Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converter (UFDC-1)

This project has been supported by IFSA

The Universal Frequency-to-Digital Converter (UFDC-1) is a universal 2-channel high precision multifunctional converter based on novel frequency-time conversion methods. It is perfectly suited to any applications where frequency-time parameters but also sensors output signal, have to be measured with highest resolution and programmable accuracy during the non-redundant conversion time and self-adaptive possibilities. The UFDC-1 covers all specified converted range of frequencies and accuracy for modern frequency-time domain sensors.

The UFDC-1 is a complex fully digital CMOS integrated circuit (IC). By using this IC it is possible to build a wide variety of digital, smart sensors and intelligent sensor systems. The device achieves a high-resolution conversion for data acquisition systems designed to support all range of frequency-time domain and digital sensor applications. It offers high performance with flexibility and requires a minimum of external components. It  can be easy included into digital environment, controlled by an external microcontroller or work independently as a separate measuring unit without an external control. The function selection can be configured in both software and hardware. The IC converts frequency-time domain signals into digital domain and provides interface to microcontroller, DAQ or sensor system to read these digital results.

The UFDC-1 can measure the following frequency-time parameters of signals:

• Frequency, f_x1 0.05 Hz – 7.5 MHz directly and up to 120 MHz with prescaling

• Period, T_x1 150 ns – 20 s

• Phase shift, 0 - 360⁰ at f_xmax = 500 kHz at 50 % duty-cycle

• Time interval between start – and stop-pulse, t_x 2µs – 250 s

• Duty-cycle, D.C. 0 – 1 at f_xmax < 500 kHz for 40-60 % duty-cycle

• Duty-off factor, Q 10^-8 – 8^.10⁶ at f_xmax < 500 kHz

• Frequency difference, f_x1 – f_x2 with sign recognition, 0 – 7.5 MHz

• Period difference, T_x1 – T_x2 with sign recognition, 0 – 20 s

• Frequency ratio, f_x1/f_x2 7 ^.10^-9 – 1.4 ^. 10⁸

• Period ratio, T_x1/T_x2 7.5 ^. 10^-9 – 1.33 ^. 10⁸

• Rotation speed, n_x = (f_x ^. 60)/Z, where Z is the number of modulation rotor gradations

• Pulse width, t_p 2µs – 250 s

• Space interval, t_s 2µs – 250 s

• Pulse number (events) counting, N_x 0 – 4^.10⁹

The UFDC-1 can also work with voltage and current output sensors. It this case, any voltage–to-frequency converter (VFC) can be used. The accuracy of such system will be determined by sensor accuracy as well as by VFC accuracy. 

Features:

• 16 measuring modes

• Provides interfacing for many types of frequency-time domain sensors and transducers

• Frequency range from 0.05 Hz up to 7.5 MHz (at 40-50 % duty-cycle for f_xmax) without prescaling and 120 MHz with prescaling

• Programmable accuracy (relative error) for frequency (period) conversion from 1 % up to 0.001 % for rectangular waveform input pulse signals

• Relative quantization error is constant in all specified frequency range

• Non-redundant conversion time

• Internal reference clock 500 kHz, 16 MHz @ 16MHz quartz oscillator

• Quartz-accurate automated calibration 

• Simple 3-wire serial interface (SPI compatible)

• 2-wire interface (I²C compatible)

• Two direction RS-232/485 serial interface

• Master and slave communication modes for RS-232/485

• Frequency generator mode f_osc/2 = 16 MHz / 2 = 8 MHz with quartz crystal stability

• Single power supply 4.5 – 5.5 V

• Current consumption at 16 MHz, 5V, 25 ⁰C below 20 mA

• Operating temperature range (- 40 ⁰C to + 85 ⁰C)

• Package Type: 28-lead Plastic Dual Inline Package (PDIP) and compact 32-lead TQFP (on request)

Potential market applications: Measuring and Sensor Instrumentation, Automotive Industry

Collaboration sought: Financial support; Licence agreement, Joint venture agreement, Dealers and distributors agreements, Marketing agreement; Manufacturing agreement, Other

Prof., Dr., Nikolay V. KIRIANAKI

IFSA President,

Tel.: +380 322 762971

Fax: +380 322 971641

E-mail: ifsa@sensorsportal.com

http://www.sensorsportal.com/HTML/E-SHOP/PRODUCTS_4/UFDC_1.htm