# Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC
## Overview
Many microcontrollers have ADCs these days, for reading analog/resistive sensors like potentiometers, thermistors, LDR light sensors, etc. but sometimes you need MOAR! Or maybe you're using a single board computer like a Raspberry Pi that has no ADCs at all!
The **Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC with I2C** is an affordable 8-channel ADC with an I2C interface, so it's easy to include with any platform. Wire up to the SDA/SCL pins plus power and ground, only four wires required. If you need more than 8 channels, there's 2 address pins so you could have 4 x 8 = 32 total ADC channels with chainable Stemma QT cables.
Note that this chip isn't the fanciest ADC on the market: you can get up 70 Ksamples per second (you'll need 3.4MHz I2C speed support for max speed rate), and only 8-bits of resolution, so it's good for rough sensor measurements. For example, this would definitely be a great way to add a ton of potentiometers or flex sensors to a build, but wouldn't be a good match for precision thermistor conversion.
To use it, [check out our Arduino library](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_ADS7830) which will quickly let you read from any of the 8 channels as single ended inputs - or you can use differential mode which will use two adjacent pins for the positive and negative references. You can power the board from 3 or 5V power and logic, which will also act as the reference voltage and pullup voltage. Or you can change the reference voltage by cutting the jumper on the back and wiring to the breakout pad, as long as it is less than the power supply.
To get you going fast, we spun up a custom-made PCB in the [**STEMMA QT** form factor](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma%20qt%20sensor "STEMMA QT form factor"), making it easy to interface with. The [STEMMA QT connectors](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt/what-is-stemma-qt) on either side are compatible with the [SparkFun Qwiic](https://www.sparkfun.com/qwiic) I2C connectors. This allows you to make solderless connections between your development board and the ADS7830 or to chain it with a wide range of other sensors and accessories using a [**compatible cable**](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma%20qt%20cable).
[**QT Cable is not included** , but we have a variety in the shop](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=stemma+qt+cable&sort=BestMatch).
Comes with a bit of 0.1" standard header in case you want to use it with a breadboard or perfboard. Four mounting holes for easy attachment.
# Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC
## Pinouts
The default I2C address is **0x48**.
## Power Pins
- **VIN** - this is the power pin. Since the ADC chip uses 3-5 VDC to power the board, give it the same power as the logic level of your microcontroller - e.g. for a 5V micro like Arduino, use 5V.
- **REF** - this is the positive reference pin. By default this is connected to **VIN**.
- **GND** - common ground for power and logic.
- **COM** - this is the negative reference pin. By default this is connected to **GND**.
## I2C Logic Pins
- **SCL** - I2C clock pin, connect to your microcontroller I2C clock line. This pin can use 3-5V logic, and there's a **10K pullup** on this pin.
- **SDA** - I2C data pin, connect to your microcontroller I2C data line. This pin can use 3-5V logic, and there's a **10K pullup** on this pin.
- **[STEMMA QT](https://learn.adafruit.com/introducing-adafruit-stemma-qt) -** These connectors allow you to connectors to dev boards with **STEMMA QT** connectors or to other things with [various associated accessories](https://www.adafruit.com/?q=JST%20SH%204)
## ADC Inputs
- **A0-A7** - The 8 inputs to the ADC. These inputs can get up to 70 Ksamples per second (you'll need 3.4MHz I2C speed support for max speed rate), and 8-bits of resolution. They're ideal for adding a ton of potentiometers or flex sensors to a build.
## Address Pins
On the back of the board are **two address jumpers** , labeled **AD0** and **AD1**. These jumpers allow you to chain up to 4 of these boards on the same pair of I2C clock and data pins. To do so, you solder the jumpers "closed" by connecting the two pads.
On the front of the board are two address pins, labeled **AD0** and **AD1**. Just like the jumpers, these pins allow you to change the I2C address to connect multiple boards by connecting them to **VIN**.
The default I2C address is **0x48**. The other address options can be calculated by “adding” the **AD0/AD1** to the base of **0x48**.
**AD0** sets the lowest bit with a value of **1** and **A**** D1 **sets the next bit with a value of** 2 ****.** The final address is **0x48 + AD1 + AD0** which would be **0x4B**.
If only **AD0** is soldered closed, the address is **0x48 + 1 = 0x49**
If only **AD1** is soldered closed, the address is **0x48 + 2 = 0x4A**
The table below shows all possible addresses, and whether the pin(s) should be high (closed) or low (open).
## Reference Jumpers
- **Ext Ref** - On the back of the board, directly below the board label on the silk, is the external reference jumper. Cut this jumper to change the reference voltage. The new external reference voltage must be less than the power supply connected to the board.
- **Ext Com** - On the back of the board, below the Ext Ref jumper, is the external negative/common reference jumper. Cut this jumper to change the negative reference.
## Power LED and Jumper
- **Power LED -** In the upper left corner, above the STEMMA connector, on the front of the board, is the power LED, labeled **on**. It is the green LED.
- **LED jumper** - In the upper right corner on the back of the board is a jumper for the power LED. If you wish to disable the power LED, simply cut the trace on this jumper.
# Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC
## CircuitPython and Python
It's easy to use the **ADS7830** with Python or CircuitPython, and the [Adafruit\_CircuitPython\_ADS7830](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_ADS7830) module. This module allows you to easily write Python code to read the 8 analog inputs on the ADC.
You can use this driver with any CircuitPython microcontroller board or with a computer that has GPIO and Python [thanks to Adafruit\_Blinka, our CircuitPython-for-Python compatibility library](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux).
## CircuitPython Microcontroller Wiring
First wire up the breakout to your board exactly as follows. The following is the breakout wired to a Feather RP2040 using the STEMMA connector along with a potentiometer connected to analog input 0 ( **A0** ):
- **Board STEMMA 3V** to **breakout** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board STEMMA GND** to **breakout** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board STEMMA SCL** to **breakout** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board STEMMA SDA** to **breakout** **SDA (blue wire)**
- **Breakout VIN** to **potentiometer positive (red wire)**
- **Breakout A0** to **potentiometer wiper (green wire)**
- **Breakout GND** to **potentiometer negative (black wire)**
### STEMMA Wired Potentiometer Breakout Board - 10K ohm Linear
[STEMMA Wired Potentiometer Breakout Board - 10K ohm Linear](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4493)
For the easiest way possible to measure twists, turn to this STEMMA potentiometer breakout (ha!). This plug-n-play pot comes with a JST-PH 2mm connector and a matching [JST PH 3-Pin to Male Header Cables - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893), so wiring up is a cinch....
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4493)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4493/guides)
The following is the breakout wired to a Feather RP2040 using a solderless breadboard:
- **Board 3V** to **breakout** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **breakout** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **breakout** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **breakout** **SDA (blue wire)**
- **Breakout VIN** to **potentiometer positive (red wire)**
- **Breakout A0** to **potentiometer wiper (green wire)**
- **Breakout GND** to **potentiometer negative (black wire)**
## Python Computer Wiring
Since there are _dozens_ of Linux computers/boards you can use, we will show wiring for Raspberry Pi. For other platforms, [please visit the guide for CircuitPython on Linux to see whether your platform is supported](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux).
Here's the Raspberry Pi wired with I2C using the STEMMA connector:
- **Pi 3V** to **breakout** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Pi GND** to **breakout** **GND (black wire)**
- **Pi SCL** to **breakout** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Pi SDA** to **breakout** **SDA (blue wire)**
- **Breakout VIN** to **potentiometer positive (red wire)**
- **Breakout A0** to **potentiometer wiper (green wire)**
- **Breakout GND** to **potentiometer negative (black wire)**
Here's the Raspberry Pi wired with I2C using a solderless breadboard:
- **Pi 3V** to **breakout** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Pi GND** to **breakout** **GND (black wire)**
- **Pi SCL** to **breakout** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Pi SDA** to **breakout** **SDA (blue wire)**
- **Breakout VIN** to **potentiometer positive (red wire)**
- **Breakout A0** to **potentiometer wiper (green wire)**
- **Breakout GND** to **potentiometer negative (black wire)**
## Python Installation of ADS7830 Library
You'll need to install the **Adafruit\_Blinka** library that provides the CircuitPython support in Python. This may also require enabling I2C on your platform and verifying you are running Python 3. [Since each platform is a little different, and Linux changes often, please visit the CircuitPython on Linux guide to get your computer ready](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuitpython-on-raspberrypi-linux)!
Once that's done, from your command line run the following command:
- `pip3 install adafruit-circuitpython-ads7830`
If your default Python is version 3 you may need to run 'pip' instead. Just make sure you aren't trying to use CircuitPython on Python 2.x, it isn't supported!
## CircuitPython Usage
To use with CircuitPython, you need to first install the **Adafruit\_CircuitPython\_ADS7830** library, and its dependencies, into the **lib** folder on your **CIRCUITPY** drive. Then you need to update **code.py** with the example script.
Thankfully, we can do this in one go. In the example below, click the **Download Project Bundle** button below to download the necessary libraries and the **code.py** file in a zip file. Extract the contents of the zip file, and copy the **entire** **lib** **folder** and the **code.py** file to your **CIRCUITPY** drive.
Your **CIRCUITPY/lib** folder should contain the following folders:
- **adafruit\_bus\_device/**
- **adafruit\_ads7830/**
## Python Usage
Once you have the library `pip3` installed on your computer, copy or download the following example to your computer, and run the following, replacing **code.py** with whatever you named the file:
`python3 code.py`
## Example Code
**If running CircuitPython:** Once everything is saved to the **CIRCUITPY** drive, [connect to the serial console](https://learn.adafruit.com/welcome-to-circuitpython/kattni-connecting-to-the-serial-console) to see the data printed out!
**If running Python:** The console output will appear wherever you are running Python.
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_ADS7830/blob/main/examples/ads7830_simpletest.py
The ADS7830 is initialized over I2C. Then in the loop, the analog input on A0 is read and printed to the serial monitor. As you adjust the potentiometer connected to A0, you'll see the values change.
Warning:
# Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC
## Python Docs
# Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC
## Arduino
Using the ADS7830 breakout with Arduino involves wiring up the breakout to your Arduino-compatible microcontroller with a potentiometer, installing the [Adafruit\_ADS7830](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_ADS7830) library, and running the provided example code.
### STEMMA Wired Potentiometer Breakout Board - 10K ohm Linear
[STEMMA Wired Potentiometer Breakout Board - 10K ohm Linear](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4493)
For the easiest way possible to measure twists, turn to this STEMMA potentiometer breakout (ha!). This plug-n-play pot comes with a JST-PH 2mm connector and a matching [JST PH 3-Pin to Male Header Cables - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893), so wiring up is a cinch....
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4493)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4493/guides)
## Wiring
Wire as shown for a **5V** board like an Uno. If you are using a **3V** board, like an Adafruit Feather, wire the board's 3V pin to the breakout VIN.
Here is an Adafruit Metro wired up to the breakout using the STEMMA QT connector. A potentiometer is connected to analog input 0 ( **A0** ):
- **Board 5V** to **breakout** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **breakout** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **breakout** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **breakout** **SDA (blue wire)**
- **Breakout VIN** to **potentiometer positive (red wire)**
- **Breakout A0** to **potentiometer wiper (green wire)**
- **Breakout GND** to **potentiometer negative (black wire)**
Here is an Adafruit Metro wired up using a solderless breadboard:
- **Board 5V** to **breakout** **VIN (red wire)**
- **Board GND** to **breakout** **GND (black wire)**
- **Board SCL** to **breakout** **SCL (yellow wire)**
- **Board SDA** to **breakout** **SDA (blue wire)**
- **Breakout VIN** to **potentiometer positive (red wire)**
- **Breakout A0** to **potentiometer wiper (green wire)**
- **Breakout GND** to **potentiometer negative (black wire)**
## Library Installation
You can install the **Adafruit\_ADS7830** library for Arduino using the Library Manager in the Arduino IDE.
Click the **Manage Libraries ...** menu item, search for **Adafruit\_ADS7830** , and select the **Adafruit ADS7830** library:
If asked about dependencies, click "Install all".
If the "Dependencies" window does not come up, then you already have the dependencies installed.
Warning:
## Example Code
https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_ADS7830/blob/main/examples/ads7830_test/ads7830_test.ino
Upload the sketch to your board and open up the Serial Monitor ( **Tools -\> Serial Monitor** ) at 115200 baud. You'll see the ADS7830 recognized over I2C. As you turn the potentiometer attached to A0, you'll see the values change.
Info:
# Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC
## Arduino Docs
# Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC
## Downloads
## Files
- [ADS7830 Datasheet](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/125/826/original/ads7830.pdf?1699028569)
- [EagleCAD PCB Files on GitHub](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit-ADS7830-PCB)
- [Fritzing object in the Adafruit Fritzing Library](https://github.com/adafruit/Fritzing-Library/blob/master/parts/Adafruit%20ADS7830%208-Channel%208-Bit%20ADC.fzpz)
## Schematic and Fab Print
## Primary Products
### Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC with I2C
[Adafruit ADS7830 8-Channel 8-Bit ADC with I2C](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5836)
Many microcontrollers have ADCs these days, for reading analog/resistive sensors like potentiometers, thermistors, LDR light sensors, etc. but sometimes you need MOAR! Or maybe you're using a single board computer like a Raspberry Pi that has no ADCs at all!
The **Adafruit...**
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/5836)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/5836/guides)
## Featured Products
### STEMMA Wired Potentiometer Breakout Board - 10K ohm Linear
[STEMMA Wired Potentiometer Breakout Board - 10K ohm Linear](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4493)
For the easiest way possible to measure twists, turn to this STEMMA potentiometer breakout (ha!). This plug-n-play pot comes with a JST-PH 2mm connector and a matching [JST PH 3-Pin to Male Header Cables - 200mm](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3893), so wiring up is a cinch....
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4493)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4493/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable - 100mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 100mm / 4" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4210)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4210/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-Pin Cable - 50mm Long](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
This 4-wire cable is 50mm / 1.9" long and fitted with JST SH female 4-pin connectors on both ends. Compared with the chunkier JST PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and remove.
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4399)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4399/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin to Premium Male Headers Cable
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin to Premium Male Headers Cable](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4209)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 150mm / 6" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on one end and premium Dupont male headers on the other. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4209)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4209/guides)
### STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable with Premium Female Sockets
[STEMMA QT / Qwiic JST SH 4-pin Cable with Premium Female Sockets](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4397)
This 4-wire cable is a little over 150mm / 6" long and fitted with JST-SH female 4-pin connectors on one end and premium female headers on the other. Compared with the chunkier JST-PH these are 1mm pitch instead of 2mm, but still have a nice latching feel, while being easy to insert and...
In Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4397)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4397/guides)
### JST SH 4-pin Cable with Alligator Clips - STEMMA QT / Qwiic
[JST SH 4-pin Cable with Alligator Clips - STEMMA QT / Qwiic](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4398)
This cable will make it super easy to use our plug-and-play STEMMA QT boards with boards like Circuit Playground. On one end you get a Qwiic / STEMMA QT connector (technically known as a JST SH 4-pin plug) into 4 individual wires with grippy alligator clips. We're carrying these to...
Out of Stock
[Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/4398)
[Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/4398/guides)
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