Delta 35 Specifications download pdf (Page 2)

AN217

2 Rev. 0.2

2. Using the C8051F35x Delta-Sigma ADC

Using delta-sigma ADCs require an understanding of how to properly configure the modulator, use of the digital

filter/decimator, and the nature of high-precision measurements of small signal voltages. Additionally, the

C8051F35x family of devices’ ADC provides functions such as calibration and offset adjustment that should be fully

understood when designing with these devices. The following sections describe the signal path from the input

signal source, to the ADC input, through the modulator, digital filter, and finally the output result (16- or 24-bit digital

output). Calibration of the ADC and circuit board design notes follow. Finally, delta-sigma noise specifications are

discussed.

2.1. Signal

The C8051F35x ADC is designed for optimal performance with a modulator sample rate of 19.2 kHz. The ADC is

designed as an oversampling data converter, so the bandwidth of the input signal should be low (the lower the

input signal bandwidth, the better the noise performance will be). The ADC is designed to measure voltages with

high precision.

2.1.1. Getting the Signal to the ADC

To aid high-precision measurements of small voltage signals, the ADC is best configured to input a differential

signal to an AIN+ and AIN– input pin pair. The analog multiplexer (AMUX) can select from eight external channels

of input, an on-chip temperature sensor, and an internal analog ground. The signal source (e.g, a transducer) can

be directly wired to the ADC’s input. If the input is from a pair of wires, twisted-pairs should be used with shielding

to reduce noise where feasible (keep wires as short as possible and away from other signals, especially digital

signals). The main idea is to design a system in which noise will be present equally on both AIN+ and AIN– in order

to reject common-mode noise. (See Figure 6 on page 12.)

2.1.2. Sensor Excitation

Some transducers require an excitation current to generate an output voltage. The C8051F35x devices feature two

on-chip current mode digital-to-analog converters (IDACs) for this purpose. See the data sheet for more details.

2.1.3. Analog Front-End

The input circuit to the ADC pins typically requires filtering and sometimes buffering and gain. Filtering

requirements for a delta-sigma ADC are low, and often the on-chip buffer and programmable gain will suffice.

2.1.4. External Buffer and Gain

The input signal must be kept within the dynamic range of the ADC (determined by the voltage reference voltage)

and within ground and supply voltage. The best measurement performance is achieved when the input signal’s

dynamic range is the same as the dynamic range of the ADC (i.e., voltage reference voltage). When the signal is

much smaller than the dynamic range of the ADC it will require amplification. The on-chip programmable gain or an

external amplifiercan can be used for this purpose. In many applications, a simple op-amp will suffice, but for best

performance choose a low-noise instrumentation or chopper stabilized amplifier.

Many sensors have high-impedance output stages and require a high-impedance input to avoid introducing offset

error. External amplifiers and op-amps serve this purpose. The C8051F35x devices also have an on-chip input

buffer. However, for very high-resolution measurements, the on-chip buffers or external op-amps may not suffice

due to drift (i.e., 1/f noise). For the best measurements, consider the use of chopper stabilized amplifiers (best for

high-accuracy dc measurements) or a low-noise amplifier.

2.1.5. Analog Input Filter

Typically, the only required input circuit needed for a delta-sigma ADC is an RC low-pass filter. While the ADC

shapes and filters noise, there is no noise rejection at the sample rate (19.2 kHz and its multiples). The RC time

constant should be designed to adequately remove noise at the sample rate frequency bandwidth, but not cause

error due to filter settling time as the input signal voltage changes. The ADC samples the signal at a high rate by

switching a capacitor. This results in average current flow into the ADC. This switching current can cause several

inaccuracies in measurement including gain and offset errors and non-linearity if the input filter is not properly

designed. Further, if an input buffer is used (e.g., an op-amp) the switched capacitor could result in amplifier

instability. The RC circuit solves these problems by providing isolation (the resistor) and a charge reservoir (the

capacitor).

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