This application note details circuit techniques which directly digitize the low level outputs of a variety of transducers. The approaches described are unique in that they do not utilize any DC gain stage. The transducer outputs receive no DC signal conditioning; A/D conversion is directly performed at low level. The circuits produce a serial data output which may be transmitted over a single wire with the characteristic noise immunity of digital systems. eliminating the traditional DC gain stage, these circuits furnish a direct, economical way to digitize low level transducer outputs without sacrifi cing performance. Application Note 7 February 1985 Some Techniques for Direct Digitization of Transducer Outputs Jim Williams Almost all transducers produce low level signals. Normally, meaning a 10-bit A/D converter must have an LSB incre- high accuracy signal conditioning ampliers are used to ment of only 30μV. Performing a 10-bit conversion on a boost these outputs to levels which can easily drive cables, type K thermocouple monitoring a 0°C to 60°C environment additional circuitry, or data converters. This practice raises proves even more stringent. The type K thermocouple the signal processing range well……