ETC AD537

a
FEATURES
Low Cost A-D Conversion
Versatile Input Amplifier
Positive or Negative Voltage Modes
Negative Current Mode
High Input Impedance, Low Drift
Single Supply, 5 V to 36 V
Linearity: 60.05% FS
Low Power: 1.2 mA Quiescent Current
Full-Scale Frequency up to 100 kHz
1.00 V Reference
Thermometer Output (1 mV/K)
F-V Applications
MIL-STD-883 Compliant Versions Available
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The AD537 is a monolithic V-F converter consisting of an input
amplifier, a precision oscillator system, an accurate internal reference generator and a high current output stage. Only a single
external RC network is required to set up any full-scale (F.S.)
frequency up to 100 kHz and any F.S. input voltage up to
± 30 V. Linearity error is as low as ± 0.05% for 10 kHz F.S., and
operation is guaranteed over an 80 dB dynamic range. The overall temperature coefficient (excluding the effects of external
components) is typically ± 30 ppm/°C. The AD537 operates
from a single supply of 5 V to 36 V and consumes only 1.2 mA
quiescent current.
A temperature-proportional output, scaled to 1.00 mV/K,
enables the circuit to be used as a reliable temperature-tofrequency converter; in combination with the fixed reference
output of 1.00 V, offset scales such as 0°C or 0°F can be generated.
The low drift (1 µV/°C typ) input amplifier allows operation
directly from small signals (e.g., thermocouples or strain gages)
while offering a high (250 MΩ) input resistance. Unlike most
V–F converters, the AD537 provides a square-wave output, and
can drive up to 12 TTL loads, LEDs, very long cables, etc.
The excellent temperature characteristics and long-term stability
of the AD537 are guaranteed by the primary bandgap reference
generator and the low T.C. silicon chromium thin film resistors
used throughout.
The device is available in either a TO-116 ceramic DIP or a
TO-100 metal can; both are hermetically sealed packages.
*Protected by Patent Nos. 3,887,963 and RE 30,586.
Integrated Circuit
Voltage-to-Frequency Converter
AD537*
PIN CONFIGURATIONS
“D” Package (TO-116)
“H” Package (TO-100)
LOGIC GND
10
AD537
LOGIC GND
1
SYNC
2
IIN
DRIVER
3
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
–VIN
14
OUTPUT
13
+VS
12
CAP
–VIN
4
11
CAP
+VIN
5
10
VOS
VTEMP
6
VT
9
VOS
VREF
7
VR
8
–VS
1
OUTPUT
DRIVER
+VIN
8 +VS
2
BUF
3
CURRTO-FREQ
CONV
7
VT
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
VR REFERENCE
VTEMP
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
9
AD537
4
VREF
CAP
6
5
CAP
–VS
(CONNECTED TO CASE)
The AD537 is available in three performance/temperature
grades; the J and K grades are specified for operation over the
0°C to +70°C range while the AD537S is specified for operation
over the extended temperature range, –55°C to +125°C.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS
1. The AD537 is a complete V-F converter requiring only an
external RC timing network to set the desired full-scale frequency and a selectable pull-up resistor for the open collector output stage. Any full-scale input voltage range from
100 mV to 10 volts (or greater, depending on +VS) can be
accommodated by proper selection of timing resistor. The
full-scale frequency is then set by the timing capacitor from
the simple relationship, f = V/10RC.
2. The power supply requirements are minimal, only 1.2 mA
quiescent current is drawn from a single positive supply from
4.5 volts to 36 volts. In this mode, positive inputs can vary
from 0 volts (ground) to (+VS – 4) volts. Negative inputs can
easily be connected for below ground operation.
3. F-V converters with excellent characteristic are also easy to
build by connecting the AD537 in a phase-locked loop. Application particulars are shown in Figure 6.
4. The versatile open-collector NPN output stage can sink up
to 20 mA with a saturation voltage less than 0.4 volts. The
Logic Common terminal can be connected to any level between ground (or –VS) and 4 volts below +VS. This allows
easy direct interface to any logic family with either positive or
negative logic levels.
5. The AD537 is available in versions compliant with MILSTD-883. Refer to the Analog Devices Military Product
Databook or current AD537/883B data sheet for detailed
specifications.
REV. B
Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and
reliable. However, no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for its
use, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties
which may result from its use. No license is granted by implication or
otherwise under any patent or patent rights of Analog Devices.
One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.
Tel: 617/329-4700
Fax: 617/326-8703
AD537–SPECIFICATIONS (typical @ +258C with V (total) = 5 V to 36 V, unless otherwise noted)
S
Model
AD537JH
CURRENT-TO-FREQUENCY CONVERTER
Frequency Range
0 kHz to 150 kHz
Nonlinearity1
fMAX = 10 kHz
0.15% max (0.1% typ)
fMAX = 100 kHz
0.25% max (0.15% typ)
Full-Scale Calibration Error
C = 0.01 µF, IIN = 1.000 mA
± 10% max
vs. Supply (fMAX < 100 kHz)
± 0.1%/V max (0.01% typ)
vs. Temp (TMIN to TMAX)
± 150 ppm/°C max (50 ppm typ)
ANALOG INPUT AMPLIFIER
(Voltage-to-Current Converter)
Voltage Input Range
Single Supply
0 to (+VS – 4) Volts (min)
Dual Supply
–VS to (+VS – 4) Volts (min)
Input Bias Current
(Either Input)
100 nA
Input Resistance (Noninverting)
250 MΩ
Input Offset Voltage
(Trimmable in “D” Package Only)
5 mV max
vs. Supply
200 µV/V max
vs. Temp (TMIN to TMAX)
5 µV/°C
3
Safe Input Voltage
± VS
REFERENCE OUTPUTS
Voltage Reference
Absolute Value
1.00 Volt ± 5% max
vs. Temp (TMIN to TMAX)
50 ppm/°C
vs. Supply
± 0.03%/V max
Output Resistance4
380 Ω
Absolute Temperature Reference5
Nominal Output Level
1.00 mV/K
Initial Calibration @ +25°C
298 mV (± 5 mV)
Slope Error from 1.00 mV/K
± 0.02 mV/K
Slope Nonlinearity
± 0.1 K
Output Resistance5
900 Ω
OUTPUT INTERFACE (Open Collector Output)
(Symmetrical Square Wave)
Output Sink Current in Logic “0”
VOUT = 0.4 V max (TMIN to TMAX) 20 mA min
Output Leakage Current in Logic “1”
(TMIN to TMAX)
200 nA max
Logic Common Level Range
–VS to (+VS – 4) Volts
Rise/Fall Times (CT = 0.01 µF)
IIN = l mA
0.2 µs
IIN = 1 µA
1 µs
POWER SUPPLY
Voltage, Rated Performance
Single Supply
4.5 V to 36 V
Dual Supply
± 5 V to ± 18 V
Quiescent Current
1.2 mA (2.5 mA max)
TEMPERATURE RANGE
Rated Performance
0°C to +70°C
Storage
–65°C to +150°C
PACKAGE OPTIONS6, 7
TO-116 Ceramic DIP (D-14)
TO-100 Header (H-10A)
AD537JH
AD537JD
AD537KD
AD537KH
AD537SD1
AD537SH1
*
*
*
*
*
0.07% max
0.1% max
**
**
± 7% max
*
*
± 5% max
*
50 ppm/°C max (30 ppm typ)2
**
*
250 ppm/°C max
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
100 µV/V max
*
*
2 mV max
100 µV/V max
1 µV/°C
*
**
**
10 µV/°C max
*
*
*
*
*
*
100 ppm/°C max
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
298 mV (± 5 mV max)
*
*
*
*
**
*
*
*
20 mA min
20 mA min
10 mA min
*
*
*
*
2 µA max
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*
–55°C to +125°C
*
AD537JD
AD537KD
AD537KH
AD537SD
AD537SH
NOTES
*Specifications same as AD537JH.
**Specifications same as AD537K.
1
Nonlinearity is specified for a current input level (I IN) to the converter from 0.1 µA to 1000 µA. Converter has 100% overrange capability up to I IN = 2000 µA with slightly
reduced linearity. Nonlinearity is defined as deviation from a straight line from zero to full scale, expressed as a percentage of full scale.
2
Guaranteed not tested.
3
Maximum voltage input level is equal to the supply on either input terminal. However, large negative voltage levels can be applied to the negative terminal if the input is scaled to
a nominal 1 mA full scale through an appropriate value resistor (See Figure 2).
4
Loading the 1.0 volt or 1 mV/K outputs can cause a significant change in overall circuit performance, as indicated in the applications section. To maintain normal operation,
these outputs should be operated into the external buffer or an external amplifier.
5
Temperature reference output performance is specified from 0°C to +70°C for “J” and “K” devices, –55°C to +125°C for “S” model.
6
D = Ceramic DIP; H = Hermetic Metal Can. For outline information see Package Information section.
7
For AD537/883B specifications, refer to Analog Devices Military Products Databook.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
–2–
REV. 0
Applying the AD537
CIRCUIT OPERATION
Block diagrams of the AD537 are shown above. A versatile
operational amplifier (BUF) serves as the input stage; its purpose is to convert and scale the input voltage signal to a drive
current in the NPN follower. Optimum performance is achieved
when, at the full-scale input voltage, a 1 mA drive current is
delivered to the current-to-frequency converter. The drive current to the current-to-frequency converter (an astable
multivibrator) provides both the bias levels and the charging
current to the externally connected timing capacitor. This
“adaptive” bias scheme allows the oscillator to provide low
nonlinearity over the entire current input range of 0.1 µA to
2000 µA. The square wave oscillator output goes to the output
driver which provides a floating base drive to the NPN power
transistor. This floating drive allows the logic interface to be referenced to a different level than –VS. The “SYNC” input (“D”
package only) allows the oscillator to be slaved to an external
master oscillator; this input can also be used to shut off the
oscillator.
V-F CONNECTIONS FOR NEGATIVE INPUT VOLTAGE
OR CURRENT
A wide range of negative input voltages can be accommodated
with proper selection of the scaling resistor, as indicated in Figure 2. This connection, unlike the buffered positive connection,
is not high impedance since the 1 mA F.S. drive current must be
supplied by the signal source. However, very large negative voltages beyond the supply can be handled easily; just modify the
scaling resistors appropriately. Diode CR1 (HP50822811) is
necessary for overload and latchup protection for current or
voltage inputs.
If the input signal is a true current source, R1 and R2 are not
used. Full-scale calibration can be accomplished by connecting a
200 kΩ pot in series with a fixed 27 kΩ from Pin 7 to –VS (see
calibration section, below).
FOUT =
0 TO –1mA
IIN
The reference generator uses a bandgap circuit (this allows
single-supply operation to 4.5 volts which is not possible with
low T.C. Zeners) to provide the reference and bias levels for the
amplifier and oscillator stages. The reference generator also provides the precision, low T.C. 1.00 volt output and the VTEMP
output which tracks absolute temperature at 1 mV/K.
As indicated by the scaling relationship in Figure 1, a 0.01 µF
timing capacitor will give a 10 kHz full-scale frequency, and
0.001 µF will give 100 kHz with a 1 mA drive current. The
maximum frequency is 150 kHz. Polystyrene or NPO ceramic
capacitors are preferred for T.C. and dielectric absorption;
polycarbonate or mica are acceptable; other types will degrade
linearity. The capacitor should be wired very close to the
AD537.
FO =
AD537
VIN
10 (R1 + R2) C
14
1
ROUT
GUARD RING
2
DRIVER
3
R2
OPTIONAL
INPUT VIN 10kΩ
FILTER
R1
fOUT
+VS
13
12
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
4
C
11
10
5
10µF
6
VT
7
VR
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
9
RT
20k
8
Figure 1. Standard V-F Connection for Positive Input
Voltages
REV. B
AD537
1
14
2
13
CR1
R2
VIN
0 TO –10V
VIN
10 (R1 + R2) C
fOUT
5kΩ (TYP)
DRIVER
3
R1
V-F CONNECTION FOR POSITIVE INPUT VOLTAGES
The positive voltage input range is from –VS (ground in single
supply operation) to 4 volts below the positive supply. The connection shown in Figure 1 provides a very high (250 MΩ) input
impedance. The input voltage is converted to the proper drive
current at Pin 3 by selecting a scaling resistor. The full-scale
current is 1 mA, so, for example a 10 volt range would require a
nominal 10 kΩ resistor. The trim range required will depend on
capacitor tolerance. Full-scale currents other than 1 mA can be
chosen, but linearity will be reduced; 2 mA is the maximum
allowable drive.
FO =
IIN
10C
+VS
12
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
4
C
11
10
5
6
VT
7
VR
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
9
20kΩ
8
Figure 2. V-F Connections for Negative Input Voltage or
Current
CALIBRATION
There are two independent adjustments: scale and offset. The
first is trimmed by adjustment of the scaling resistor R and the
second by the (optional) potentiometer connected to +VS and
the VOS pins (“D” package only). Precise calibration requires the
use of an accurate voltage standard set to the desired FS value
and a frequency meter; a scope is useful for monitoring output
waveshape. Verification of linearity requires the availability of a
switchable voltage source (or a DAC) having a linearity error
below ± 0.005%, and the use of long measurement intervals to
minimize count uncertainties. Every AD537 is automatically tested
for linearity, and it will not usually be necessary to perform this
verification, which is both tedious and time-consuming.
Although drifts are small it is good practice to allow the operating environment to attain stable temperature and to ensure that
the supply, source and load conditions are proper. Begin by setting the input voltage to 1/10,000 of full scale. Adjust the offset
pot until the output frequency is 1/10,000 of full scale (for example 1 Hz for FS of 10 kHz). This is most easily accomplished
using a frequency meter connected to the output. Then apply
the FS input voltage and adjust the gain pot until the desired FS
frequency is indicated. In applications where the FS input is
small, this adjustment will very slightly affect the offset voltage,
due to the input bias current of the buffer amplifier. A change of
l kΩ in R will affect the input by approximately 100 µV, which is
as much as 0.1% of a 100 mV FS range. Therefore, it may be
necessary to repeat the offset and scale adjustments for the highest accuracy. The design of the input amplifier is such that the
input voltage drift after offset nulling is typically below l µV/°C.
–3–
AD537
In some cases the signal may be in the form of a negative current source. This can be handled in a similar way to a negative
input voltage. However, the scaling resistor is no longer required, eliminating the capability of trimming full scale in this
fashion. Since it will usually be impractical to vary the capacitance, an alternative calibration scheme is needed. This is
shown in Figure 3. A resistor-potentiometer connected from
the VR output to –VS will alter the internal operating conditions
in a predictable way, providing the necessary adjustment range.
With the values shown, a range of ± 4% is available; a larger
range can be attained by reducing R1. This technique does not
degrade the temperature-coefficient of the converter, and the
linearity will be as for negative input voltages. The minimum
supply voltage may be used.
The –VIN, +VIN and IIN pins should not be driven more than
300 mV below –VS. This would cause internal junctions to conduct, possibly damaging the IC. The AD537 can be protected
from “below –VS” inputs by a Schottky diode, CR1 (HP50822811) as shown in Figure 3. It is also desirable not to drive
+VIN, –VIN and IIN above +VS. In operation, the converter will
become very nonlinear for inputs above (+VS – 3.5 V). Control
currents above 2 mA will also cause nonlinearity.
The 80 dB dynamic range of the AD537 guarantees operation
from a control current of 1 mA (nominal FS) down to 100 nA
(equivalent to 1 mV to 10 V FS). Below 100 nA improper operation of the oscillator may result, causing a false indication of
input amplitude. In many cases this might be due to short-lived
noise spikes which become added to the input. For example,
when scaled to accept a FS input of 1 V, the –80 dB level is
only 100 µV, so when the mean input is only 60 dB below FS
(1 mV), noise spikes of 0.9 mV are sufficient to cause momentary malfunction.
Unless it is required to set the input node at exactly ground
potential, no offset adjustment is needed. The capacitor C is selected to be 5% below the nominal value; with R2 in its
midposition the output frequency is given by:
f =
This effect can be minimized by using a simple low-pass filter
ahead of the converter and a guard ring around the IIN or –VIN
pins. For a FS of 10 kHz a single-pole filter with a time-constant
of 100 ms (Figure 2) will be suitable, but the optimum configuration will depend on the application and type of signal processing. Noise spikes are only likely to be a cause of error when the
input current remains near its minimum value for long periods
of time; above 100 nA (1 mV) full integration of additive input
noise occurs.
I
10.5 × C
where f is in kHz, I is in mA and C is in µF. For example, for a
FS frequency of 10 kHz at a FS input of 1 mA, C = 9500 pF.
Calibration is effected by applying the full-scale input and adjusting R2 for the correct reading.
This alternative adjustment scheme may also be used when it is
desired to present an exact input resistance in the negative voltage mode. The scaling relationship is then
f =
The AD537 is somewhat susceptible to interference from other
signals. The most sensitive nodes (besides the inputs) are the
capacitor terminals and the SYNC pin. The timing capacitor
should be located as close as possible to the AD537 to minimize
signal pickup in the leads. In some cases, guard rings or shielding may be required. The SYNC pin should be decoupled
through a 0.005 µF (or larger) capacitor to Pin 13 (+VS). This
minimizes the possibility that the AD537 will attempt to synchronize to a spurious signal. This precaution is unnecessary on
the metal can package since the SYNC function is not brought
out to a package pin and is thus not susceptible to pickup.
1
V
×
REXACT 10.5 C
The calibration procedure is then similar to that used for positive input voltages, except that the scale adjustment is by means
of R2.
VLOGIC
AD537
LOGIC GND
1
DEC/SYN
2
I
3
IIN
DRIVER
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
4
V
VTEMP
VREF
R1
27k
R2
200k
OUTPUT
14
13
12
f=
+VS
CAP
IIN
10C
DECOUPLING
It is good engineering practice to use bypass capacitors on the
supply-voltage pins and to insert small-valued resistors (10 Ω to
100 Ω) in the supply lines to provide a measure of decoupling
between the various circuits in a system. Ceramic capacitors of
0.1 µF to 1.0 µF should be applied between the supply-voltage
pins and analog signal ground for proper bypassing on the
AD537.
C
11
10 VOS
5
6
VT
7
VR
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
9
8
VOS
–VS
ADJ.
SCALE
A decoupling capacitor may also be useful from +VS to SYNC
in those applications where very low cycle-to-cycle period variation (jitter) is demanded. By placing a capacitor across +VS and
SYNC this noise is reduced. On the 10 kHz FS range, a 6.8 µF
capacitor reduces the jitter to one in 20,000 which adequate for
most applications. A tantalum capacitor should be used to avoid
errors due to dc leakage.
Figure 3. Scale Adjustment for Current Inputs
INPUT PROTECTION
The AD537 was designed to be used with a minimum of additional hardware. However, the successful application of a precision IC involves a good understanding of possible pitfalls and
the use of suitable precautions.
–4–
REV. B
AD537
NONLINEARITY SPECIFICATION
The preferred method for specifying linearity error is in terms of
the maximum deviation from the ideal relationship after calibrating the converter at full scale and “zero”. This error will
vary with the full-scale frequency and the mode of operation.
The AD537 operates best at a 10 kHz full-scale frequency with
a negative voltage input; the linearity is typically within ± 0.05%.
Operating at higher frequencies or with positive inputs will
degrade the linearity as indicates in the Specification table. The
shape of a typical linearity plot is given in Figure 4.
Figure 5 shows the AD537 with a standard 0 to +10 volt input
connection and the output stage connections. The values for the
logic common voltage, pull-up resistor, positive logic level, and
–VS supply are given in the accompanying chart for several logic
forms.
2
13
DRIVER
3
4
NONLINEARITY – % OF FULL SCALE
0.14
0.12
0.10
0.08
0.06
VIN
C
11
10
5
AD537J
LOGIC VCC
+VS
(+15V)
RL
12
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
10k
TEST CONDITIONS:
+VS = +15V
–VS = 0V
CT = 0.01µF
RT = 10kΩ
VFS = ±10V
POS INPUT – FIG. 3
NEG INPUT – FIG. 4
fOUT
14
1
0.18
0.16
LOGIC COM
VEE
AD537
6
VT
7
VR
9
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
VOS
20k
8
VCC VEE
RL
–VS
TTL/DTL
+5
GND 5k
GND
5V CMOS
+5
GND 20k
GND
15V CMOS/ +15 GND 10k
GND
HNIL
ECL 10k
0
–8
5k
ECL2.5k
+1.3 –2
5k
–5
PMOS
0
10k
–15
–8 TO
–VS
–15
–15
0.04
Figure 5. Interfacing Standard Logic Families
0.02
0
APPLICATIONS
–0.02
AD537K, S
–0.04
–0.06
–0.08
1
100
10
1k
10k
OUTPUT FREQUENCY – Hz
Figure 4a. Typical Nonlinearity Error Envelopes with
10 kHz F.S. Output
The diagrams and descriptions of the following applications are
provided to stimulate the discerning engineer with alternative
circuit design ideas. “Applications of the AD537 IC Voltageto-Frequency Converter”, available from Analog Devices on
request, covers a wider range of topics and concepts in data
conversion and data transmission using voltage-to-frequency
converters.
TRUE TWO-WIRE DATA TRANSMISSION
0.18
NONLINEARITY – % OF FULL SCALE
0.16
TEST CONDITIONS:
+VS = +15V
–VS = 0V
CT = 0.001µF
RT = 10kΩ
VFS = ±10V
POS INPUT – FIG. 3
NEG INPUT – FIG. 4
0.14
0.12
0.10
0.08
0.06
Figure 6 shows the AD537 in a true two-wire data transmission
scheme. The twisted-pair transmission lines serves the dual purpose of supplying power to the device and also carrying frequency data in the form of current modulation. The PNP circuit
at the receiving end represents a fairly simple way for converting
the current modulation back into a voltage square wave which
will drive digital logic directly. The 0.6 volt square wave which
will appear on the supply line at the device terminals does not
affect the performance of the AD537 because of its excellent
supply rejection. Also, note that the circuit operates at nearly
constant average power regardless of frequency.
AD537J
0.04
0.02
0
AD537K, S
–0.02
–0.04
–0.06
LOGIC
GND
–0.08
10
100
1k
10k
100k
RCAL
OUTPUT FREQUENCY – Hz
10
RSCALE
Figure 4b. Typical Nonlinearity Error with 100 kHz F.S.
Output
AD537
DRIVER
+VIN
120
+VS
8
BUF
VTEMP 3
The design of the output stage allows easy interfacing to all digital logic families. The collector and emitter of the output NPN
transistor are both uncommitted; the emitter can be tied to any
voltage between –VS and 4 volts below +VS. The open collector
can be pulled up to a voltage 36 volts above the emitter regardless of +VS. The high power output stage can supply up to
20 mA (10 mA for “H” package) at a maximum saturation voltage of 0.4 volts. The stage limits the output current at 25 mA; it
can handle this limit indefinitely without damaging the device.
+VS
2
OUTPUT INTERFACING CONSIDERATIONS
REV. B
RL
9
1
VIN
CURRTO-FREQ
CONV
7
VT PRECISION
VOLTAGE
VR REFERENCE
VREF 4
RS
C
6
OUTPUT
TWO-WIRE
220Ω
LINK
5
–VS
(CONNECTED TO CASE)
VS RS RL
+5 0
1k
+15 1k 3.3k
Figure 6. True Two-Wire Operation
–5–
AD537
normally result in an accuracy of ± 2°C from –55°C to +125°C
(using an AD537S). An NPO ceramic capacitor is recommended to minimize nonlinearity due to capacitance drift.
F-V CONVERTERS
The AD537 can be used as a high linearity VCO in a phaselocked loop to accomplish frequency-to-voltage conversion. By
operating the loop without a low-pass filter in the feedback path
(first-order system), it can lock to any frequency from zero to an
upper limit determined by the design, responding in three or
four cycles to a step change of input frequency. In practice, the
overall response time is determined by the characteristics of the
averaging filter which follows the PLL.
LOGIC
GND
2kΩ
10
9.1kΩ
f = 10Hz/K
9
1
AD537
10kΩ
DRIVER
+V
Figure 7 shows a connection using a low power TTL quad
open-collector nand gate which serves as the phase comparator.
The input signal should be a pulse train or square wave with
characteristics similar to TTL or 5-volt CMOS outputs. Any
duty cycle is acceptable, but the minimum pulse width is 40 µs.
The output voltage is one volt for a 10 kHz input frequency.
The output as shown here is at a fairly high impedance level; for
many situations an additional buffer may be required.
8 +VS
2
CURRTO-FREQ
CONV
BUF
3
7
VT
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
VR REFERENCE
VTEMP
VREF 4
1000pF
6
5
–VS
(CONNECTED TO CASE)
Trimming is similar to V-F application trimming. First set the
VOS trimmer to mid-scale. Apply a 10 kHz input frequency and
trim the 2 kΩ potentiometer for 1.00 volts out. Then apply a
10 Hz waveform and trim the VOS for 1 mV out. Finally, retrim
the full-scale output at 10 kHz. Other frequency scales can be
obtained by appropriate scaling of timing components.
Figure 8. Absolute Temperature to Frequency Converter
OFFSET TEMPERATURE SCALES
Many other temperature scales can be set up by offsetting the
temperature output with the voltage reference output. Such a
scheme is shown by the Celsius-to-frequency converter in
Figure 9. Corresponding component values for a Fahrenheit-tofrequency converter which give 10 Hz/°F are given in parentheses.
+5V
fIN
(0-10kHz)
AD537
1
2
3
4
9.09k
2k
5
6
7
DRIVER
CURR
BUF -TOFREQ
CONV
74LO3
14
AD537
10k
10k
1
0.001µF
10k
2
10k
13
12
10k
49Ω
(205Ω)
11
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
9
3.9k
500Ω
3
6.04k
(10k) 2k
13
12
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
11
fOUT
10Hz/°C
(10Hz/°F)
+5V
3900 pF
(1500pF)
10
5
20k
VOS
8
120k
DRIVER
4
10
1N4148
0.005µF
14
6
VT
7
VR
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
9
8
2.74k
(4.02k)
OUTPUT
1V F.S.
0.33µF
Figure 9. Offset Temperature Scale Converters Centigrade
and (Fahrenheit) to Frequency
Figure 7. 10 kHz F-V Converter
A simple calibration procedure which will provide ± 2°C accuracy requires substitution of a 7.27k resistor for the series combination of the 6.04k with the 2k trimmer; then simply set the
500 Ω trimmer to give 250 Hz at +25°C.
TEMPERATURE-TO-FREQUENCY CONVERSION
The linear temperature-proportional output of the AD537 can
be used as shown in these applications to perform various direct
temperature-to-frequency conversion functions; it can also be
used with other external connections in a temperature sensing
or compensation scheme. If the sensor output is used externally,
it should be buffered through an op amp since loading that
point will cause significant error in the sensor output as well as
in the main V-F converter circuitry.
High accuracy calibration procedure:
1. Measure room temperature in K.
2. Measure temperature output at Pin 6 at that temperature.
3. Calculate offset adjustment as follows:
Offset Voltage ( mV ) =
An absolute temperature (Kelvin)-to-frequency converter is very
easily accomplished, as shown in Figure 8. The 1 mV per K output serves as the input to the buffer amplifier, which then scales
the oscillator drive current to a nominal 298 µA at +25°C
(298K). Use of a 1000 pF capacitor results in a corresponding
frequency of 2.98 kHz. Setting the single 2 kΩ trimmer for the
correct frequency at a well-defined temperature near +25°C will
V TEMP ( Pin 6 ) ( mV )
× 273.2
Room temp ( K )
4. Temporarily disconnect 49 Ω resistor (or 500 Ω pot) and
trim 2 kΩ pot to give the offset voltage at the indicated node.
Reconnect 49 Ω resistor.
5. Adjust slope trimmer to give proper frequency at room temperature (+25°C = 250 Hz).
Adjustment for °F or any other scale is analogous.
–6–
REV. B
AD537
SYNCHRONOUS OPERATION
LOGIC
GND
The SYNC terminal at pin 2 of the DIP package can be used to
synchronize a free running AD537 to a master oscillator, either
at a multiple or a sub-multiple of the primary frequency. The
preferred connection is shown in Figure 10. The diodes are used
to produce the proper drive magnitude from high level signals.
The SYNC terminal can also be used to shut off the oscillator.
Shorting the terminal to +VS will stop the oscillator, and the
output will go high (output NPN off).
AD537
14
1
DEC/
SYN
FREQ
CONTROL
INPUT
0 TO –10V
2
DRIVER
3
10k
4
5
VTEMP
VREF
BUF
CURR
-TOFREQ
CONV
13
12
11
7
VT PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
VR
10
9
8
3.9V
CAP
0.01µF
VOS
6
RECOVERED
FREQUENCY
SIGNAL
OUTPUT
+VS
SIGNAL
INPUT
±12V PK
1
14 12
2
11
6
10
7
–VS
+15V
COMPOSITE
ERROR
SIGNAL
±1V PK
8
–15V
AD537
14
1
CS
fOUT
Figure 12. Linear Phase-Locked Loop
+VS
Noise on the input signal affects the loop operation only slightly;
it appears as noise in the timing current, but this is averaged out
by the timing capacitor. On the other hand, if the input frequency changes there is a net error voltage at Pin 5 which acts
to bring the oscillator back into quadrature. Thus, the output at
Pin 14 is a noise-free square-wave having exactly the same frequency as the input signal. The effectiveness of this circuit can
be judged from Figure 13 which shows the response to an input
of 1 V rms 1 kHz sinusoid plus 1 V rms Gaussian noise. The
positive supply to the AD537 is reduced by about 4 V in order
to keep the voltages at Pins 11 and 12 within the common-mode
range of the AD534.
R
VSYNC
2
DRIVER
13
1000pF
3
12
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
4
VIN
2
VSYNC
10
5
NOTE: IF VSYNC >2V p-p
USE THIS LIMITER
CS
CT
11
6
VT
7
VR
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
9
8
10k
1N4148
Figure 10. Connection for Synchronous Operation
Figure 11 shows the maximum pull-in range available at a given
signal level; the optimum signal is a 0.8 to 1.0 volt square wave;
signals below 0.1 volt will have no effect; signals above 2 volts
p-p will disable the oscillator. The AD537 can normally be synchronized to a signal which forces it to a higher frequency up to
30% above the nominal free-running frequency, it can only be
brought down about 1–2%.
Since this is also a first-order loop the circuit possesses a very
wide capture range. However, even better noise-integrating
properties can be achieved by adding a filter between the multiplier output and the VCO input. Details of suitable filter characteristics can be found in the standard texts on the subject.
1V RMS SIGNAL
+1V RMS NOISE
30%
FREQUENCY
LOCK-IN
20%
RANGE
10%
OUTPUT
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0
VSYNC SQUARE-WAVE INPUT VOLTS p-p
Figure 11. Maximum Frequency Lock-ln Range vs.
Sync. Signal
LINEAR PHASE LOCKED LOOP
The phase-locked-loop F/V circuit described earlier operates
from an essentially noise-free binary input. PLL’s are also used
to extract frequency information from a noisy analog signal. To
do this, the digital phase-comparator must be replaced by a linear multiplier. In the implementation shown in Figure 12, the
triangular waveform appearing across the timing capacitor is
used as one of the multiplier inputs; the signal provides the
other input. It can be shown that the mean value of the multiplier output is zero when the two signals are in quadrature. In
this condition, the ripple in the error signal is also quite small.
Thus, the voltage at Pin 5 is essentially zero, and the frequency
is determined primarily by the current in the timing resistor,
controlled either manually or by a control voltage.
REV. B
Figure 13. Performance of AD537 Linear Phase Locked
Loop
By connecting the multiplier output to the lower end of the timing resistor and moving the control input to Pin 5, a high resistance frequency-control input is made available. However, due
to the reduced supply voltage, this input cannot exceed +6 V.
TRANSDUCER INTERFACE
The AD537 was specifically designed to accept a broad range of
input signals, particularly small voltage signals, which may be
converted directly (unlike many V-F converters which require
signal preconditioning). The 1.00 V stable reference output is
also useful in interfacing situations, and the high input resistance allows nonloading interfacing from a source of varying
resistance, such as the slider of a potentiometer.
–7–
AD537
THERMOCOUPLE INPUT
OUTLINE DIMENSIONS
The output of a Chromel-Constantan (Type E) thermocouple,
using a reference junction at 0°C, varies from 0 mV to 53.14 mV
over the temperature range 0°C to +700°C with a slope of
80.678 µV/degree over most of its range and some nonlinearity
over the range 0°C to +200°C. For this example, we assume
that it is desired to indicate temperature in Degrees Celsius
using a counter/display with a 100 ms gate width. Thus, the V-F
converter must deliver an output of 7 kHz for an input of
53.14 mV. If very precise operation down to 0°C is imperative,
some sort of linearizing is necessary (see, for example, Analog
Devices’ Nonlinear Circuits Handbook, pp. 92–97) but in many
cases operation is only needed over part of the range.
Dimensions shown in inches and (mm).
C397f–5–10/86
“D” Package – TO-116
The circuit shown in Figure 14 provides good accuracy from
+300°C to +700°C. The extrapolation of the temperature voltage curve back to 0°C shows that an offset of –3.34 mV is
required to fit the curve most exactly. This small amount of
voltage can be introduced without an additional calibration step
using the +1.00 V output of the AD537. To adjust the scale, the
thermocouple should be raised to a known reference temperature near 500°C and the frequency adjusted to value using R1.
The error should be within ± 0.2% over the range 400°C to
700°C.
TREF
(0°C)
14
1
0 TO 53mV
2
R1 SCALE
50
DRIVER
3
IOFFSET
≈ 21µA
0.562 (14.30)
0.500 (12.70)
0.050
(1.27)
MAX
6
13
5
10Hz/°C
+5V
0.355 (9.02)
0.305 (7.75)
0.230
(5.84)
BSC
0.370 (9.40)
0.335 (8.51)
12
CURRBUF TO-FREQ
CONV
4
360µA 120
FS
47k
REFERENCE PLANE
0.185 (4.70)
0.165 (4.19)
VLOGIC
AD537
TMEAS
“H” Package – TO-100
6
VT
7
VR
PRECISION
VOLTAGE
REFERENCE
8
3
9
2
0.005µF
11
0.044 (1.12)
0.032 (0.81)
10
5
7
4
0.040 (1.01)
0.010 (0.25)
9
0.019 (0.48)
0.016 (0.41)
0.115
(2.92)
BSC
0.021 (0.53)
0.016 (0.41)
0.045 (1.14)
0.029 (0.74)
10
1
0.034 (0.86)
0.028 (0.71)
36 °
BSC
BASE & SEATING PLANE
8
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Figure 14. Thermocouple Interface with First-Order
Linearization
–8–
REV. B