Analog front-end

An analog front-end (AFE or analog front-end controller AFEC) is a set of analog signal conditioning circuitry that uses sensitive analog amplifiers, often operational amplifiers, filters, and sometimes application-specific integrated circuits for sensors, radio receivers, and other circuits to provide a configurable and flexible electronics functional block needed to interface a variety of sensors to an antenna, analog-to-digital converter or, in some cases, to a microcontroller.

Atheros Intellon 1200 AFE-Chip as companion for an INT 5500 PowerLine-IC

A radio frequency AFE is used in radio receivers, known as an RF front end.[1]

Modules

AFE hardware modules are used as interface sensors for many kinds of analog and digital systems, providing hardware modularity. For example, Texas Instruments markets health monitoring AFEs as the ADS1298, AFE4400 and AFE4490.[2][3] Atmel markets analog front-ends for smart meters.[4] Analog Devices markets a CN0209 product for test and measurement applications.[5]

References
  1. Christopher Bowick (February 4, 2008). "What's in an RF Front End?". EE Times. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  2. Treena Grevatt (August 9, 2012). "Inside TI's ADS1298 analog front end for health monitoring". EE Times. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  3. "AFE4400: Integrated Analog Front End for Heart Rate Monitors and Low Cost Pulse Oximeters". Product web page. Texas Instruments. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  4. "Atmel Acquires IDT's Smart Metering Product Line". Product web page. Atmel. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
  5. "CN0209: Fully Programmable Universal Analog Front End for Process Control Applications". Product web page. Analog Devices. Retrieved October 3, 2013.
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