Basic ADC question?

[hopperms]

Hi! I am still trying to learn how to use microcontrollers but I have come across a question I cannot seem to find an answer to. I am needing to be able to connect 16 analog inputs to a single ATMega168 microcontroller (if possible) and since it obviously doesn't have that many analog inputs, I am considering connecting 2 MCP3008's to it. Would this work or is there any kind of limitation that would prevent it?

 

[(*steve*)]

I think the answer is "Quite probably". I can't see why it wouldn't work.

My only suggestion is that you go with a PIC, or find a similar atmel ADC chip. It will be far easier to find sample code for controlling it (which may be an issue if you have problems)

However if your needs are modest, you may be able to use four of the (cheap) 4 channel analog switches (e.g. 4066) to switch your 16 analog signals through to 4 analog inputs on the microcontroller. That way, you can read 4 values at a time (you have to select the inputs and repeat 4 times to get all 16).