ETC AB-119

®
A “GETTING STARTED” GUIDE FOR
THE ∆Σ CONVERTERS: ADS1210, ADS1211,
ADS1212, ADS1213, ADS1214, AND ADS1215
1
By Bonnie C. Baker
SELECTING THE RIGHT CONVERTER
FOR THE APPLICATION
With increased functionality sometimes comes increased
complexity. This can happen particularly when bridging
the analog to the digital world. The ∆Σ Analog-to-Digital
converter challenges the notion of using analog signal
conditioning systems on the front end of the independent
converters with an alternative. A delta-sigma converter now
has the capability of replacing these discrete analog/digital
systems with a complete solution in one chip.
Prior to putting a chip in your circuit, the right converter
should be selected for the application. The six products,
ADS1210, ADS1211, ADS1212, ADS1213, ADS1214 and
ADS1215 functionality are organized in an easy to remember fashion. For instance, the converters come in pairs where
one of the two has a single differential input and the other
has a four channel, multiplexed differential input front end.
In the case of the single differential input ADS1210, the
multiplexed quad differential input version is the ADS1211.
In an effort to simplify this discussion, the ADS1210 and
ADS1211 will be called the ADS1210/11. The numbering
system follows where the ADS1212 and ADS1213
(ADS1212/13) have a similar relationship as well as the
ADS1214 and ADS1215 (ADS1214/15). All of these input
configuration relationships are shown in Table I.
If you are using a ∆Σ A/D converter in your circuit for
the first time, the supportive documents can be somewhat
overwhelming. The device itself is capable of numerous
configurations accompanied with a set of trade-offs that can
present a difficult first time review. The most comprehensive
document you should refer to is the ∆Σ product’s respective
product data sheet. All of the major functions of the ∆Σ
A/D converter are discussed in detail in these manuals. This
application note has been written at the request of many first
time users who have a problem with connecting the converter in a basic circuit and establishing communication. Not
all of the problems that could come up are in this note,
however the most frequent problems are discussed with
viable solutions.
# BITS
NMC(1)
# DIFFERENTIAL
INPUT
CHANNELS
ADS1210
24
ADS1211
The ADS1210/11 pair is the higher speed, more accurate
version as compared to the ADS1212/13. All four of these
devices have voltage references that can be used to bias
external circuits. The third pair, ADS1214/15 are similar to
MINIMUM
PROGRAMMABLE
DATA RATE
MAXIMUM
PROGRAMMABLE
DATA RATE
2.5V
and
3.3V
2.4Hz
15,625Hz
Capable of Higher
speeds, up to 20 bits
at 1000Hz
0V - 5V
or
10Vp-p
2.5V
and
3.3V
2.4Hz
15,625Hz
Capable of Higher
speeds, up to 20 bits
at 1000Hz
1
0V - 5V
or
10Vp-p
2.5V
and
3.3V
0.96Hz
6,250Hz
Low Power
Version of
ADS1210
20
4
0V - 5V
or
10Vp-p
2.5V
and
3.3V
0.96Hz
6,250Hz
Low Power
Version of
ADS1211
ADS1214
20
1
0V - 320mV
or
640mVp-p
Two
200µA
Sources
0.96Hz
6,250Hz
Input Range
Appropriate for Direct
Connection to Sensors
ADS1215
20
4
0V - 320mV
or
640mVp-p
Two
200µA
Sources
0.96Hz
6,250Hz
Input Range
Appropriate for Direct
Connection to Sensors
INPUT VOLTAGE
RANGE
ON CHIP
REFERENCE
1
0V - 5V
or
10Vp-p
24
4
ADS1212
20
ADS1213
COMMENTS
NOTE: (1) NMC = No Missing Codes.
TABLE I. The ADS1210, ADS1211, ADS1212, ADS1213, ADS1214, and ADS1215 are all ∆Σ analog-to-digital converters.
The input stages of these devices vary in voltage range and number of differential channels. On the other hand, the
digital portion of these circuits have the same fundamental operation and architecture.
©
1997 Burr-Brown Corporation
AB-119
1
Printed in U.S.A. August, 1997
the ADS1212/13 in every way except for the input voltage
ranges and the biasing circuit. The input range of the
ADS1214/15 is 0 to 320mV and the bias circuit has two
current sources instead of two voltage sources. Refer to
Table I for more detail.
differ only in terms of the frequency range of the external
clock (XIN) and the mathematical constants in the clocking
network. Consequently, all six converters can be designed
into the same hardware configurations.
These converters can interface with a DSP or processor chip
with a two-wire up to a seven-wire connection. Each additional connection from the A/D converter to the processor
adds more flexibility in the communication link. For instance, the two-wire interface can be used between the main
processor and the converter. It may appear that the simplest
of all digital connections is the two-wire, but in fact it is
difficult to implement. This particular interface has limited
visibility between the two devices. In this configuration, the
A/D converter should be configured in the master mode
(MODE = HIGH) and the main processor would trigger
from the SCLK. The slave mode is even more cumbersome
in that the main processor would have to read and
write “blindly”. This approach is not recommended, but is
POSSIBLE DIGITAL INTERFACES
There are two classes of interface that you will encounter
when designing these devices into your circuit; the analog
front end and the digital communication links. Although
both types offer their own set of application considerations,
this application note will spend more time on the digital
communication issues. For more information about the analog interface, refer to the Burr-Brown Application Bulletins
AB-106, AB-107, and AB-115.
The digital interface for all six of the converters mentioned
in this application note are fundamentally the same. They
DIGITAL
DRDY
SDIO
SCLK
SDOUT
CS
MODE
DSYNC
INTERFACE
(Function)
(Function)
(Function)
(Function)
(Function)
(Function)
(Function)
2-wire
Open
DSP
(I/O)
DSP
(O)
Open
GND
+VDD
+VDD
Master mode, SDIO is used for input and output
serial data communication. Processor must use
SCLK as the data framing clock as well as the
“notification” signal as to when communication
can occur.
2-wire
Open
DSP
(I/O)
DSP
(I)
Open
GND
GND
+VDD
Slave mode, SDIO is used for input and output
serial data communication. Processor must
communicate at least twice per data rate time to
insure communication between the A/D and
DSP occurs.
3-wire
DSP
(O)
DSP
(I/O)
DSP
(I)
Open
GND
GND
+VDD
Slave Mode, SDIO is used for the input and
output serial data communication.
3-wire
Open
DSP
(I)
DSP
(O)
DSP
(O)
GND
+VDD
+VDD
Master mode, Communication is triggered from
SCLK. SDIO is used for the input and SDOUT
for output serial data communication.
4-wire
DSP
(O)
DSP
(I)
DSP
(I)
DSP
(O)
GND
GND
+VDD
Slave mode, serial data input and serial data
output are run on separate pins between the
ADC and DSP. DRDY is used to notify the DSP.
SCLK must be supplied by DSP or external clock.
4-wire
DSP
(O)
DSP
(I)
DSP
(O)
DSP
(O)
GND
GND
+VDD
Slave mode, serial data input and serial data
output are run on separate pins between the
ADC and DSP. DRDY is used to notify the DSP.
SCLK must be supplied by DSP or external clock.
7-wire
DSP
(O)
DSP
(I/O)
DSP
(I/O)
DSP
(O)
DSP
(I)
DSP
(I)
DSP
(I)
Software configured Master or Slave mode,
most versatile configuration offering the most
options for digital communication.
O
I/O
O
I
I
I
Function
Comments
Falling
Serial Data
edge
I/O port.
indicates
Start of
that the
commuconverter is nication is
ready for
triggered
communby SCLK.
ication.
I/O
Data
framing
clock.
SCLK is an
output in
the master
mode and
input in the
slave mode.
COMMENTS
O = Output, I = Input
Serial Data
Chip
Configures Allows for
output used
Select,
the A/D
synchroin conjunc- Used when converter
nizing the
tion with
there are
in the
conversion
SDIO as an
multiple
master
of multiple
Input for
serial
mode or
converters.
complete
peripherals slave mode.
commuon SDIO
nication.
and/or
when the
“Continuous Read
Mode” is
desired.
TABLE II. Suggested connections versus available digital functions of the ∆Σ A/D converters. DSP indicates that the A/D pin
is connected to an I/O port of the processor, GND indicates that the pin is connected to digital ground, +VDD
indicates that the pin is connected to digital plus supply, Open indicates no connection.
2
possible. In contrast, the seven-wire interface offers the
software programmer access to all of the A/D converter
functions that are available. In terms of programming, the
4-wire connection is the most straight forward and will be
explored later in this application note. The number of digital
connections in the interface versus the possible features is
summarized in Table II. Refer to the product data sheets for
details about the actual circuit diagrams and timing requirements for these digital interface options.
the A/D ∆Σ converter is considered. The converter is configured in the slave mode. This recommended circuit is shown in
Figure 1.
Most commonly, the synchronization between the A/D converter and the processor is done through DRDY and SCLK.
The DRDY flag notifies the processor that the A/D converter
is ready to communicate. SCLK provides the framing clock
for the serial data, whether the A/D converter is receiving an
input or sending an output data stream. In the master mode,
SCLK is an output and in the slave mode the processor must
provide SCLK. The converter’s serial communication is
done through SDIO or SDIO and SDOUT. SDIO can operate
as an input and output pin where instructions are sent to the
converter as well as conversion results sent to the processor.
If the A/D converter’s SDOUT is used, SDIO serves exclusively as an input pin and SDOUT serves as an output.
VERIFICATION OF COMMUNICATION
The first key indicators that something is wrong with ∆Σ
converter are discussed in the power-on section above. Before
proceeding further, the DRDY output must be running at the
frequency specified in Table III. Once the converter demonstrates that the power-on sequence was successful, the DSP
should run a simple communication test with the converter.
Per the flow diagram in Figure 3 and the timing diagram in
Figure 2, the DSP should wait for DRDY to go low. After five
XIN cycles, the DSP should send a 8-bit code (synchronized
with SCLK), instructing the converter to receive one 8-bit
instruction which will change the data rate of the converter.
The DSP should then send the second 8-bit instruction (following the “Write Data” flow) that should change the output
frequency of DRDY. After these 16-bits of instruction and the
last SCLK, DRDY should return to high. This simple exchange will verify that communication has been established. If
this first attempt at communication fails, refer to Table IV for
troubleshooting guide. AB-112 gives an example of a 80 x 51
type processor interface code.
Once this circuit is built, the power should be applied and a
preliminary check made. In this preliminary check, the A/D
converter is examined to make sure all is well before communication is attempted between the DSP chip and the converter. The
most common start-up problems are summarized in Table III.
POWER-ON SEQUENCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
SUGGESTIONS
Once the appropriate device is chosen along with the desired
communication link, the next step is to build the circuit, power
up the converter, and then establish communication. In this
example, a four-wire connection between the DSP chip and
SYMPTON
Supply Current exceeds specified currents
CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Digital power supply has exceeded
the analog supply voltage by 0.3V at
some time during the power up process.
• Insure that the digital supply is never more than 0.3V above
the analog supply.
• Voltage should not be applied to the inputs of the A/D
converter, such as SDIO, AIN, or REFIN, before the analog
supply comes up. If these pins have voltage present before the
analog supply power comes up, current limiting resistors should
be used.
DRDY has no output frequency response—
Internal state machine of converter
is not operating correctly.
for the ADS1210/11
DRDY = 850 (XIN/107) Hz
• Cycle supplies. Make sure during this process that the
power stays down between the cycles at least 300ms.
• Insure that the rise time of the power supply is less than 100ms.
for the ADS1212/13
DRDY = 850 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
• Disable XIN clock to the converter during power up. The power
to the converter must stabilize at least 25ms before XIN is
applied to the converter.
for the ADS1214/15
DRDY = 850 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
• Allow XIN to cycle at least 59000 times before DRDY is
expected.
• Verify that DSYNC is HIGH and CS is low.
• If in slave mode, reset the converter state machine through
SCLK. Timing diagram for the reset function is given in each
respective product data sheet (Figure 27. Resetting the A/D
Converter).
The reference outputs are not outputting
nominal values
REFOUT = 2.5V (for the ADS1210,
ADS1211, ADS1212 and ADS1213)
or
ISOURCE = 200µA (for the ADS1214 and
ADS1215)
Digital power supply has exceeded
the analog supply voltage by 0.3V at
some time during the power up process.
• Insure that the digital supply is never more than 0.3V above
the analog supply.
• Voltage should not be applied to the inputs of the A/D
converter, such as SDIO, AIN, or REFIN, before the analog
supply comes up. If these pins have voltage present before the
analog supply power comes up, current limiting resistors should
be used.
TABLE III. Power-on troubleshooting guide for the ∆Σ A/D converters from Burr-Brown.
3
SYMPTON
CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION
Supply Current exceeds specified currents
Digital power supply has exceeded
the analog supply voltage by 0.3V at
some time during the power up process.
See Table III.
DRDY has no output frequency response—
Internal state machine of converter
is not operating correctly.
See Table III.
The processor and A/D converter
are not synchronized.
• Terminate SCLK to the digital GND through a 10kΩ resistor.
for the ADS1210/11
DRDY = 850 (XIN/107) Hz
for the ADS1212/13
DRDY = 850 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
for the ADS1214/15
DRDY = 850 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
DRDY goes high before communication
to the converter is complete.
• Verify that the timing between DRDY, SCLK, SDIO and SDOUT
are correct per respective product data sheet.
• Allow XIN to cycle at least 59000 times after power-on before
DRDY is expected.
With completion of communication
DRDY does not change frequency or
changes to the wrong frequency.
The processor and A/D converter
are not synchronized.
• Terminate SCLK to the digital GND through a 10kΩ resistor.
• Verify that the timing between DRDY, SCLK, SDIO and SDOUT
are correct per respective product data sheet.
• Allow XIN to cycle at least 59000 times after power-on before
DRDY is expected.
• Did you send MSB first?
TABLE IV. Communication troubleshooting guide for the ∆Σ A/D converters from Burr-Brown.
FURTHER CONFIDENCE BUILDING TESTS
Per Figure 2, change the first HEX code to C0h. Then take
the “Read Data” route in the flow chart and read back 3
sets of 8-bit data totaling 24 bits. Verify output code with
input voltage on channel one of the A/D converter.
As a last test the converter should convert an analog input
voltage and output a 24-bit serial stream to the processor.
Another appropriate test would be to program the converter
and write back the code that was originally sent. These
algorithms are listed below. Refer to Table VII, IX and X in
the product data sheets more for details about the meaning
of the HEX codes presented here. All of these tests assume
that the ∆Σ converter starts in its default mode (specified in
the respective data sheet, Table X.). If the device is not in it’s
default setting, cycling the supplies or reset the converter
through SDIO (per Figure 27 of the respective data sheet)
will easily solve the problem.
Read Back the Command Register Code
from the Converter
• Change the data output pin on the A/D converter from
SDIO to SDOUT—Per Figure 3, change the first HEX
code to 84h and the second HEX code to 42h. The first
HEX code will tell the converter to expect instruction. The
second HEX code will change the output interface from
SDIO to SDOUT.
• Sending and reading code from the ∆Σ converter is a two
step process. In both cases, DRDY is used to indicate the
beginning of the step. In the first step, the converter is told
that a code or command is coming and then it is sent the
converter. In the second step the converter is told that a
code or command will be read and then the code is read
back. For this reason, the instructions are grouped in sets
of four.
Convert an Analog Input Voltage
• Change the data output pin on the A/D converter from
SDIO to SDOUT—Per Figure 3, change the first HEX
code to 84h and the second HEX code to 42h. The first
HEX code will tell the converter to expect instruction. The
second HEX code will change the output interface from
SDIO to SDOUT.
• Read back conversion data—Apply a voltage to channel
one of the differential input of the A/D converter.
See Table VII for details on this command sequence. Send
all or a few of sequences of commands in Table V, VI and
VII to your satisfaction.
The information provided herein is believed to be reliable; however, BURR-BROWN assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions. BURR-BROWN assumes
no responsibility for the use of this information, and all use of such information shall be entirely at the user’s own risk. Prices and specifications are subject to change
without notice. No patent rights or licenses to any of the circuits described herein are implied or granted to any third party. BURR-BROWN does not authorize or warrant
any BURR-BROWN product for use in life support devices and/or systems.
4
STEP
SEND TO
THE CONVERTER
READ
PURPOSE
EXTERNAL RESULTS
A.1
07h (at least 6XIN after
DRDY falling edge)
To inform the converter that you will be
writing to CMR, byte 0, to change the
decimation ratio.
None
A.2
C3h
To change the decimation ratio
for the ADS1210/11
DRDY = 100 (XIN/107) Hz
for the ADS1212/13
DRDY = 100 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
for the ADS1214/15
DRDY = 100 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
A.3
87h (at least 6XIN after
DRDY falling edge)
A.4
C3h
To inform the converter that you will be
reading from CMR, byte 0, which changed
the decimation ratio.
None
To verify that C3h was actually programmed
into the converter in steps A.1. and A.2 above.
µP receives the code C3h into one of its registers.
This data will appear on the SDIO pin of the converter.
TABLE V. A.1 and A.2 Show the Instruction Set Needed to Change the Decimation Ratio, Which Changes the Data Rate of
the Converter. A.3 and A.4 are used to read back the command register, byte 0.
STEP
SEND TO
THE CONVERTER
READ
PURPOSE
EXTERNAL RESULTS
B.1
06h (at least 6XIN after
DRDY falling edge)
To inform the converter that you will be writing
to CMR, byte 1, to change the Turbo Mode.
None
B.2
80h
To change the Turbo Mode to 16, keeping the
PGA equal to 1 and the Channel input for the
ADS1211, ADS1213 and ADS1215 set to CH 1.
for the ADS1210/11
DRDY = 13600 (XIN/107) Hz
for the ADS1212/13
DRDY = 13600 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
for the ADS1214/15
DRDY = 13600 (XIN/2.5 x 106) Hz
B.3
80h (at least 6XIN after
DRDY falling edge)
B.4
80h
To inform the converter that you will be reading
the CMR, byte 1, which changed the Turbo
Mode to 16
None
To verify that 80h was actually programmed
into the converter in steps B.1. and B.2. above.
µP receives the code 80h into one of its registers. This
data will appear on the SDIO pin of the converter.
TABLE VI. This Sequence of Instructions Changes the Turbo Mode to 16 (B.1 and B.2) and Then Reads Back the Code That
was Sent to the Converter (B.3 and B.4).
STEP
SEND TO
THE CONVERTER
READ
PURPOSE
EXTERNAL RESULTS
C.1
05h (at least 6XIN after
DRDY falling edge)
To inform the converter that you will be writing
to all three bytes of the CMR.
None
C.2
50h
The first byte transmitted:
Change mode from bipolar to unipolar input
The second byte transmitted:
Change PGA from G = 1 to G = 2
The third byte transmitted:
No changes to default setting of the converter
are made.
None
To inform the converter that you will be reading
from CMR, byte 2, 1 and 0
None
To verify that 50h, 04h and 17h were actually
programmed into the converter in steps C.1. and
C.2. above
µP receives three codes 50h, 04h, and 17h into its
registers. This data will appear on the SDIO pin of
the converter.
04h
17h
C.3
C.4
85h (at least 6XIN after
DRDY falling edge)
50h
04h
17h
TABLE VII. This Sequence Changes Several Things in the Converter in Steps C.1 and C.2. Steps C.3 and C.4 Read back the
commands that were sent to the A/D converter.
5
P1.0
8xC32
P1.1
P1.2
AVDD
P1.3
P1.4
AINP
REFIN
AINN
REFOUT
AGND
AGND
DVDD
P1.6
AVDD
VBIAS
P1.5
1.0µF
AGND
P1.7
MODE
RESET
DGND
ADS1210 DRDY
ADS1212
DSYNC
SDOUT
CS
XIN
SDIO
XOUT
SCLK
DGND
DVDD
RXD
TXD
INT0
INT1
R2
10kΩ
DVDD
WR
R1
10kΩ
DGND
RD
C1
X2
X1
Q
D
Q
D
C2
Q
CLK
1/2 74HC74
Q
VSS
XTAL
CLK
1/2 74HC74
FIGURE 1. Four-Wire Interface with a 8xC32 Microprocessor.
t38
DRDY
t20
t19
SCLK
t36
SDIO
IN7
IN1
IN0
INM
IN1
IN0
IN7
OUT1
OUT0
IN7
Write Register Data
SDIO
IN7
IN1
IN0
OUTM
Read Register Data using SDIO
SDIO
IN7
IN1
IN0
IN7
SDOUT
OUTM
OUT1
OUT0
Read Register Data using SDOUT
FIGURE 2. Serial Interface Timing (CS LOW), Slave Mode. Refer to product data sheet for specific times.
6
ADS has passed
Power-on Criteria
Repeat
Power-on
Verification
DRDY
LOW
No
Yes
Send 8 Bits
of Data to
Converter.
Read/Write
Instructions.
This code informs the converter
what will happen next, ie., 87h
to send new decimation ratio to
the converter
Write?
Send 8 Bits
of Data to
Converter
Read?
This code sends information promised in
previous 8 bits of communication, ie., for
87h above, C3h changes decimation ratio
to 195 (ADS1210/11) and 4Eh changes
decimation ratio to 78 (ADS1212/13 and
ADS1214/15). See Table III for formulas
to determine the frequency of DRDY.
Read
Data from
Converter
Verify DRDY
has Changed
Frequency
Yes
No
END
FIGURE 3. This Flow Chart will Program the A/D Converter to Change the Frequency on the DRDY Output Pin.
7