Serial To Parallel Converter

This converter may help if just the serial port on a personal computer is free, whereas the printer needs a parallel (Centronics) port. It converts a serial 2400 baud signal into a parallel signal. The TxD line, pin 3, CTS line, pin 8 and the DSR line, pin 6, of the serial port are used - see diagram. The CTS and DSR signals enable handshaking to be implemented. Since the computer needs real RS232 levels, an adaptation from TTL to RS232 is provided in the converter by a MAX232. This is an integrated level converter that transforms the single +5V supply into a symmetrical ±12V one.



The serial-to-parallel conversion is effected by IC1. This is essentially a programmed PIC controller that produces a Centronics compatible signal from a 2400 baud serial signal (eight data bits, no parity, one stop bit). The IC also generates the requisite control signals. If there is a delay on the Centronics port, the RS232 bitstream from the computer may be stopped via the Flow signal (pin 17). This ensures that no data is lost. The controller needs a 4 MHz ceramic resonator, X1.

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4 Bit Analogue to Digital Converter

The operation of the converter is based on the weighted adding and transferring of the analogue input levels and the digital output levels. It consists of comparators and resistors. In theory, the number of bits is unlimited, but each bit needs a comparator and several coupling resistors. The diagram shows a 4-bit version. The value of the resistors must meet the following criteria:

• R1:R2 = 1:2;
• R3:R4:R5 = 1:2:4;
• R6:R7:R8:R9 = 1:2:4:8.

The linearity of the converter depends on the degree of precision of the value of the resistors with respect to the resolution of the converter, and on the accuracy of the threshold voltage of the comparators. This threshold level must be equal, or nearly so, to half the supply voltage. Moreover, the comparators must have as low an output resistance as possible and as high an input resistance with respect to the load resistors as feasible. Any deviation from these requirements affects the linearity of the converter adversely.

Circuit diagram:

4-Bit Analogue to Digital Converter Circuit Diagram

If the value of the resistors is not too low, the use of inverters with an FET (field-effect transistor) input leads to a near-ideal situation. In the present converter, complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) inverters are used, which, in spite of their low gain, give a reasonably good performance. If standard comparators are used, take into account the output voltage range and make sure that the potential at their non-inverting inputs is set to half the supply voltage. If high accuracy is a must, comparators Type TLC3074 or similar should be used. This type has a totem-pole output. The non-inverting inputs should be interlinked and connected to the tap of a a divider consisting of two 10 kΩ resistors across the supply lines. It is essential that the converter is driven by a low-resistance source. If necessary, this can be arranged via a suitable op amp input buffer. The converter draws a current not exceeding 5 mA.

Source :www.extremecircuits.net

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Frequency to Voltage Converter Circuit

IC LM2917 Frequency to Voltage Converter

IC LM2917 IC chip is designed specifically as a Frequency to Voltage Converter or Frequency to Voltage converter. In its use to applications Frequency to Voltage Converter IC LM2917 requires few external components. 

There are several examples of applications of Frequency to Voltage Converter IC LM2917 datasheet that is included in the LM2917 IC. In this article series Frequency to Voltage Converter IC also taken from the LM2917 datasheet. The advantages of single chip LM2917 Frequency to Voltage Converter is able to provide instantaneous volt output o at time of frequency change 0 Hz. Very easy to apply in measuring the output frequency with the formulation of single-chip Frequency to Voltage Converter VOUT = FIN x VCC x R1 x C1.

Then the single-chip LM2917 Frequency to Voltage Converter This configuration requires only the RC only in frequency doubling. And has an internal zener regulator to aimlessly accuracy and stability in frequency-to-voltage conversion process.

Application circuit Figure IC LM2917 as Frequency to Voltage Converter

Feature-owned single-chip LM2917 Frequency to Voltage Converter

Reference to ground directly with variable reluctance

Op Amp / Comparator with transistor output

50 mA maximum output currents for application directly to the load

Frequency doubling for low ripel

Buid in zener

Linear output ± 0.3%

Application single chip LM2917 Frequency to Voltage Converter

Frequency to Voltage Converter

Rotation speed sensor applications

Speedometer

Tachometer

Cruise Control

Cluth Control

And other applications associated with the measurement of rotation speed or frequency measurements.

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