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

For microcontrollers without an analog-to-digital converter or if you need a high-precision ADC, the ADS1015 offers 12-bit precision at 3300 samples per second via I2C. The chip can be configured as four single input channels or two differential channels. As a nice extra, it even includes a programmable gain amplifier of up to x16 to amplify smaller single-ended or differential signals to the full range.

We like this ADC because it can be powered/logic-operated from 2V to 5V, can measure a wide range of signals, and is super easy to use. It is a great universal 12-bit converter.

The chip is quite small, so it comes on a breakout board with ferrites to keep AVDD and AGND stable. It is controlled 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 individual inputs.

To help you get started, we have example code for both 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 power consumption: Continuous operation: Only 150µA; Single measurement mode: Auto shutdown
• 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 or two differential inputs
• Programmable comparator.