Good observation Cory. It is true that 10 and 12 bit ADCs in micros are the current trend. There is a good reason for it too. I would even suggest 12 bits is too little.

While 8 bits was fine for hobby applications and first versions of commercial systems. You need more resolution for systems that use tracking calculations for controls. The amount of resolution error in a low bit ADC is fine for describing an instant event, BUT it is insufficient for smart controls. The cumulative error induced by low resolution ADCs quickly makes the data worthless.

I've written previous messages on ADC selection. My competitor and I started similar projects a few years back. They hired a designer I knew and he tried using progressively larger PICs with low bit ADCs. After 9 months wasted, they started over with a 8051+ADC. Their project still failed because of resolution, accuracy and speed issues. It was to be expected.

I took the time to select my ADC based upon the algorithm requirements. My project didn't have any problems. :)

aka j