Integrated analog-to-digital converter with detection of external faults

摘要

An integrated circuit includes an input pad for receiving an externally generated analog signal, and a pre-sampling circuit for pre-sampling at least one internally generated analog reference signal. An analog-to-digital converter is connected to the input pad for providing a numerical value of the externally generated analog signal, and is connected to the pre-sampling circuit for providing a numerical value of the internally generated analog reference signal. A fault signaling circuit is connected to the pre-sampling circuit and to the analog-to-digital converter for generating a fault signal when the numerical value of the externally generated analog signal is equal to the numerical value of the internally generated analog reference signal. The fault signal indicates that an electrical connection providing the externally generated analog signal to the input pad is faulty.