a Low-Cost 2 g Dual-Axis Accelerometer with Duty Cycle Output ADXL202E* FEATURES 2-Axis Acceleration Sensor on a Single IC Chip 5 mm 5 mm 2 mm Ultrasmall Chip Scale Package 2 mg Resolution at 60 Hz Low-Power < 0.6 mA Direct Interface to Low-Cost Microcontrollers via Duty Cycle Output BW Adjustment with a Single Capacitor 3 V to 5.25 V Single Supply Operation 1000 g Shock Survival FUNCTIONAL BLOCK DIAGRAM 3V TO 5.25V CX VDD XFILT RFILT 32k X SENSOR OSCILLATOR GENERAL DESCRIPTION The ADXL202E is a low-cost, low-power, complete 2-axis accelerometer with a digital output, all on a single monolithic IC. It is an improved version of the ADXL202AQC/JQC. The ADXL202E will measure accelerations with a full-scale range of ⫾2 g. The ADXL202E can measure both dynamic acceleration (e.g., vibration) and static acceleration (e.g., gravity). The outputs are analog voltage or digital signals whose duty cycles (ratio of pulsewidth to period) are proportional to acceleration. The duty cycle outputs can be directly measured by a microprocessor counter, without an A/D converter or glue logic. The duty cycle period is adjustable from 0.5 ms to 10 ms via a single resistor (RSET). Y SENSOR COM ANALOG TO DUTY CYCLE (ADC) ADXL202E DEMOD APPLICATIONS 2-Axis Tilt Sensing with Faster Response than Electrolytic, Mercury, or Thermal Sensors Computer Peripherals Information Appliances Alarms and Motion Detectors Disk Drives Vehicle Security XOUT DEMOD CDC SELF-TEST RFILT 32k YOUT YFILT C O U N P T E R T2 CY RSET T2 T1 A(g) = (T1/T2 – 0.5)/12.5% 0g = 50% DUTY CYCLE T2 = RSET/125M The typical noise floor is 200 g√Hz, allowing signals below 2 mg (at 60 Hz bandwidth) to be resolved. The bandwidth of the accelerometer is set with capacitors CX and CY at the XFILT and YFILT pins. An analog output can be reconstructed by filtering the duty cycle output. The ADXL202E is available in 5 mm ⫻ 5 mm ⫻ 2 mm 8-lead hermetic LCC package. *Patents Pending REV. A 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: 781/329-4700 World Wide Web Site: http://www.analog.com Fax: 781/326-8703 © Analog Devices, Inc., 2000 (T = T to T , T = 25C for J Grade only, V = 0 g, unless otherwise noted.) ADXL202E–SPECIFICATIONS Acceleration A Parameter Conditions SENSOR INPUT Measurement Range2 Nonlinearity Alignment Error3 Alignment Error Cross-Axis Sensitivity4 Each Axis Max Min = 5 V, RSET = 125 k, ADXL202AE Typ Max ±2 0.2 ±1 0.01 ±2 X X Each Axis T1/T2, VDD = 5 V T1/T2, VDD = 3 V VDD = 5 V VDD = 3 V Unit g % of FS Degrees Degrees % 0.2 ±1 0.01 ±2 X X X X X 10.5 9.0 265 140 12.5 11 312 167 ± 0.5 14.5 13.0 360 195 10 8.5 250 140 12.5 11 312 167 ± 0.5 15 13.5 375 200 %/g %/g mV/g mV/g % 34 31 2.1 1.2 50 50 2.5 1.5 1.0 2.0 66 69 2.9 1.8 4.0 30 31 2.0 1.2 50 50 2.5 1.5 1.0 2.0 70 69 3.0 1.8 4.0 Delta from 25⬚C X X X X X X % % V V %/V mg/⬚C @ 25⬚C X 200 200 1000 µg√Hz rms 6 10 6 10 kHz kHz ± 15 % pF 10 % At Pins XFILT, YFILT FILTER RFILT Tolerance Minimum Capacitance 32 kΩ Nominal At Pins XFILT, YFILT SELF-TEST Duty Cycle Change Self-Test “0” to “1” POWER SUPPLY Operating Voltage Range Quiescent Supply Current Turn-On Time DD ADXL202JE Typ X Sensor to Y Sensor ZERO g BIAS LEVEL 0 g Duty Cycle 0 g Duty Cycle 0 g Voltage XFILT, YFILT 0 g Voltage XFILT, YFILT 0 g Duty Cycle vs. Supply 0 g Offset vs. Temperature5 DUTY CYCLE OUTPUT STAGE FSET Output High Voltage Output Low Voltage T2 Drift vs. Temperature Rise/Fall Time Min A ±2 Each Axis T1/T2, VDD = 5 V T1/T2, VDD = 3 V VDD = 5 V VDD = 3 V Delta from 25⬚C FREQUENCY RESPONSE 3 dB Bandwidth Sensor Resonant Frequency TPC1 Graph MAX Best Fit Straight Line SENSITIVITY Duty Cycle per g Duty Cycle per g Sensitivity XFILT, YFILT Sensitivity XFILT, YFILT Temperature Drift5 NOISE PERFORMANCE Noise Density MIN RSET = 125 kΩ I = 25 µA I = 25 µA ± 15 1000 1000 10 0.7 VS – 200 mV 1.3 0.7 VS – 200 mV 200 200 50 200 3 0.6 160 ⫻ CFILT + 0.3 CFILT in µF TEMPERATURE RANGE Specified Performance AE Operating Range 1.3 0 50 200 5.25 1.0 70 3.0 5.25 0.6 1.0 160 ⫻ CFILT + 0.3 –40 –40 +85 +85 kHz V mV ppm/⬚C ns V mA ms ⬚C ⬚C NOTES 1 Typical Performance Characteristics. 2 Guaranteed by measurement of initial offset and sensitivity. 3 Alignment error is specified as the angle between the true and indicated axis of sensitivity (see TPC 15). 4 Cross-axis sensitivity is the algebraic sum of the alignment and the inherent sensitivity errors. 5 Defined as the output change from ambient to maximum temperature or ambient to minimum temperature. Specifications subject to change without notice. –2– REV. A ADXL202E PIN CONFIGURATION ABSOLUTE MAXIMUM RATINGS* Acceleration (Any Axis, Unpowered for 0.5 ms) . . . . . . 1000 g Acceleration (Any Axis, Powered for 0.5 ms) . . . . . . . . . . 500 g +VS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –0.3 V to +6.0 V Output Short Circuit Duration, (Any Pin to Common) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Indefinite Operating Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –55⬚C to +125⬚C Storage Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . –65⬚C to +150⬚C VDD 8 XFILT 7 1 ST YFILT 6 2 T2 XOUT 5 3 COM 4 YOUT *Stresses above those listed under Absolute Maximum Ratings may cause per manent damage to the device. This is a stress rating only; functional operation of the device at these or any other conditions above those indicate in the opera tional sections of this specification is not implied. Exposure to absolute maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability. BOTTOM VIEW PIN FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS Drops onto hard surfaces can cause shocks of greater than 1000 g and exceed the absolute maximum rating of the device. Care should be exercised in handling to avoid damage. Package Characteristics Package Weight JA JC Device 8-Lead LCC 120°C/W tbd°C/W <1.0 grams Pin No. Mnemonic Description 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ST T2 COM YOUT XOUT YFILT XFILT VDD Self-Test Connect RSET to Set T2 Period Common Y-Channel Duty Cycle Output X-Channel Duty Cycle Output Y-Channel Filter Pin X-Channel Filter Pin 3 V to 5.25 V ORDERING GUIDE Model No. of Axes Specified Voltage Temperature Range Package Description Package Option ADXL202JE ADXL202AE 2 2 3 V to 5 V 3 V to 5 V 0 to 70⬚C –40⬚C to +85⬚C 8-Lead LCC 8-Lead LCC E-8 E-8 CAUTION ESD (electrostatic discharge) sensitive device. Electrostatic charges as high as 4000 V readily accumulate on the human body and test equipment and can discharge without detection. Although the ADXL202E features proprietary ESD protection circuitry, permanent damage may occur on devices subjected to high-energy electrostatic discharges. Therefore, proper ESD precautions are recommended to avoid performance degradation or loss of functionality. REV. A –3– WARNING! ESD SENSITIVE DEVICE ADXL202E –Typical Performance Characteristics* VDD = 3 V VDD = 5 V 16 18 14 16 14 PERCENT OF PARTS PERCENT OF PARTS 12 10 8 6 4 10 8 6 4 2 0 12 2 1.28 1.32 1.36 1.41 1.45 1.49 VOLTS 1.53 1.58 1.62 0 1.66 2.05 TPC 1. X-Axis Zero g Bias Distribution at XFILT, VDD = 3 V 2.14 2.23 2.31 2.40 2.48 VOLTS 2.57 2.65 2.74 2.82 TPC 4. X-Axis Zero g Bias Distribution at XFILT, VDD = 5 V 25 16 14 20 PERCENT OF PARTS PERCENT OF PARTS 12 10 8 6 15 10 4 5 2 0 0 1.25 1.31 1.36 1.42 1.48 VOLTS 1.53 1.59 2.05 1.65 25 25 20 20 15 10 2.31 2.40 2.48 VOLTS 2.57 2.65 2.74 2.82 15 10 5 5 0 0.142 2.23 TPC 5. Y-Axis Zero g Bias Distribution at YFILT, VDD = 5 V PERCENT OF PARTS PERCENT OF PARTS TPC 2. Y-Axis Zero g Bias Distribution at YFILT, VDD = 3 V 2.14 0 0.148 0.155 0.162 0.169 V/g 0.176 0.182 0.26 0.189 0.28 0.29 0.30 0.32 0.33 0.34 V/g TPC 6. X-Axis Sensitivity Distribution at XFILT, VDD = 5 V TPC 3. X-Axis Sensitivity Distribution at XFILT, VDD = 3 V *Data taken from 4500 parts over 3 lots minimum. –4– REV. A ADXL202E VDD = 5 V 25 25 20 20 PERCENT OF PARTS PERCENT OF PARTS VDD = 3 V 15 10 0 0.148 0.155 0.162 0.169 V/g 0.176 0.182 0.26 0.189 0.27 0.29 0.30 0.31 V/g 0.33 0.34 0.35 TPC 10. Y-Axis Sensitivity Distribution at YFILT, VDD = 5 V TPC 7. Y-Axis Sensitivity Distribution at YFILT, VDD = 3 V 25 30 25 20 PERCENT OF PARTS PERCENT OF PARTS 10 5 5 0 0.142 15 20 15 10 15 10 5 5 0 0 9.50 9.90 10.4 10.8 11.3 11.8 PERCENT DUTY CYCLE/g 12.2 10.3 12.7 TPC 8. X-Axis Sensitivity at XOUT, VDD = 3 V 10.8 11.3 11.8 12.3 12.8 PERCENT DUTY CYCLE/g 13.3 13.8 TPC 11. X-Axis Sensitivity at XOUT, VDD = 5 V 20 25 18 20 14 PERCENT OF PARTS PERCENT OF PARTS 16 12 10 8 6 4 15 10 5 2 0 0 9.50 9.90 10.4 10.8 11.3 11.8 PERCENT DUTY CYCLE/g 12.2 10.6 12.7 11.6 12.0 12.6 13.0 PERCENT DUTY CYCLE/g 13.6 14.0 TPC 12. Y-Axis Sensitivity at YOUT, VDD = 5 V TPC 9. Y-Axis Sensitivity at YOUT, VDD = 3 V REV. A 11.0 –5– ADXL202E 35 25 30 20 FREQUENCY – % FREQUENCY – % 25 15 10 20 15 10 5 5 0 0 230 250 270 290 310 330 350 370 NOISE DENSITY – g Hz rms 390 410 TPC 13. Noise Density Distribution, VDD = 3 V 190 210 230 250 270 NOISE DENSITY – g Hz rms 290 310 TPC 16. Noise Density Distribution, VDD = 5 V 0.7 40 0.6 35 VS = 5 VDC PERCENT OF PARTS – % SUPPLY CURRENT – mA 170 150 0.5 VS = 3.5 VDC 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 –40 0 –20 20 40 60 80 0 100 –2 –3 –1 TEMPERATURE – C TPC 14. Typical Supply Current vs. Temperature 0 1 PERCENT – % 2 3 TPC 17. Cross-Axis Sensitivity Distribution 20 18 16 VDD 3 12 CFILT = 0.01F XOUT 2 VOLTS 10 8 6 1 4 2 1.375 1.125 0.875 0.625 0.125 0.375 –0.125 –0.625 –0.375 –0.875 0 –1.125 0 –1.375 % OF PARTS 14 0 0.4 0.8 1.2 1.4 TIME – ms DEGREES OF MISALIGNMENT TPC 15. Rotational Die Alignment TPC 18. Typical Turn-On Time –6– REV. A ADXL202E 40 25 35 PERCENT OF PARTS – % PERCENT OF PARTS – % 20 15 10 30 25 20 15 10 5 5 0 0 –2.08 –1.44 –0.80 –0.17 mg / C 0.47 –0.73 1.11 –0.12 0.50 1.11 1.73 2.35 mg / C TPC 19. X-Axis Zero g Drift Due to Temperature Distribution, –40 °C to +85 °C TPC 22. Y-Axis Zero g Drift Due to Temperature Distribution, –40 °C to +85 °C 20 40 18 16 PERCENT OF PARTS – % PERCENT OF PARTS – % 30 20 10 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 –0.046 0 –0.046 –0.038 –0.029 –0.021 –0.013 PERCENT/ C –0.004 0.004 TPC 20. X-Axis Sensitivity Drift at XFILT Due to Temperature Distribution, –40 °C to +85 °C –0.038 –0.029 –0.021 –0.013 PERCENT/ C –0.004 0.004 TPC 23. Y-Axis Sensitivity Drift at YFILT Due to Temperature Distribution, –40 °C to +85 °C 400 400 300 300 200 200 100 mg mg 100 0 0 –100 –100 –200 –200 –300 –50 –300 –25 0 25 50 TEMPERATURE – C 75 –400 –50 100 TPC 21. Typical X-Axis Zero g vs. Output for 16 Parts REV. A –25 0 25 50 TEMPERATURE – C 75 100 TPC 24. Typical Y-Axis Zero g vs. Output for 16 Parts –7– ADXL202E PERIOD NORMALIZED TO 1 AT 25 C 1.06 1.04 1.02 1.00 0.98 0.96 0.94 –45 –30 –15 0 15 30 45 TEMPERATURE – C 60 75 90 TPC 25. Normalized DCM Period (T2) vs. Temperature nominally 50% duty cycle. The acceleration signal can be determined by measuring the length of the T1 and T2 pulses with a counter/timer or with a polling loop using a low cost microcontroller. DEFINITIONS T1 Length of the “on” portion of the cycle. T2 Length of the total cycle. Duty Cycle Ratio of the “on” time (T1) of the cycle to the total cycle (T2). Defined as T1/T2 for the ADXL202E/ ADXL210. Pulsewidth Time period of the “on” pulse. Defined as T1 for the ADXL202E/ADXL210. An analog output voltage can be obtained either by buffering the signal from the XFILT and YFILT pin, or by passing the duty cycle signal through an RC filter to reconstruct the dc value. The ADXL202E will operate with supply voltages as low as 3.0 V or as high as 5.25 V. THEORY OF OPERATION The ADXL202E is a complete, dual-axis acceleration measurement system on a single monolithic IC. It contains a polysilicon surfacemicromachined sensor and signal conditioning circuitry to implement an open loop acceleration measurement architecture. For each axis, an output circuit converts the analog signal to a duty cycle modulated (DCM) digital signal that can be decoded with a counter/timer port on a microprocessor. The ADXL202E is capable of measuring both positive and negative accelerations to at least ± 2 g. The accelerometer can measure static acceleration forces such as gravity, allowing it to be used as a tilt sensor. The sensor is a surface micromachined polysilicon structure built on top of the silicon wafer. Polysilicon springs suspend the structure over the surface of the wafer and provide a resistance against acceleration forces. Deflection of the structure is measured using a differential capacitor that consists of independent fixed plates and central plates attached to the moving mass. The fixed plates are driven by 180° out of phase square waves. An acceleration will deflect the beam and unbalance the differential capacitor, resulting in an output square wave whose amplitude is proportional to acceleration. Phase sensitive demodulation techniques are then used to rectify the signal and determine the direction of the acceleration. T2 T1 A(g) = (T1/T2 – 0.5)/12.5% 0g = 50% DUTY CYCLE T2(s) = RSET()/125M Figure 1. Typical Output Duty Cycle APPLICATIONS POWER SUPPLY DECOUPLING For most applications a single 0.1 µF capacitor, CDC, will adequately decouple the accelerometer from signal and noise on the power supply. However, in some cases, especially where digital devices such as microcontrollers share the same power supply, digital noise on the supply may cause interference on the ADXL202E output. This may be observed as a slowly undulating fluctuation of voltage at XFILT and YFILT. If additional decoupling is needed, a 100 Ω (or smaller) resistor or ferrite beads, may be inserted in the supply line of the ADXL202E. FERRITE BEAD VDD 100 VDD The output of the demodulator drives a duty cycle modulator (DCM) stage through a 32 kΩ resistor. At this point a pin is available on each channel to allow the user to set the signal bandwidth of the device by adding a capacitor. This filtering improves measurement resolution and helps prevent aliasing. XOUT ADXL202E CDC COM YOUT ST XFILT XFILT T2 After being low-pass filtered, the analog signal is converted to a duty cycle modulated signal by the DCM stage. A single resistor sets the period for a complete cycle (T2), which can be set between 0.5 ms and 10 ms (see Figure 12). A 0 g acceleration produces a RSET YFILT YFILT Figure 2. –8– REV. A ADXL202E DESIGN PROCEDURE FOR THE ADXL202E Setting the Bandwidth Using C X and CY The design procedure for using the ADXL202E with a duty cycle output involves selecting a duty cycle period and a filter capacitor. A proper design will take into account the application requirements for bandwidth, signal resolution and acquisition time, as discussed in the following sections. The ADXL202E has provisions for bandlimiting the XFILT and YFILT pins. Capacitors must be added at these pins to implement low-pass filtering for antialiasing and noise reduction. The equation for the 3 dB bandwidth is: F –3 dB = Decoupling Capacitor C DC A 0.1 µF capacitor is recommended from VDD to COM for power supply decoupling. ST The ST pin controls the self-test feature. When this pin is set to VDD, an electrostatic force is exerted on the beam of the accelerometer. The resulting movement of the beam allows the user to test if the accelerometer is functional. The typical change in output will be 10% at the duty cycle outputs (corresponding to 800 mg). This pin may be left open circuit or connected to common in normal use. ( 1 2 π (32 kΩ) × C(x, y) ) 5 µF or, more simply, F –3 dB = C (X ,Y ) The tolerance of the internal resistor (RFILT), can vary typically as much as ± 15% of its nominal value of 32 kΩ; so the bandwidth will vary accordingly. A minimum capacitance of 1000 pF for C(X, Y) is required in all cases. Table I. Filter Capacitor Selection, CX and CY Duty Cycle Decoding The ADXL202E’s digital output is a duty cycle modulator. Acceleration is proportional to the ratio T1/T2. The nominal output of the ADXL202E is: 0 g = 50% Duty Cycle Scale factor is 12.5% Duty Cycle Change per g These nominal values are affected by the initial tolerance of the device including zero g offset error and sensitivity error. T2 does not have to be measured for every measurement cycle. It need only be updated to account for changes due to temperature, (a relatively slow process). Since the T2 time period is shared by both X and Y channels, it is necessary only to measure it on one channel of the ADXL202E. Decoding algorithms for various microcontrollers have been developed. Consult the appropriate Application Note. CX XFILT OSCILLATOR ANALOG TO DUTY CYCLE (ADC) ADXL202E DEMOD Y SENSOR COM RFILT 32k YOUT YFILT 0.47 µF 0.10 µF 0.05 µF 0.027 µF 0.01 µF 0.001 µF Setting the DCM Period with R SET The period of the DCM output is set for both channels by a single resistor from RSET to ground. The equation for the period is: T2 = C O U N P T E R T2 CY RSET T2 T1 A(g) = (T1/T2 – 0.5)/12.5% 0g = 50% DUTY CYCLE T2 = RSET/125M Figure 3. Block Diagram REV. A 10 Hz 50 Hz 100 Hz 200 Hz 500 Hz 5 kHz RSET (Ω) 125 MΩ Table II. Resistor Values to Set T2 XOUT DEMOD CDC SELF-TEST RFILT 32k X SENSOR Capacitor Value A 125 kΩ resistor will set the duty cycle repetition rate to approximately 1 kHz, or 1 ms. The device is designed to operate at duty cycle periods between 0.5 ms and 10 ms. 3V TO 5.25V VDD Bandwidth T2 RSET 1 ms 2 ms 5 ms 10 ms 125 kΩ 250 kΩ 625 kΩ 1.25 MΩ Note that the RSET should always be included, even if only an analog output is desired. Use an RSET value between 500 kΩ and 2 MΩ when taking the output from XFILT or YFILT. The RSET resistor should be place close to the T2 Pin to minimize parasitic capacitance at this node. Selecting the Right Accelerometer For most tilt sensing applications the ADXL202E is the most appropriate accelerometer. Its higher sensitivity (12.5%/g) allows the user to use a lower speed counter for PWM decoding while maintaining high resolution. The ADXL210 should be used in applications where accelerations of greater than ±2 g are expected. –9– ADXL202E MICROCOMPUTER INTERFACES The ADXL202E is specifically designed to work with low-cost microcontrollers. Specific code sets, reference designs, and application notes are available from the factory. This section will outline a general design procedure and discuss the various trade-offs that need to be considered. With the single pole roll-off characteristic, the typical noise of the ADXL202E is determined by the following equation: ( ) ( Noise (rms) = 200 µg / Hz × BW × 1.6 ) At 100 Hz the noise will be: ( The designer should have some idea of the required performance of the system in terms of: ) Noise (rms) = 200 µg / Hz × 100 × (1.6) = 2.53 mg Resolution: the smallest signal change that needs to be detected. Bandwidth: the highest frequency that needs to be detected. Acquisition Time: the time that will be available to acquire the signal on each axis. Often the peak value of the noise is desired. Peak-to-peak noise can only be estimated by statistical methods. Table III is useful for estimating the probabilities of exceeding various peak values, given the rms value. These requirements will help to determine the accelerometer bandwidth, the speed of the microcontroller clock and the length of the T2 period. Table III. Estimation of Peak-to-Peak Noise When selecting a microcontroller it is helpful to have a counter timer port available. The microcontroller should have provisions for software calibration. While the ADXL202E is a highly accurate accelerometer, it has a wide tolerance for initial offset. The easiest way to null this offset is with a calibration factor saved on the microcontroller or by a user calibration for zero g. In the case where the offset is calibrated during manufacture, there are several options, including external EEPROM and microcontrollers with “one-time programmable” features. Nominal Peak-to-Peak Value % of Time that Noise Will Exceed Nominal Peak-to-Peak Value 2.0 × rms 4.0 × rms 6.0 × rms 8.0 × rms 32% 4.6% 0.27% 0.006% The peak-to-peak noise value will give the best estimate of the uncertainty in a single measurement. Table IV gives typical noise output of the ADXL202E for various CX and CY values. DESIGN TRADE-OFFS FOR SELECTING FILTER CHARACTERISTICS: THE NOISE/BW TRADE-OFF The accelerometer bandwidth selected will determine the measurement resolution (smallest detectable acceleration). Filtering can be used to lower the noise floor and improve the resolution of the accelerometer. Resolution is dependent on both the analog filter bandwidth at XFILT and YFILT and on the speed of the microcontroller counter. The analog output of the ADXL202E has a typical bandwidth of 5 kHz, while the duty cycle modulators’ bandwidth is 500 Hz. The user must filter the signal at this point to limit aliasing errors. To minimize DCM errors the analog bandwidth should be less than 1/10 the DCM frequency. Analog bandwidth may be increased to up to 1/2 the DCM frequency in many applications. This will result in greater dynamic error generated at the DCM. The analog bandwidth may be further decreased to reduce noise and improve resolution. The ADXL202E noise has the characteristics of white Gaussian noise that contributes equally at all frequencies and is described in terms of µg per root Hz; i.e., the noise is proportional to the square root of the bandwidth of the accelerometer. It is recommended that the user limit bandwidth to the lowest frequency needed by the application, to maximize the resolution and dynamic range of the accelerometer. Table IV. Filter Capacitor Selection, CX and CY Bandwidth CX, CY rms Noise Peak-to-Peak Noise Estimate 95% Probability (rms 4) 10 Hz 50 Hz 100 Hz 200 Hz 500 Hz 0.47 µF 0.10 µF 0.05 µF 0.027 µF 0.01 µF 0.8 mg 1.8 mg 2.5 mg 3.6 mg 5.7 mg 3.2 mg 7.2 mg 10.1 mg 14.3 mg 22.6 mg CHOOSING T2 AND COUNTER FREQUENCY: DESIGN TRADE-OFFS The noise level is one determinant of accelerometer resolution. The second relates to the measurement resolution of the counter when decoding the duty cycle output. The ADXL202E’s duty cycle converter has a resolution of approximately 14 bits; better resolution than the accelerometer itself. The actual resolution of the acceleration signal is, however, limited by the time resolution of the counting devices used to decode the duty cycle. The faster the counter clock, the higher the resolution of the duty cycle and the shorter the T2 period can be for a given resolution. The following table shows some of the trade-offs. It is important to note that this is the resolution due to the microprocessors’ counter. It is probable that the accelerometer’s noise floor may set the lower limit on the resolution, as discussed in the previous section. –10– REV. A ADXL202E Table V. Trade-Offs Between Microcontroller Counter Rate, T2 Period, and Resolution of Duty Cycle Modulator CounterADXL202E Clock Counts Rate per T2 Counts Resolution RSET Sample T2 (ms) (k) Rate (MHz) Cycle per g (mg) 1.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 124 124 124 625 625 625 1250 1250 1250 1000 1000 1000 200 200 200 100 100 100 2.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 1.0 0.5 2.0 1.0 0.5 2000 1000 500 10000 5000 2500 20000 10000 5000 250 125 62.5 1250 625 312.5 2500 1250 625 4.0 8.0 16.0 0.8 1.6 3.2 0.4 0.8 1.6 STRATEGIES FOR USING THE DUTY CYCLE OUTPUT WITH MICROCONTROLLERS Application notes outlining various strategies for using the duty cycle output with low cost microcontrollers are available from the factory. A DUAL AXIS TILT SENSOR: CONVERTING ACCELERATION TO TILT When the accelerometer is oriented so both its X and Y axes are parallel to the earth’s surface it can be used as a two axis tilt sensor with a roll and a pitch axis. Once the output signal from the accelerometer has been converted to an acceleration that varies between –1 g and +1 g, the output tilt in degrees is calculated as follows: Pitch = ASIN (Ax/1 g) Roll = ASIN (Ay/1 g) Be sure to account for overranges. It is possible for the accelerometers to output a signal greater than ± 1 g due to vibration, shock or other accelerations. MEASURING 360 OF TILT It is possible to measure a full 360° of orientation through gravity by using two accelerometers oriented perpendicular to one another (see Figure 5). When one sensor is reading a maximum change in output per degree, the other is at its minimum. X USING THE ADXL202E AS A DUAL-AXIS TILT SENSOR One of the most popular applications of the ADXL202E is tilt measurement. An accelerometer uses the force of gravity as an input vector to determine orientation of an object in space. An accelerometer is most sensitive to tilt when its sensitive axis is perpendicular to the force of gravity, i.e., parallel to the earth’s surface. At this orientation its sensitivity to changes in tilt is highest. When the accelerometer is oriented on axis to gravity, i.e., near its +1 g or –1 g reading, the change in output acceleration per degree of tilt is negligible. When the accelerometer is perpendicular to gravity, its output will change nearly 17.5 mg per degree of tilt, but at 45° degrees it is changing only at 12.2 mg per degree and resolution declines. The following table illustrates the changes in the X and Y axes as the device is tilted ± 90° through gravity. X +90 0 –90 Y BOTTOM VIEW X Axis Orientation to Horizon () –90 –75 –60 –45 –30 –15 0 15 30 45 60 75 90 X Output per Degree of X Output (g) Tilt (mg) –1.000 –0.966 –0.866 –0.707 –0.500 –0.259 0.000 0.259 0.500 0.707 0.866 0.966 1.000 1g –0.2 4.4 8.6 12.2 15.0 16.8 17.5 16.9 15.2 12.4 8.9 4.7 0.2 Y Output (g) per Degree of Y Output (g) Tilt (mg) 0.000 0.259 0.500 0.707 0.866 0.966 1.000 0.966 0.866 0.707 0.500 0.259 0.000 17.5 16.9 15.2 12.4 8.9 4.7 0.2 –4.4 –8.6 –12.2 –15.0 –16.8 –17.5 Figure 4. How the X and Y Axes Respond to Changes in Tilt REV. A 360 OF TILT 1g Y Figure 5. Using a Two-Axis Accelerometer to Measure 360 ° of Tilt USING THE ANALOG OUTPUT The ADXL202E was specifically designed for use with its digital outputs, but has provisions to provide analog outputs as well. Duty Cycle Filtering An analog output can be reconstructed by filtering the duty cycle output. This technique requires only passive components. The duty cycle period (T2) should be set to <1 ms. An RC filter with a 3 dB point at least a factor of >10 less than the duty cycle frequency is connected to the duty cycle output. The filter resistor should be no less than 100 kΩ to prevent loading of the output stage. The analog output signal will be ratiometric to the supply voltage. The advantage of this method is an output scale factor of approximately double the analog output. Its disadvantage is that the frequency response will be lower than when using the XFILT, YFILT output. XFILT, YFILT Output The second method is to use the analog output present at the XFILT and YFILT pin. Unfortunately, these pins have a 32 kΩ output impedance and are not designed to drive a load directly. An op amp follower may be required to buffer this pin. The advantage of this method is that the full 5 kHz bandwidth of the accelerometer is available to the user. A capacitor still must be added at this point for filtering. The duty cycle converter should be kept running by using RSET <10 MΩ. Note that the accelerometer offset and sensitivity are ratiometric to the supply voltage. The offset and sensitivity are nominally: 0 g Offset = VDD/2 ADXL202E Sensitivity = (60 mV × VS)/g –11– ADXL202E CALIBRATING THE ADXL202E/ADXL210 The initial value of the offset and scale factor for the ADXL202E will require calibration for applications such as tilt measurement. The ADXL202E architecture has been designed so that these calibrations take place in the software of the microcontroller used to decode the duty cycle signal. Calibration factors can be stored in EEPROM or determined at turn-on and saved in dynamic memory. An application note outlining low power strategies for the ADXL202E is available. Some key points are presented here. It is possible to reduce the ADXL202E’s average current from 0.6 mA to less than 20 µA by using the following techniques: 1. Power Cycle the accelerometer. 2. Run the accelerometer at a Lower Voltage, (Down to 3 V). Power Cycling with an External A/D Depending on the value of the XFILT capacitor, the ADXL202E is capable of turning on and giving a good reading in 1.6 ms. Most microcontroller based A/Ds can acquire a reading in another 25 µs. Thus it is possible to turn on the ADXL202E and take a reading in <2 ms. If we assume that a 20 Hz sample rate is sufficient, the total current required to take 20 samples is 2 ms × 20 samples/s × 0.6 mA = 24 µA average current. Running the part at 3 V will reduce the supply current from 0.6 mA to 0.4 mA, bringing the average current down to 16 µA. The A/D should read the analog output of the ADXL202E at the XFILT and YFILT pins. A buffer amplifier is recommended, and may be required in any case to amplify the analog output to give enough resolution with an 8-bit to 10-bit converter. Power Cycling When Using the Digital Output An alternative is to run the microcontroller at a higher clock rate and put it into shutdown between readings, allowing the use of the digital output. In this approach the ADXL202E should be set at its fastest sample rate (T2 = 0.5 ms), with a 500 Hz filter at XFILT and YFILT. The concept is to acquire a reading as quickly as possible and then shut down the ADXL202E and the microcontroller until the next sample is needed. For low g applications, the force of gravity is the most stable, accurate and convenient acceleration reference available. A reading of the 0 g point can be determined by orientating the device parallel to the earth’s surface and then reading the output. A more accurate calibration method is to make measurements at +1 g and –1 g. The sensitivity can be determined by the two measurements. C02064–2.5–10/00 (rev. A) USING THE ADXL202E IN VERY LOW POWER APPLICATIONS To calibrate, the accelerometer’s measurement axis is pointed directly at the earth. The 1 g reading is saved and the sensor is turned 180° to measure –1 g. Using the two readings, the sensitivity is: Let A = Accelerometer output with axis oriented to +1 g Let B = Accelerometer output with axis oriented to –1 g then: Sensitivity = [A – B]/2 g For example, if the +1 g reading (A) is 55% duty cycle and the –1 g reading (B) is 32% duty cycle, then: Sensitivity = [55% – 32%]/2 g = 11.5%/g These equations apply whether the output is analog or duty cycle. Application notes outlining algorithms for calculating acceleration from duty cycle and automated calibration routines are available from the factory. In either of the above approaches, the ADXL202E can be turned on and off directly using a digital port pin on the microcontroller to power the accelerometer without additional components. OUTLINE DIMENSIONS Dimensions shown in inches and (mm). 0.197 (5.00) SQ 0.177 (4.50) SQ 0.070 (1.78) 0.050 (1.27) 0.015 7 1 5 3 0.050 (1.27) PRINTED IN U.S.A. 8-Terminal Ceramic Leadless Chip Carrier (E-8) (0.38) 0.075 (1.91) 0.099 (2.50) 0.025 (0.64) 0.099 (2.50) TOP VIEW 0.050 (1.27) R0.008 0.015 (0.38) (0.20) 0.008 BOTTOM VIEW (0.20) CONTROLLING DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS R0.028 (0.70) –12– REV. A