Adafruit ADS1015 12-Bit ADC 4 Ch. w/Gain Amplifier

For microcontrollers without an analog-to-digital converter or when you want a higher-precision ADC, the ADS1015 provides 12-bit precision at 3300 samples per second over I2C. The chip can be configured as four single-ended input channels or two differential channels. As a nice bonus, it even includes a programmable gain amplifier, up to x16, to help boost smaller single or differential signals to the full range.

We like this ADC because it can run from 2V to 5V power/logic, can measure a large range of signals, and is super easy to use. It is a great general-purpose 12-bit converter.

The chip is fairly small, so it comes on a breakout board with ferrites to keep the AVDD and AGND quiet. Interfacing is done via I2C. The address can be changed to one of four options, allowing you to connect up to four ADS1015s on a single 2-wire I2C bus for 16 single-ended inputs.

To get you started, we have example code for both the Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Simply connect GND to ground, VDD to your logic power supply, and SCL/SDA to your microcontroller's I2C port, then run the example code to start reading data.

• Wide supply range: 2.0V to 5.5V
• Low current consumption: Continuous mode: Only 150µA; Single-shot mode: Auto shut-down
• Programmable data rate: 128 SPS to 3.3 kSPS
• Internal low-drift voltage reference
• Internal oscillator
• Internal PGA
• I2C interface: Pin-selectable addresses
• Four single-ended or two differential inputs
• Programmable comparator.