The MAX1450 sensor signal conditioner is optimized for piezoresistive sensor calibration and temperature compensation. It includes an adjustable current source for sensor excitation and a 3-bit programmable-gain amplifier (PGA). Achieving a total typical error factor within 1% of the sensor's inherent repeatability errors, the MAX1450 compensates offset, full-span output (FSO), offset tempco, FSO tempco, and FSO nonlinearity of silicon piezoresistive sensors via external trimmable resistors, potentiometers, or digital-to-analog converters (DACs). The MAX1450 is capable of compensating sensors that display close error distributions with a single temperature point, making it ideal for low-cost, medium-accuracy applications. Although optimized for use with popular piezoresistive sensors, it may also be used with other resistive sensor types such as strain gauges. |