Low-Power, 4-Channel, 16-Bit Analog Front-End for ECG

The ADS1194/6/8 are a family of multichannel, simultaneous sampling, 16-bit, delta-sigma (ΔΣ) analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) with a built-in programmable gain amplifier (PGA), internal reference, and an onboard oscillator.

With its high levels of integration and exceptional performance, the ADS1194/6/8 family enables the creation of scalable medical instrumentation systems at significantly reduced size, power, and overall cost.

The ADS1194/6/8 have a flexible input multiplexer per channel that can be independently connected to the internally-generated signals for test, temperature, and lead-off detection. Additionally, any configuration of input channels can be selected for derivation of the right leg drive (RLD) output signal. The ADS1194/6/8 operate at data rates as high as 8kSPS, thereby allowing the implementation of software pace detection. Lead-off detection can be implemented internal to the device, either with a pull-up/pull-down resistor or an excitation current sink/source. Three integrated amplifiers generate the Wilson Center Terminal (WCT) and the Goldberger terminals (GCT) required for a standard 12-lead medical electrocardiogram (ECG).

Multiple ADS1194/6/8 devices can be cascaded in high channel count systems in a daisy-chain configuration.

Package options include a tiny 8mm × 8mm, 64-ball BGA and a TQFP-64. Both packages are specified over the temperature range of 0°C to +70°C.