High-Resolution Conversion:
The DDC232 is a 20‑bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) designed for applications requiring high precision. In a CT Scanner Data Acquisition System (DAS) like this board, it digitizes analog signals from sensors with very high resolution.

Multiple Inputs:
It is designed for multiplexing many analog input channels (in this case, up to 32 inputs) while still achieving 20‑bit resolution. This makes it well suited for applications where numerous signals need to be observed and digitized simultaneously.

Sigma‑Delta Architecture:
The converter uses a sigma‑delta conversion method that inherently provides excellent noise rejection and oversampling. This technique, combined with digital filtering, produces a very clean digital representation of a very small analog signal.

Digital Interface:
The converter has a comprehensive pin set for input, reference, digital control, and output. Notable functions include differential analog inputs, multiple ground pins (AGND, DGND, QGND), configurable reference inputs (VREF), and dedicated pins for the conversion trigger (CONV) and data output (DOUT). This collection of signals allows seamless integration with the digital system—in this design, interfacing with an FPGA and the STM32 MCU.

Signal Acquisition:
The analog inputs (labeled systematically as IN28, IN12, IN32, etc.) are conditioned externally (or sometimes internally) before being fed to the ADC. The part then performs sigma‑delta modulation to convert these inputs into high‑resolution digital signals.

Filtering and Oversampling:
The inherent oversampling and digital filtering reduce noise, making it ideal for applications where signal fidelity is critical. Conversions occur continuously or on command via the control signals (for example, *RESET and CONV).

Interface to Digital Logic:
Digital outputs (such as the DOUT pin) deliver the measured value in a serial format. Additional pins (like DIN or DIN_CFG) allow the system’s digital back‑end (e.g., an FPGA or microcontroller) to configure or calibrate the ADC. This makes the chip especially practical in system‑level data acquisition designs.

Series Overview:
The DDC232 series from Texas Instruments is a family of high‑resolution ADCs optimized for data acquisition applications. They are known for their low noise, high linearity, and the ability to provide precise measurements even from multiple channels simultaneously.

Key Variations and Differences:
Variants in the series may offer differences in:

Typical Use Cases Compared to Other Models:
In contrast to lower‑resolution ADCs or those that handle fewer channels, the DDC232 series is tailored for instrumentation applications where both channel count and accuracy cannot be compromised. It is frequently used in industrial measurement systems, medical imaging (such as CT scanners), and other data acquisition systems requiring robust noise rejection and precision.

Medical Imaging and CT Scanners:
In the CT Scanner DAS board, the DDC232 digitizes a large number of sensor outputs with high fidelity, directly improving image reconstruction quality.

Industrial Process Control:
Its ability to handle multiple, low-level signals makes it ideal for monitoring and controlling industrial processes with high accuracy.

Precision Instrumentation:
For laboratory equipment and high‑end measurement systems, the combination of 20‑bit resolution and sigma‑delta conversion offers the precision and stability required.