Tunable analog to digital converter

A method for operating a tunable analog-to-digital converter which generates samples having M bits for use in an operating circuit, and wherein a sensor generates an analog signal in response to a condition, the method comprising:

• converting the analog signal to a primary digital signal, the primary digital signal including samples having M−N bits;
• generating a second enable signal depending on the value of the primary digital signal and a predetermined value;
• and
• converting the analog signal to a secondary digital signal upon receipt of the second enable signal, the secondary digital signal including samples having no more than N bits.

A tunable analog-to-digital converter having M bits comprising:

• a primary analog-to-digital converter which receives an analog signal and converts the analog signal to a primary digital signal, the primary digital signal including samples having M−N bits;
• generating a second enable signal depending on the value of the primary digital signal and a predetermined value;
• and
• converting the analog signal to a secondary digital signal upon receipt of the second enable signal, the secondary digital signal including samples having no more than N bits;
• a comparator which compares the value of the primary digital signal to a predetermined value, wherein the comparator generates a second enable signal depending on the value of the primary digital signal and the predetermined value;
• and
• a secondary analog-to-digital converter which receives the analog signal and converts the analog signal to a secondary digital signal upon receipt of the second enable signal, wherein the secondary digital signal comprises less than M bits.