Editing Analog-to-digital converter (section)

===Integrating ===
An '''[[integrating ADC]]''' (also '''dual-slope''' or '''multi-slope''' ADC) applies the unknown input voltage to the input of an [[operational amplifier applications#Inverting integrator|integrator]] and allows the voltage to ramp for a fixed time period (the run-up period). Then a known reference voltage of opposite polarity is applied to the integrator and is allowed to ramp until the integrator output returns to zero (the run-down period). The input voltage is computed as a function of the reference voltage, the constant run-up time period, and the measured run-down time period. The run-down time measurement is usually made in units of the converter's clock, so longer integration times allow for higher resolutions. Likewise, the speed of the converter can be improved by sacrificing resolution. Converters of this type (or variations on the concept) are used in most [[digital voltmeter]]s for their linearity and flexibility.
; Charge balancing ADC: The principle of charge balancing ADC is to first convert the input signal to a frequency using a [[voltage-to-frequency converter]]. This frequency is then measured by a counter and converted to an output code proportional to the analog input. The main advantage of these converters is that it is possible to transmit frequency even in a noisy environment or in isolated form. However, the limitation of this circuit is that the output of the voltage-to-frequency converter depends upon an RC product whose value cannot be accurately maintained over temperature and time.
; Dual-slope ADC: The analog part of the circuit consists of a high input impedance buffer, precision integrator and a voltage comparator. The converter first integrates the analog input signal for a fixed duration and then it integrates an internal reference voltage of opposite polarity until the integrator output is zero. The main disadvantage of this circuit is the long duration time. They are particularly suitable for accurate measurement of slowly varying signals such as [[thermocouple]]s and [[weighing scale]]s.