EVAL-CFTL-6V-PWRZ

Circuit Note CN-0288 Devices Connected/Referenced Circuits from the Lab® reference designs are engineered and tested for quick and easy system integration to help solve today’s analog, mixed-signal, and RF design challenges. For more information and/or support, visit www.analog.com/CN0288. AD598 LVDT Signal Conditioner AD8615 Precision, 20 MHz, CMOS, Single RRIO Operational Amplifier AD7992 2-Channel, 12-Bit ADC with I2C Compatible Interface in 10-lead MSOP LVDT Signal Conditioning Circuit This circuit uses the AD598 LVDT signal conditioner that contains a sine wave oscillator and a power amplifier to generate the excitation signals that drive the primary side of the LVDT. The AD598 also converts the secondary output into a dc voltage. The AD8615 rail-to-rail amplifier buffers the output of the AD598 and drives a low power 12-bit successive approximation analog-todigital converter (ADC). The system has a dynamic range of 82 dB and a system bandwidth of 250 Hz, making it ideal for precision industrial position and gauging applications. EVALUATION AND DESIGN SUPPORT Circuit Evaluation Boards CN-0288 Circuit Evaluation Board (EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ) System Demonstration Platform (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z) Design and Integration Files Schematics, Layout Files, Bill of Materials CIRCUIT FUNCTION AND BENEFITS The circuit shown in Figure 1 is a complete adjustment-free linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) signal conditioning circuit. This circuit can accurately measure linear displacement (position). The signal conditioning circuitry of the system consumes only 15 mA of current from the ±15 V supply and 3 mA from the +5 V supply, making this ideal for remote applications. The circuit can operate a remote LVDT from up to 300 feet away, and the output can drive up to 1000 feet. The LVDT is a highly reliable sensor because the magnetic core can move without friction and does not touch the inside of the tube. Therefore, LVDTs are suitable for flight control feedback systems, position feedback in servomechanisms, automated measurement in machine tools, and many other industrial and scientific electromechanical applications where long term reliability is important. This circuit note discusses basic LVDT theory of operation and the design steps used to optimize the circuit shown in Figure 1 for a chosen bandwidth, including noise analysis and component selection considerations. +15V EXCITATION (CARRIER) VA 3 2 11 20 AMP +5V OSC +5V AD598 17 33Ω VB 10 A–B A+B VOUT FILTER AMP 16 3kΩ 0.01µF AD8615 VIN1 AD7992 2.7nF SDA SCL ALERT 1 11426-001 E-100 ECONOMY SERIES LVDT –15V Figure 1. LVDT Signal Conditioning Circuit (Simplified Schematic: All Connections and Decoupling Not Shown) Rev. A Circuits from the Lab™ circuits from Analog Devices have been designed and built by Analog Devices engineers. Standard engineering practices have been employed in the design and construction of each circuit, and their function and performance have been tested and verified in a lab environment at room temperature. However, you are solely responsible for testing the circuit and determining its suitability and applicability for your use and application. Accordingly, in no event shall Analog Devices be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages due to any cause whatsoever connected to the use of any Circuits from the Lab circuits. (Continued on last page) One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A. Tel: 781.329.4700 www.analog.com Fax: 781.461.3113 ©2013–2014 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. CN-0288 Circuit Note CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION Theory of Operation An LVDT is an absolute displacement transducer that converts a linear displacement or position from a mechanical reference (or zero) into a proportional electrical signal containing phase (for direction) and amplitude information (for distance). The LVDT operation does not require electrical contact between the moving part (probe or core rod assembly) and the transformer. Instead, it relies on electromagnetic coupling. For this reason, and because they operate without any built-in electronic circuitry, LVDTs are widely used in applications where long life and high reliability under severe environments are a required, such military and aerospace applications. For this circuit, the E-100 Economy Series LVDT sensor from Measurement Specialties™, Inc. was used with the AD598. With a linearity of ±0.5% of full range, the E Series is suitable for most applications with moderate operation temperature environments. The AD598 is a complete, LVDT signal conditioning subsystem. It converts the transducer mechanical position of LVDTs to a unipolar dc voltage with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability. All circuit functions are included on the chip. With the addition of a few external passives components to set frequency and gain, the AD598 converts the raw LVDT secondary output to a scaled dc signal. The AD598 contains a low distortion sine wave oscillator to drive the LVDT primary. The frequency of the sine wave is determined by a single capacitor and can range from 20 Hz to 20 kHz with amplitudes from 2 V rms to 20 V rms. The LVDT secondary output consists of two sine waves that drive the AD598 directly. The AD598 operates upon the two signals, dividing their difference by their sum and producing a scaled unipolar dc output. Previous LVDT conditioners synchronously detect this amplitude difference and convert its absolute value to a voltage proportional to position. This technique uses the primary excitation voltage as a phase reference to determine the polarity of the output voltage. There are a number of problems associated with this technique. They include: • • • Producing a constant amplitude, constant frequency excitation signal Compensating for LVDT primary to secondary phase shifts Compensating for these shifts as a function of temperature and frequency The ratiometric principle upon which the AD598 operates requires that the sum of the LVDT secondary voltages remains constant with LVDT stroke length. Although LVDT manufacturers generally do not specify the relationship between VA + VB and stroke length, it is recognized that some LVDTs do not meet this requirement. In these cases, a nonlinearity results. However, the majority of available LVDTs do in fact meet these requirements. Component Selection The design procedure for the dual supply operation (±15 V) found in the AD598 data sheet was followed to set the excitation frequency to 2.5 kHz, system bandwidth to 250 Hz, and an output voltage from 0 V to 5 V. It is normal for the AD598 internal oscillator to produce a small amount of ripple that feeds through to the output. A passive low-pass filter is used to reduce this ripple to the required level. When selecting capacitor values to set the bandwidth of the system, a trade-off is involved. Choosing smaller capacitors give higher system bandwidth but increase the amount of output voltage ripple. The ripple can be reduced by increasing the shunt capacitance across the feedback resistor used to set the output voltage level; however, this also increases phase lag. The AD8615 operational amplifier buffers the output of the AD598, which ensures that the AD7992 ADC is driven by a low impedance source (high source impedances significantly affect the ac performance of the ADC). The low-pass filter between the output of the AD598 and the input of the AD8615 serves two purposes: • • It limits the input current to the AD8615 It filters the output voltage ripple. The AD8615 has internal protective circuitry that allows voltages exceeding the supply to be applied at the input. This is important because the output voltage of the AD598 can swing ±11 V with ±15 V supplies. As long as the input current is limited to less than 5 mA, higher voltages can be applied to the input. This is primarily due to the extremely low input bias current of the AD8615 (1 pA) which allows the use of larger resistors. The use of these resistors adds thermal noise, which contributes to the overall output voltage noise of the amplifier. The AD8615 is an ideal amplifier to buffer and drive the input of the AD7992 12-bit SAR ADC because of its input overvoltage protection, and its ability to swing rail-to-rail at both the input and output. The AD598 eliminates all of these problems. The AD598 does not require a constant amplitude because it works on the ratio of the difference and sum of the LVDT output signals. A constant frequency signal is not necessary because the inputs are rectified and only the sine wave carrier magnitude is processed. There is no sensitivity to phase shift between the primary and the LVDT outputs because synchronous detection is not employed. Rev. A | Page 2 of 6 Circuit Note CN-0288 Noise Analysis With all signal condition components selected, the amount of resolution needed to convert the signal must be determined. As in most noise analyses, only the key contributors need to be identified. Noise sources combine in an rss manner; therefore, any single noise source that is at least three-to-four times larger than any of the others dominates. In the case of the LVDT signal conditioning circuit, the dominant source of the output noise is the output ripple of the AD598. The other sources of noise (resistor noise, input voltage noise, and output voltage noise of the AD8615) are significantly smaller in comparison. The output voltage ripple of the AD598 is 0.4 mV rms with a 0.39 µF capacitor value and with a 10 nF shunt capacitor across the feedback resistor shown in Figure 2. Note that these components and related pin connections are not shown in the simplified schematic in Figure 1; however, details can be found in the AD598 data sheet. The total output dynamic range of the system can be calculated by dividing the full-scale output signal (5 V) by the total output rms noise (0.4 mV rms) and converting it to decibels, yielding approximately 82 dB. Dynamic Range = 20 log(5 V/0.4 mV) = 82 dB The AD7992 is a good candidate for this application because it has 12-bit resolution and a sampling rate of 188 kSPS per channel when used with a 3.4 MHz serial clock. Test Results Using a Measurement Specialties, Inc. E-100 Economy Series LVDT connected to J3 and using a digital oscilloscope to monitor the output of the AD598 found on J6 on the EVALCN0288-SDPZ evaluation board, the actual output ripple found was 6.6 mV p-p, as is shown in Figure 3. 1000 1 10 2.5kHz, CSHUNT = 0nF CH1 2.0mV 2.5kHz, CSHUNT = 1nF 1 11426-003 RIPPLE (mV rms) 100 M2.000µs Figure 3. Output Voltage Ripple Before Low-Pass Filter The low-pass filter (3 kΩ, 0.01 µF) between the AD598 output and the AD8615 input has a −3 dB bandwidth of 5.3 kHz and reduces the ripple to 2 mV p-p. 0.1 1 C2, C3, C4; C2 = C3 = C4 (µF) 10 11426-002 2.5kHz, CSHUNT = 10nF 0.1 0.01 Figure 2. Output Voltage Ripple vs. Filter Capacitance The maximum number of rms counts that can be resolved can now be calculated by dividing the full-scale output by the total system rms noise. With the low-pass filter installed between the output stage of the AD598 and the input stage of the AD8615, data was collected from the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ evaluation board, as shown in Figure 4. Total RMS Counts = 5 V/0.4 mV = 12, 500 The effective resolution is found by taking the base 2 logarithm of the total rms counts. Effective Resolution = log2(12,500) = 13.6 Bits Noise-free code resolution can be obtained by subtracting 2.7 bits from the effective resolution. Noise-Free Code Resolution = Effective Resolution − 2.7 Bits 11426-004 = 13.6 Bits − 2.7 Bits = 10.9 Bits Figure 4. Screenshot of the CN-0288 Evaluation Software The ripple from the AD598 was attenuated to 2 mV p-p, and the system was able to achieve 11 bits of noise-free code resolution. A complete design support package for this circuit note can be found at http://www.analog.com/CN0288-DesignSupport. Rev. A | Page 3 of 6 CN-0288 Circuit Note Applications in Flight Control Surface Position Feedback CIRCUIT EVALUATION AND TEST Unmanned autonomous vehicles (UAVs), or drones, are playing an ever-increasing part in the national security of the United States. These high technology, complex aerial platforms are controlled by a crew miles away and are multimission capable. They include roles such as aerial reconnaissance, combat weapons platforms, battlefield theater command and control oversight, or unmanned in-flight refueling station. This circuit uses the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ circuit board and the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z SDP-B system demonstration platform controller board. The two boards have 120-pin mating connectors, allowing for the quick setup and evaluation of the performance of the circuit. The EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ contains the circuit to be evaluated, and the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z (SDP-B) is used with the CN-0288 evaluation software to capture the data from the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ. The complex systems employed on UAVs use a myriad of electronic sensors for precise control and feedback. To control the altitude (pitch, roll, and yaw) of the UAV, actuators are used to exert forces on the flight control surfaces. The precise measurement of the position of these actuators is crucial in maintaining the proper flight of path. The sensors used to measure actuator position need to meet three essential criteria: high accuracy, high reliability, and light weight. All three of these attributes are found in the LVDTs designed by Measurement Specialties, Inc. Synchronous Operation of Multiple LVDTs In many applications, such as multiple gaging measurement, a large number of LVDTs are used in close proximity. If these LVDTs operate at similar carrier frequencies, stray magnetic coupling can cause beat notes to be generated. The resulting beat notes may interfere with the accuracy of measurements made under these conditions. To avoid this situation, all LVDTs operate synchronously. The EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ evaluation board can be configured to have one master oscillator between two LVDTs by populating Jumper JP1, JP2, and JP4 with a shorting jumper and leaving JP3 unpopulated. Each LVDT primary is driven from its own power amplifier, and, thus, the thermal load is shared between the AD598s. Equipment Needed The following equipment is needed: • • • • • • A PC with a USB port and Windows® XP (32 bit), Windows Vista®, or Windows 7 The EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ circuit board The EVAL-SDP-CB1Z SDP-B controller board The CN-0288 evaluation software The EVAL-CFTL-6V-PWRZ dc power supply or equivalent 6 V/1 A bench supply Measurement Specialties, Inc., E-100 Economy Series LVDT (EVAL-CFTL-LVDT) Getting Started Load the evaluation software by placing the CN-0288 evaluation software into the CD drive of the PC. Using My Computer, locate the drive that contains the evaluation software. Functional Block Diagram See Figure 1 for the circuit block diagram and the EVAL-CN0288SDPZ-PADSSchematic.pdf file for the complete circuit schematic. The PDF file can be found in the CN-0288 Design Support Package. COMMON VARIATIONS The components selected were optimized for a maximum 5 V unipolar output from the AD598; however, other combinations can be substituted. MEASUREMENT SPECIALTIES, INC. E-100 ECONOMY SERIES LVDT EVAL-CFTL-LVDT Other suitable single-supply amplifiers are the AD8565 and AD8601. These amplifiers are suitable replacements for the AD8615 because they have input overvoltage protection and the ability to swing rail-to-rail at both the input and output. If dualsupply operation is required, the ADA4638-1 or ADA4627-1 is suggested. EVAL-CFTL-6V-PWRZ 6V WALL WART PC J4 USB 120 PINS J8 EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ BOARD If the AD598 outputs ±10 V bipolar signals, the AD7321 is suggested. The AD7321 is a 2-channel, bipolar input, 12-bit ADC that can accept true bipolar analog input signals as large as ±10 V. Rev. A | Page 4 of 6 CON A EVAL-SDP-CB1Z SDP-B BOARD Figure 5. Test Setup Block Diagram 11426-005 J3 Circuit Note CN-0288 Setup Connect the 120-pin connector on the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ to the CON A connector on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z (SDP-B). Use nylon hardware to firmly secure the two boards, using the holes provided at the ends of the 120-pin connectors. With power to the supply off, connect a 6 V power supply to the +6 V and GND pins on the board. If available, a 6 V wall wart can be connected to the barrel connector on the board and used in place of the 6 V power supply. Connect the USB cable supplied with the EVALSDP-CB1Z to the USB port on the PC. Do not connect the USB cable to the Mini-USB connector on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z at this time. Test Apply power to the 6 V supply (or wall wart) connected to the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ. Launch the evaluation software and connect the USB cable from the PC to the Mini-USB connector on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z. When USB communications are established, the EVAL-SDPCB1Z can send, receive, and capture parallel data from the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ. Figure 6 shows a photo of the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ connected to the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z. Information regarding the EVALSDP-CB1Z can be found in the UG-277 User Guide. Information and details regarding test setup and calibration, and how to use the evaluation software for data capture can be found in the CN-0288 Software User Guide. Connectivity for Prototype Development The EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ is designed to use the EVAL-SDPCB1Z; however, any microprocessor can be used to interface to the I2C 2-wire serial interface of the AD7992. In order for another controller to be used with the EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ, software must be developed by a third party. There are existing interposer boards that can be used to interface to the Altera and Xilinx field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). The BeMicro SDK board from Altera can be used with the BeMicro SDK/SDP interposer using nios drivers. Any Xilinx evaluation board that features the FMC connector can be used with the FMC-SDP interposer board. The EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ is also compatible with the Digilent, Imod interface specification. 11426-006 A photo of the system is shown in Figure 6. Figure 6. The EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ Board Connected to EVAL-SDP-CB1Z (SDP-B) Board and Measurement Specialties, Inc., E-100 Economy Series LVDT Rev. A | Page 5 of 6 CN-0288 Circuit Note LEARN MORE Data Sheets and Evaluation Boards CN-0288 Design Support Package: http://www.analog.com/CN0288-DesignSupport CN-0288 Circuit Evaluation Board (EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ) System Demonstration Platform (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z) SDP-B User Guide AD598 Data Sheet Ardizzoni, John. A Practical Guide to High-Speed Printed-CircuitBoard Layout. Analog Dialogue 39-09, September 2005. AD7992 Data Sheet MT-004 Tutorial, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly Aspects of ADC Input Noise—Is No Noise Good Noise?, Analog Devices. ADP1613 Data Sheet MT-031 Tutorial, Grounding Data Converters and Solving the Mystery of “AGND” and “DGND”, Analog Devices. AD8615 Data Sheet ADP7104 Data Sheet REVISION HISTORY MT-035, Op Amp Inputs, Outputs, Single-Supply, and Rail-toRail Issues, Analog Devices. 3/14—Rev. 0 to Rev. A Changes to Synchronous Operation of Multiple LVDTs Section ..... 4 MT-036 Tutorial, Op Amp Output Phase-Reversal and Input Over-Voltage Protection, Analog Devices. 3/13—Revision 0: Initial Version MT-068 Tutorial, Difference and Current Sense Amplifiers, Analog Devices. MT-101 Tutorial, Decoupling Techniques, Analog Devices. AN-1106 Application Note, An Improved Topology for Creating Split Rails from a Single Input Voltage, Analog Devices. E-100 Economy Series LVDT, Measurement Specialties, Inc. The LVDT: construction and principle of operation, Technical Paper, Measurement Specialties, Inc, 1000 Lucas Way, Hampton, VA 23666. Subminiature LVDTs Provide Accurate Flight Control Surface Position Feedback on UAVs, Application Note, Measurement Specialties, Inc, 1000 Lucas Way, Hampton, VA 23666. (Continued from first page) Circuits from the Lab circuits are intended only for use with Analog Devices products and are the intellectual property of Analog Devices or its licensors. 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Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CN11426-0-3/14(A) Rev. A | Page 6 of 6 Mouser Electronics Authorized Distributor Click to View Pricing, Inventory, Delivery & Lifecycle Information: Analog Devices Inc.: EVAL-CFTL-LVDT EVAL-CN0288-SDPZ EVAL-CFTL-6V-PWRZ