From 10bit ADC to 12bit ADC

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1

Hello everyone!

I am relatively new to Arduino, but I want to improve the resolution on the analog pins on my Arduino Uno. As I am connecting a device that has a resolution of 12 bits, I want to be able to fully utilize this resolution. As the Uno provides only 10 bit resolution, I was wondering if anyone could refer some type of extra device that I can connect to my Uno in order to reach the desired resolution of 12 bits.

I see online that the Zero supports 12 bits, but Im not sure if I want order a new Arduino for this.

Any help will be immensely appreciated.

-Espen

2

Have wanted to mean --

1. You have an ADC device which provides 12-bit data; you want to acquire this data using Arduino UNO. If so, you can always do it.

OR

2. You have a sample of analog signal which you want to digitize into 12-bit parallel format using Arduino UNO. If so, you can't do it. You need Arduino whose internal ADC has 12-bit resolution.

3

GolamMostafa:
Have wanted to mean --

1. You have an ADC device which provides 12-bit data; you want to acquire this data using Arduino UNO. If so, you can always do it.

OR

2. You have a sample of analog signal which you want to digitize into 12-bit parallel format using Arduino UNO. If so, you can't do it. You need Arduino whose internal ADC has 12-bit resolution.

Do you recon this will do the trick : https://www.digikey.no/product-detail/en/adafruit-industries-llc/1083/1528-1014-ND/4990763?utm_adgroup=&mkwid=s0UFedXua&pcrid=295934778952&pkw=&pmt=&pdv=c&productid=4990763&slid=&gclid=Cj0KCQiAtbnjBRDBARIsAO3zDl9x2SH-T4IboH3Ol5RnfRexKHUgMdS0YmMJ1lt3gNXQFT_tvnU55LkaArj4EALw_wcB ?

4

Because, I could not understand the underlying message of your original post; I have wanted the clarification through two queries of my Post#1. In response, you have referred me to a link; is it the right thing that you have done?

5

GolamMostafa:
Because, I could not understand the underlying message of your original post; I have wanted the clarification through two queries of my Post#1. In response, you have referred me to a link; is it the right thing that you have done?

Sorry about that, I didnt quite catch what you meant.
But no, the UNO's integrated ADC is only 10 bits (Case 2). But I've read it is possible to get around this by installing a seperate ADC.

6

Sure - you can use an external 12 bit ADC. For example - ADS1015 12-Bit ADC - 4 Channel with Programmable Gain Amplifier [STEMMA QT / Qwiic] : ID 1083 : $9.95 : Adafruit Industries, Unique & fun DIY electronics and kits

7

May we ask why a 10 bit converter will not do? Is the cost, hassle of interfacing and coding for an external 12 bit ADC worth the reward?

8

What sensor are you using? IIRC the linked ADC uses fixed internal reference. If the sensor is ratiometric it would be better to use another ADC.

9

Smajdalf:
What sensor are you using? IIRC the linked ADC uses fixed internal reference. If the sensor is ratiometric it would be better to use another ADC.

Thanks for the reply!
Im using this one : VERT-X 2831-736-221-102 Contelec Sensor Devices | Octopart Electronic Components

The accuracy of the readings should be more precise with the use of a 12bit ADC, or am I wrong?

10

Quite limited information for such expensive device. But it looks like it is very precise potentiometer and it has a ratiometric output. If it is true (I did not find a datasheet on the linked page, only some vague description) with fixed angle the output changes with varying voltage. Unless you have well stabilized supply voltage for the sensor it is better to use an ADC which uses supply voltage as reference - not an internal reference as ADS1015 do.

1 Like
11

Thanks for the answer!
I will do some more research!