ADS1115IDGSR: 16-Bit 4-Channel ADC with I2C Interface

ElecSuppliers Part Number GuideAug 20, 2026

The ADS1115IDGSR is a precision analog-to-digital converter designed to measure analog signals and provide digital conversion data through an I2C interface. It combines 16-bit resolution, four input channels, a programmable gain amplifier and an internal voltage reference in a compact 10-pin VSSOP package.

The device is particularly useful in embedded systems where a microcontroller needs higher-resolution analog measurements than those provided by a basic integrated ADC.

What Is the ADS1115IDGSR?

The ADS1115IDGSR is a 16-bit delta-sigma ADC with four input channels. It can operate in either single-ended or differential measurement configurations, giving designers flexibility when connecting sensors and analog signal sources.

Instead of requiring a separate parallel interface, the converter communicates with the host controller through I2C. This reduces the number of MCU pins needed to obtain digital measurement data.

The exact Part Number ADS1115IDGSR identifies a specific ordering and package configuration within the ADS1115 family.

ADS1115IDGSR 16-Bit Resolution

The 16-bit resolution of the ADS1115IDGSR provides 65,536 possible digital codes across the selected full-scale input range.

Higher resolution can be useful when measuring small changes in sensor output or low-level analog signals. However, resolution should not be confused with absolute accuracy. Noise, reference characteristics, input offset, gain error and the surrounding analog circuit all affect the final measurement.

For this reason, the complete signal chain should be evaluated when determining whether the ADS1115IDGSR provides sufficient measurement performance.

ADS1115IDGSR Four Input Channels

The ADS1115IDGSR provides four analog input channels.

These inputs can be used as four single-ended channels or arranged as differential pairs according to the measurement configuration.

Differential measurement can be useful when the signal of interest is the voltage difference between two points rather than the voltage relative to system ground. This can help in applications where common-mode voltage or wiring conditions need to be considered.

The channel configuration is controlled through the ADC's internal registers.

ADS1115IDGSR Programmable Gain

The ADS1115IDGSR includes a programmable gain amplifier with several selectable full-scale ranges.

This allows the measurement range to be adjusted according to the expected input signal. A smaller full-scale range can provide better use of the converter's available resolution when measuring relatively small signals.

For example, a sensor producing a small differential voltage may benefit from selecting a narrower input range instead of using the largest available range.

The selected gain must always remain appropriate for the actual input voltage to prevent the ADC input from exceeding the configured range.

ADS1115IDGSR I2C Interface

The ADS1115IDGSR communicates with a microcontroller through an I2C-compatible serial interface.

The digital interface requires only the SDA and SCL communication lines, making it convenient for systems where MCU GPIO resources are limited.

Multiple devices can also be incorporated into an I2C-based measurement system when their address configurations are properly managed.

The digital interface allows the host controller to configure the ADC, select channels, choose the gain and conversion settings, and retrieve the resulting measurement data.

ADS1115IDGSR Conversion Modes

The ADS1115IDGSR supports both continuous-conversion and single-shot operating modes.

Continuous conversion allows the ADC to repeatedly measure the selected input, which is useful when a system requires ongoing monitoring.

Single-shot operation allows the controller to request a conversion when a measurement is needed. After completing the conversion, the device can enter a low-power state until another measurement is initiated.

This operating flexibility makes the ADS1115IDGSR suitable for both continuously monitored signals and battery-powered equipment where measurements occur periodically.

ADS1115IDGSR Data Rate

The ADS1115IDGSR provides programmable data rates ranging from low-speed conversion settings to higher conversion rates.

Lower data rates can be useful when measurement stability and noise performance are more important than update speed. Higher rates allow the controller to obtain measurements more frequently when faster monitoring is required.

The appropriate setting depends on the signal bandwidth, required response time and measurement environment.

For slowly changing sensors such as temperature or certain pressure measurements, a high conversion rate may not provide a meaningful advantage.

ADS1115IDGSR Internal Reference

The ADS1115IDGSR incorporates an internal voltage reference used by its conversion system.

This removes the need for a separate external reference in many applications and helps simplify the ADC portion of the circuit.

The internal reference does not eliminate the need for good power-supply design. Supply noise, PCB layout and external signal conditioning can still influence the quality of the measured result.

ADS1115IDGSR Comparator Function

The ADS1115IDGSR includes a programmable comparator that can be used to monitor the conversion result against defined thresholds.

The comparator can operate in different modes depending on how the system needs to respond to the measured signal.

This can be useful when the controller needs to detect whether a sensor value has crossed a particular threshold without continuously processing every conversion in firmware.

For example, a monitoring system can use the comparator to detect an over-limit condition and then trigger an appropriate response.

ADS1115IDGSR Low-Power Operation

Power consumption can be an important factor in sensor-based embedded systems.

The ADS1115IDGSR supports single-shot conversion operation, allowing the ADC to perform a measurement and then return to a low-power state.

This can be useful in battery-powered products where the sensor does not need to be sampled continuously.

The overall system power consumption will still depend on the host MCU, sensor, interface activity and other external components.

ADS1115IDGSR Package

The ADS1115IDGSR uses a 10-pin VSSOP package.

The small package makes the device suitable for compact PCB designs where board space is limited.

When replacing the ADC in an existing design, engineers should verify the complete package, pin assignment, supply requirements and software configuration rather than assuming another ADS1115 ordering variant is physically interchangeable.

ADS1115IDGSR Applications

The ADS1115IDGSR can be used in applications requiring precision analog measurement with a digital interface.

Potential applications include temperature monitoring, pressure measurement, battery monitoring, industrial sensors, portable instrumentation, data acquisition and embedded measurement equipment.

The combination of four analog inputs, programmable gain and I2C communication allows the same ADC to support different sensor configurations within a system.

ADS1115IDGSR Design Considerations

High ADC resolution does not automatically guarantee high measurement accuracy.

The external signal source, sensor output impedance, PCB layout, power supply, grounding and noise environment all influence the final result.

When using differential inputs, the input common-mode voltage should also be checked against the ADC's operating requirements. The selected gain must match the maximum expected signal so that the converter does not saturate.

For low-level signals, external filtering may be useful to reduce unwanted noise before conversion.

Choosing the ADS1115IDGSR

The ADS1115IDGSR is a suitable choice when an embedded system needs a higher-resolution ADC with multiple analog inputs and a simple I2C connection.

Its 16-bit resolution, four-channel architecture, programmable gain, selectable conversion rates and single-shot operating mode provide flexibility for a wide range of sensor and measurement applications.

When evaluating the ADS1115IDGSR, engineers should consider the required resolution, input range, channel configuration, sampling speed, power consumption and physical package together with the characteristics of the sensor being measured.