Eight 24-bit ADC HAT: High-Precision Data Acquisition for Raspberry Pi
Precision and flexibility are crucial in modern data acquisition systems, but many Raspberry Pi expansion boards lack the resolution required for scientific and industrial applications. Discover the Eight 24-bit ADC HAT—a game-changing solution that delivers ultra-precise measurements, modular scalability, and broad compatibility with leading industrial control software.
Developed by Sequent Microsystems, this HAT features eight differential 24-bit ADC channels, an 8-layer stackable design, and seamless integration with Raspberry Pi Zero to Raspberry Pi 5. In this exclusive interview, we speak with Sequent Microsystems to uncover the inspiration behind this product, its real-world applications, and the exciting innovations they have planned for the future.
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The Inspiration Behind the Eight 24-Bit ADC HAT
Michael (GizmoCrowd): Raspberry Pi expansion boards have evolved significantly over the years. What inspired you to create the Eight 24-bit ADC HAT, and how does it address the limitations of existing data acquisition solutions?
Sequent Microsystems: Like almost all of our more than 25 Raspberry Pi HATs, the 24-Bit ADC has been created based on customer feedback.
We started with 12-bit analog signal processing, we moved to 16-bit, but some customers asked for more, so we complied.
High-Precision 24-Bit Analog Inputs
Michael: This HAT features eight differential 24-bit ADC channels, which is a game-changer for precision measurements. How does this level of accuracy benefit applications like scientific research, robotics, and industrial automation?
Sequent Microsystems: This is rather a general question about industry, so I will defer the answer to other experts:
24-bit data acquisition accuracy provides high precision and detailed measurement capabilities, which is essential for applications requiring accurate data capture and analysis. Here’s how it benefits specific fields:
Scientific Research:
- Increased Resolution: Captures minute changes in signals, essential for experiments in physics, chemistry, and biology.
- Reduced Noise: High bit depth ensures a better signal-to-noise ratio, crucial for capturing faint or subtle phenomena.
- Improved Data Integrity: Provides more reliable and reproducible results, critical for peer-reviewed research.
Robotics:
- Enhanced Sensor Precision: Enables precise control and feedback for sensors such as force, pressure, and position sensors.
- Better Motion Control: Allows smoother and more accurate movements in robotic arms and autonomous systems.
- Increased Reliability: Improves the robot’s ability to detect small environmental changes, essential for tasks like object manipulation and navigation.
Industrial Automation:
- Accurate Process Monitoring: Ensures precise measurement of temperature, pressure, and flow rates, improving product quality.
- Predictive Maintenance: Detects small anomalies that could indicate potential equipment failures.
- Energy Efficiency: Optimizes machinery performance, reducing energy consumption and operational costs.
In all these applications, the higher resolution provided by 24-bit data acquisition translates to more granular data, enabling better decision-making, improved system performance, and increased reliability.
Stackable Architecture & Scalability
Michael: One of the standout features is its 8-layer stackable design, allowing users to expand up to 64 channels. How does this modular approach enhance flexibility for both hobbyists and industrial users?
Sequent Microsystems: All our Raspberry Pi HATs are 8-level stackable. This ensures the users can start building affordable small Raspberry Pi control systems, and expand them almost unlimited if the need arises.
Compatibility & Open-Source Integration
Michael: The Eight 24-bit ADC HAT is designed to work seamlessly with Raspberry Pi models from Zero to 5 and supports Python, Node-Red, OpenPLC, and CODESYS. How does this broad compatibility empower makers and engineers?
Sequent Microsystems: Like all our Raspberry Pi I/O HATs, the Eight 24-BIT DAC can be integrated with all the popular brands of Industrial Control software.This permits system integrators the necessary flexibility in implementing their application on the desired platform.
The Future of Raspberry Pi Expansion Boards
Michael: Your team at Sequent Microsystems has a strong history of developing innovative Raspberry Pi HATs. What’s next after this project? Are there plans for additional high-precision hardware for the maker community?
Sequent Microsystems: As I mentioned in the beginning, almost all our projects have been initiated based on user feedback.
Unless something else comes up, our next card will likely be the Smart Relays HAT.
Although the “Smart” term seems to be abused, we believe this HAT is unique in the Raspberry Pi landscape.
It has four relays which can drive 110A and 240V loads. Nothing special so far.
But on each relay, there is a HALL effect sensor which can measure the load current.
This leads not only to fail-safe mission-critical operations but also permits energy monitoring on four loads of up to 2.5KW each.
The additional four inputs can be used to read external temperatures, quadrature encoders, pulse counters, PWM inputs, and more.
In addition, the card can be connected to any PLC controller and interfaced through the RS485/MODBUS protocol.
Michael: Thank you so much to the Sequent Microsystems team for sharing the journey behind the Eight 24-bit ADC HAT! It’s incredible to see how customer feedback continues to drive innovation in Raspberry Pi expansion hardware. Wishing you all the best as you continue developing game-changing solutions for makers and industrial users alike!
Eight 24-Bit ADC 8-Layer Stackable HAT for Raspberry Pi – A Kickstarter campaign by Sequent Microsystems
The Eight 24-bit ADC HAT by Sequent Microsystems is redefining high-precision data acquisition for Raspberry Pi users. With 8 differential 24-bit ADC channels, an 8-layer stackable design, and broad compatibility with major control software, this expansion board offers unmatched flexibility for both hobbyists and industrial users.
As Sequent Microsystems continues to push the boundaries of Raspberry Pi expansion hardware, their commitment to user-driven innovation ensures that future projects—like the upcoming Smart Relays HAT—will further enhance the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.
If you’re looking for a scalable, ultra-precise ADC solution, the Eight 24-bit ADC HAT is a must-have addition to your setup!
The Raspberry Pi is a tiny, yet powerful credit-card size computer ideally positioned to power the Home and Industrial Automation applications used in the Internet of Things. Although its computing power is thousands of times greater than the computer which landed Apollo 11 on the moon, it is rather helpless when it needs to interact with the real world.
