Chip from TI senses inductance and converts to digital data

Texas Instruments has developed a chip for contactless touch free sensing solution for multiple number of applications. The device/chip called inductance to digital converter is an analog to digital converter integrated device, which converts the measured analog inductance into digital data. The inductance of the simple coil which can be formed on a PCB or a metal spring varies when any material come close to the coil. The change in the electromagnetic energy in the inductance is fed to a set of amplifier and ADC to produce digital data proportional to the change in inductance. This single chip inductance to digital converter can be used to measure the position, motion, or composition of a metal or conductive target, as well as detect the compression, extension or twist of a spring. Applications for inductive sensing suggested by TI includes simple push buttons, knobs, and on/off switches to high-resolution heart rate monitors, turbine flow meters, and high-speed motor/gear controllers. Inductance to digital converters find use in automotive, white goods, consumer electronics, mobile devices, computing, industrial, and medical. "LDC technology enables engineers to create sensors using low-cost and readily available PCB traces or metal springs. LDCs provide high-resolution sensing of any metal or conductor – including the human body," said Dave Heacock, senior vice ...