We use the ADS1255 ADC in a new product. The data sheet details how to read from the chip, but does not address an issue of importance to our design. The processor used in our design needs to use as little processing time as possible reading from the ADS1255. To do this, it needs to use two back-to-back16 bit reads. However, the data sheet does not indicate what will happen to the output data stream of the ADS1255 if more than 24 bits are read. (The data sheet does address the issue if less than 24 are read, but that isn't interesting to our application).
The ADS1255 is configured to be in its "Read Data Continuous" mode (RDATAC command was given).
My question is whether or not I can use 32 bit reads for each data point, or if doing so will confuse the chip? In other words, is there anything in the design of the ADS1255s serial interface that will mess up if 32 bits are read for each data point, or is there the possibility that a future mask of the chip may act differently if 32 bits are being read instead of 24?
(It is understood that the chip only delivers 24 bit results and the last 8 would be garbage. However, the processor overhead for reading two 16 bit values is much, much less then if it has to deal with 24 bits).
Thanks.