User's Guide

SBOU084 – February 2010

PGA309EVM-USB

This user’s guide describes the characteristics, operation, and use of the PGA309EVM-USB evaluation module (EVM). This EVM is designed to evaluate the performance of the PGA309, a voltage output, programmable sensor conditioner. This document covers all pertinent areas involved to properly use this EVM board, allowing for user evaluation suitable to a variety of applications. This document also includes the physical printed circuit board (PCB) layout and circuit descriptions. A schematic of the PGA309EVM-USB is available as a separate download from the TI web site.

 

Contents

 

 

1

Introduction and Overview

2

2

System Setup

5

3

PGA309EVM-USB Hardware Setup

16

4

PGA309EVM-USB Software Overview

25

 

List of Figures

 

 

1

Hardware Included with the INA282-286EVM

3

2

PGA309EVM-USB Hardware Setup

5

3

PGA309_Test_Board Block Diagram

5

4

PGA309_Test_Board Schematic: Input Circuitry

7

5

PGA309_Test_Board Schematic: Power, Reference, and Digital Connections

8

6

PGA309_Test_Board Schematic: Output Circuitry

9

7

PGA309_Test_Board Schematic: Sensor Emulator Circuitry

10

8

PGA309_Test_Board Connections to USB-DAQ-Platform and EEPROM

11

9

Theory of Operation For USB-DAQ-Platform

16

10

PGA309EVM-USB Typical Hardware Connections

17

11

Connecting the Two EVM PCBs

18

12

Connecting Power to the EVM

19

13

Connecting the USB Cable

20

14

Default Jumper Settings (PGA309_Test_Board)

21

15

Default Jumper Settings (USB-DAQ-Platform)

22

16

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Registers Tab

26

17

PGA309EVM-USB Software: EEPROM Tab

27

18

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Block Diagram

28

19

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Auto Calibrate Tab— Sensor Definition

29

20

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Sensor Emulator Control Panel Tool

30

21

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Auto Calibrate Tab— PGA Setup

31

22

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Auto Calibrate Tab— Two-Point Calibration and Linearization

32

23

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Auto Calibrate Tab— Temperature Error Compensation

33

24

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Auto Calibrate Tab— Post Cal Error Check

34

25

PGA309EVM-USB Software: Auto Calibrate Tab— DMM Options

35

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SBOU084 –February 2010

PGA309EVM-USB

1

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Copyright © 2010, Texas Instruments Incorporated

 

 

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Texas Instruments PGA309EVM-USB manual

PGA309EVM-USB specifications

The Texas Instruments PGA309EVM-USB is an Evaluation Module designed specifically for the PGA309 Precision Analog Front End (AFE) family. This versatile and powerful device serves various applications in the realm of sensor signal conditioning, particularly for pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and other analog sensors requiring high precision.

One of the main features of the PGA309EVM-USB is its high-performance PGA309 device, which incorporates a programmable gain amplifier (PGA) allowing for flexible signal amplification. The PGA309 has a gain range from 1 to 128, enabling it to adapt to a wide array of sensor types and output levels. This flexibility is crucial for achieving optimal performance in diverse applications.

The module also leverages advanced analog and digital processing technologies, which enhance its capabilities. It integrates an onboard microcontroller, allowing users to easily configure settings, execute control algorithms, and manage data acquisition. The built-in USB interface simplifies the communication with a PC, making it straightforward to control the EVM through intuitive software provided by Texas Instruments.

Another significant characteristic of the PGA309EVM-USB is its highly accurate signal conditioning features, such as offset and gain calibration, which ensure minimized errors and improved measurement reliability. The device supports a variety of digital output configurations, including I2C and SPI, to allow easy integration into different system architectures.

In addition to its robust signal processing core, the PGA309EVM-USB is designed with user-friendly interfaces, making it suitable for both experienced engineers and those new to sensor design. The comprehensive software toolkit offers a graphical user interface (GUI) that enables real-time monitoring and adjustment of parameters, ensuring users can optimize their applications.

Furthermore, the device is designed for functionality in harsh environments, incorporating features to withstand temperature variations and electrical noise. This reliability adds value for applications in industrial automation, automotive systems, and medical devices.

In summary, the Texas Instruments PGA309EVM-USB stands out as a powerful tool for engineers looking to design and prototype high-precision sensor signal conditioning applications. With its programmable gain amplifier, advanced processing capabilities, and user-friendly interfaces, it represents a significant advancement in the field of analog signal processing, allowing for greater flexibility and accuracy in diverse applications.