low power operation, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Let’s explore its notable features:

Low Noise and Power Efficiency

The ADXL382 delivers exceptional performance with an ultra-low noise density of 44 μg/√Hz on the XY axes and 55 μg/√Hz on the Z axis. This precision, combined with a wide bandwidth of 8 kHz, enables accurate capture of high-frequency signals. The device maintains signal integrity through low latency (group delay < 85 μs) and relative flatness (< 0.5 dB with equalization, <3.5 dB without). Designed for energy efficiency, the ADXL382 operates at 520 μA in high-performance mode and consumes as little as 33 μA in ultra-low power mode. The low noise and low power of the ADXL382 enables accurate measurements of audio signals or heart sounds even in high vibration environments. 

High Bandwidth and Low Latency

The ADXL382 evaluation board offers a wide bandwidth of up to 8 kHz, providing the ability to capture high-frequency signals with minimal distortion. The device maintains relative flatness with equalization at less than 0.5 dB, and without equalization, it remains under 3.5 dB. Additionally, the ADXL382 is designed for low latency with a group delay of less than 85 μs, ensuring timely data output, which is critical in fast-response applications.

Advanced Digital Interface and Features

Equipped with a 16-bit ADC, the ADXL382 provides high-resolution data output, accessible through multiprotocol serial interfaces like SPI or I2C. For audio applications, the device supports I2S, TDM, and PDM audio data outputs. The ADXL382 also includes programmable low-pass and high-pass filters, allowing users to tailor the signal processing to specific requirements. Programmable filters allow customization of signal processing, and the 320-word FIFO buffer efficiently handles data. To optimize system performance, the device incorporates features such as tap detection, activity/inactivity detection, and a temperature sensor.

Built-in System-Level Power Saving Features

Beyond core performance metrics, the ADXL382 includes several features for enhanced system-level operation. These include single, double, and triple tap detection, activity and inactivity detection, and configurable interrupt modes. Configurable interrupt modes and an integrated temperature sensor add further functionality, while the electromechanical self-test feature ensures ongoing reliability. 

The device operates across a broad voltage range of 2.25 V to 3.6 V, with an option for a 1.8 V supply and is packaged in a compact LGA format. Robustness is ensured through 10,000 g shock survival and compliance with RoHS standards.

Applications

The EVAL-ADXL382 is ideally suited for a applications including audio processing, medical devices, industrial automation, and consumer electronics. In condition based monitoring and structural health monitoring, the accelerometer's ability to detect subtle vibrations and movements enables early detection of potential failures. In seismic imaging, its wide bandwidth and low latency are crucial for capturing accurate data in geophysical studies. The device's low power operation and high sensitivity make it ideal for robotics, where precise motion detection is essential. Additionally, its low noise characteristics are utilized in audio and active noise cancellation systems. Wearable devices benefit from its low power consumption for motion detection and activity tracking.