12 bits ADC with 8 channels

[lilzz]

What does it mean that the 12bits ADC has 8 channels? If I read from channel 0 is that going to be enough? Do u need to read all 8 channels? What do I do with 8 results? Taking an average?

[ShiftPlusOne]

Yaikes, I removed the duplicates, but there's no need to post the same topic three times.

[DougieLawson]

12bits defines the granularity of the signal depending on the voltage that the ADC is reading.

8 channels means you can read eight unique 12bit values simultaneously.

[joan]

8 channels typically mean you can read 8 separate voltages, e.g. monitor the level of 8 different batteries by 8 separate wires to the device. Typically you can also configure the channels as 4 differential pairs (I assume for increased accuracy).

[Richard-TX]

Most ADCs have a limit to them regarding input voltage. Usually the limit is equal to VDD. In the case of the Rpi, that limit is either 3.3 or 5 volts depending.

Here is a maximum resolution for 8 bit and 12 bit at 3.3 and 5.0 volts

8 bit - 3.3 volts - 0.01299 volts
8 bit - 5.0 volts - 0.01968 volts
12 bit - 3.3 volts - 0.00080 volts
12 bit - 5.0 volts - 0.00122 volts