What does 12- or 16-bit resolution mean?
Resolution in this context refers to the conversion of an analog voltage to a digital value in a computer (and vice versa). A computer is a digital machine and thus stores a number as a series of ones and zeroes. If you are storing a digital 2-bit number you can store 4 different values: 00, 01, 10, or 11. Now, say you have a device which converts an analog voltage between 0 and 10 volts into a 2-bit digital value for storage in a computer. This device will give digital values as follows:
In the case of the LabJack U12, a single-ended analog input has a voltage range of -10 volts to +10 volts (20 volt total span) and returns a 12-bit value. This gives a voltage resolution of 20/4096 or 0.00488 volts per bit (4.88 mV/bit).
What does it mean to say a device is 12-bit, 16-bit, or 24-bit?
When you see analog input DAQ devices from various manufacturers called 12-bit, 16-bit, or 24-bit, it generally just means they have an ADC (analog to digital converter) that returns that many bits. When an ADC chip returns 16 bits, it is probably better than a 12-bit converter, but not always. The simple fact that a converter returns 16-bits says little about the quality of those bits.
It is hard to simply state "the resolution" of a given device. What we like to do, is provide actual measured data that tells you the resolution of a device including typical inherent noise.
Hardware with a 24-bit ADC
Hardware with a 16-bit ADC or less
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7 comments
Very useful. Thank you!
Very useful. Thank you!
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it's an explanation easy to
it's an explanation easy to understand
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Well explained! I wish all
I wish all companies would list the effective resolution of their ADC though experimental data.
I feel confident in using LabJack for many more of my research projects in the future.
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Excellent! Thank you
Excellent! Thank you
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Simple and informative.
Simple and informative. Thanks
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- Log in or register to post comments
Great. so easy to
Great. so easy to understand
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Every LabJack is backed by our free Legendary Support, for life. Additionally, we provide all the software you need to get the most out of your LabJack. Read More
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Copyright © 2001-2099 LabJack Corporation. All rights reserved.
What does 12- or 16-bit resolution mean?
Resolution in this context refers to the conversion of an analog voltage to a digital value in a computer (and vice versa). A computer is a digital machine and thus stores a number as a series of ones and zeroes. If you are storing a digital 2-bit number you can store 4 different values: 00, 01, 10, or 11. Now, say you have a device which converts an analog voltage between 0 and 10 volts into a 2-bit digital value for storage in a computer. This device will give digital values as follows:
In the case of the LabJack U12, a single-ended analog input has a voltage range of -10 volts to +10 volts (20 volt total span) and returns a 12-bit value. This gives a voltage resolution of 20/4096 or 0.00488 volts per bit (4.88 mV/bit).
What does it mean to say a device is 12-bit, 16-bit, or 24-bit?
When you see analog input DAQ devices from various manufacturers called 12-bit, 16-bit, or 24-bit, it generally just means they have an ADC (analog to digital converter) that returns that many bits. When an ADC chip returns 16 bits, it is probably better than a 12-bit converter, but not always. The simple fact that a converter returns 16-bits says little about the quality of those bits.
It is hard to simply state "the resolution" of a given device. What we like to do, is provide actual measured data that tells you the resolution of a device including typical inherent noise.
Hardware with a 24-bit ADC
Hardware with a 16-bit ADC or less
Navigation
- Print this section
- Log in or register to post comments
- Save as PDF
7 comments
Very useful. Thank you!
Very useful. Thank you!
- Log in or register to post comments
it's an explanation easy to
it's an explanation easy to understand
- Log in or register to post comments
Well explained! I wish all
I wish all companies would list the effective resolution of their ADC though experimental data.
I feel confident in using LabJack for many more of my research projects in the future.
- Log in or register to post comments
Excellent! Thank you
Excellent! Thank you
- Log in or register to post comments
Simple and informative.
Simple and informative. Thanks
- Log in or register to post comments
- Log in or register to post comments
Great. so easy to
Great. so easy to understand
- Log in or register to post comments
LabJack testimonials from
LabJack news
Free Software & Support
Every LabJack is backed by our free Legendary Support, for life. Additionally, we provide all the software you need to get the most out of your LabJack. Read More
Newsletter Signup
Copyright © 2001-2099 LabJack Corporation. All rights reserved.