A list of microcontrollers with fast Analog-to-Digital Converters
The Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADC) in most microcontrollers (MCU) are slower than 1 Msps since their primary application is relatively slow automatic control and measurements, not the fast data acquisition and processing at high rates. In fact, the limited CPU speed and memory size of many microcontrollers are incapable of keeping up with a faster ADC, necessitates the use of a more specialized Digital Signal Processor (DSP).
For simple data acquisition tasks, MCUs with a faster ADC can still be useful despite their limitations. For example, if the signal processing is done on a computer, the MCU can transfer the captured data via DMA as soon as possible with no processing, at the same time, it can conveniently control the supporting circuitry via a few GPIO ports. Another scenario is when only a small burst of data is needed, not sustained data. In other words, if your problem happens to be simple enough, a MCU may be able to solve it cheaply.
niconiconi’s blog has compiled a list of MCUs with fast ADCs which is helpful for designers:
For more device suggestions or comment, issues and PRs may be submitted on GitLab.
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