1. EachPod

MEP EP#287: Biased For Arduino

Author
MacroFab, Inc.
Published
Thu 29 Jul 2021
Episode Link
https://share.transistor.fm/s/d12c6443

MEP EP#287: Biased For Arduino

Bias Test System



  • Got the first board built and installed on an arduino

  • First tests were a success

  • Arduino library - works “first” time



  • 2.5V reference voltage


    • MCP1501T-25E/CHY

    • 0.1% initial accuracy

    • 50ppm drift

    • I have measured a handful of these at work and have found the output to be within this range - 2.498



  • Arduinos and USB are noisy

  • Resistive measurements via constant current


    • Opamp driven constant current source

    • 1mA output current measured @ 1.001mA with a 1k resistor

    • Output current is somewhat load dependent - higher at higher resistance values

    • Possibly should have gone with a parallel opamp config



  • Validation


    • Voltages seem to be reading well.

    • 0 to 300V was within 1% of meter

    • Small “offset” reading


      • This is due to input buffer amp offset.


        • Datasheet calls out 125 as typical and 750 as max



      • I have seen the 100 to 400uV range

      • Will calibrate out



    • When doing a simple offset correction I can get 0.00000X readings

    • For resistive measurements there is a strange gain offset error

    • Verified the current and voltage but the readings to not match up

    • About 1.7% low for all readings



  • What is next


    • Finish validating the hardware with better standards and meters

    • Merge the scipi and ads1256 library

    • Make the gui

    • Profit




Gripes about arduino



  • When do you bite the bullet and fix a problem?


    • Pin header

    • Mounting holes



  • Solution….


    • Custom pin header

    • Custom plastic “sled”




Supply chain oddities



  • Surprisingly Linear Tech devices are in stock but not Analog Devices?

  • Working on that Linear Tech Automotive power supply design

  • LT8672

Share to: