I am trying to select a microcontroller for my project. I need four ADC channels to sense various voltages and currents. In the datasheets of μC devices, internal ADC channels and external ADC channels are mentioned.
Can someone explain what is the meaning of this and also what is the difference between internal and external ADC channels.
for example:
- MSP430 has 8 external and 2 internal channels.
- STM8S105 writes 8 internal channels.
Best Answer
External channels are linked to pins so you can connect any analog signal to them.
Internal channels are connected to specific signals inside the microcontroller, typically a voltage reference or a temperature sensor. These channels can only be used to read these signals.