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Analysis Mode

The number of codes used in the calculation is selectable in Configuration mode.

Averaged: In this mode, a number of codes are collected, and the average is calculated. The result can

be displayed in decimal codes or volts. (Hexadecimal is not available because the result may be

fractional.) Volts are calculated as in raw mode.

The number of codes used in the calculation is selectable in Configuration mode.

3.3 Progress Graph

The row of apostrophes at the top of the display are used to indicate measurement progress. In Raw

mode, the apostrophe moves across the display when data is being received from the converter.

In block collection modes, the apostrophes form a bar graph. As the collection of a block proceeds, the

bar graph increases. When the bar graph reaches all the way to the right, the new result is generated and

collection restarts.

3.4 Configuration

To enter Configuration mode, press the PARM buttons simultaneously. The four buttons then assume the

functions shown in the CONFIG box. To exit Configuration mode, press the PARM buttons simultaneously

again. This operation does not cause parameters to be adjusted; only button releases are detected in

Configuration mode.

Configuration mode contains a number of adjustable parameters. To scroll through the available

parameters, use the PARM buttons. To change the parameter values, use the VALUE buttons.

Some items in configuration mode are not parameters, but commands or gateways to a submenu. These

items are labelled as words with a question mark. To enter these items or to execute the command, press

SEL or ENT.

Although a few of the parameters in the Analysis and Scale configuration menus are the same, the

settings are kept separate between the modes.

Table 5 summarizes the available parameters.

Table 5. Parameters in Analysis Mode

Parameter Display Value Range Description

Averages AVG= 2–128 Number of points for average,

peak-to-peak, and RMS modes

Voltage Reference VREF= 0.5–5.0 Voltage used in various

calculations

Power-down mode PDWN? — Power-down mode; see text

Save parameters SAVE? — Save parameters; see text

Version number V1.0.0 — Firmware version number display

3.4.1 Parameters

Averages: Number of points to use in Averaged, RMS noise, and Peak-Peak calculations. The choices

available are 2, 4, 8, 10, 16, 32, 50, 64, and 128. The default setting is 50.

Voltage reference: To convert voltages to codes, the ADS1x31REF requires the voltage reference level.

Since this level cannot be measured, it must be selected manually. This parameter allows the reference

level to be set.

Each digit of the voltage reference is selected and adjusted separately. Use the PARM buttons to select a

digit, and the VALUE buttons to adjust it. The selected digit flashes.

This parameter does not affect the actual voltage reference used. If it is incorrect, voltage calculations will

be wrong. The voltage reference is typically the +5V rail; the default value for this parameter is 5.0V.

SBAU175A–July 2010–Revised August 2011 ADS1131REF and ADS1231REF

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Using the PC Software

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Power-down mode: When ENT or SEL is pressed on this screen, the ADS1x31REF causes the installed

ADS device to enter power-down mode. This action occurs by pulling the PDWN line low. While the

PDWN line is low, the display reads POWER DN. When a button is pressed from this display, the

ADS1x31REF powers the converter on and returns to the analysis display, exiting configuration mode.

This mode can be used to test the current consumption of the board when the installed ADS device is

powered down.

Version number: This screen displays the version number of the ADS1x31REF firmware.

4 Using the PC Software

The ADS1x31REF is supplied with software that performs various analyses on data received from the

board via the USB connection. It also provides a means of recording received data to a file.

The program currently runs only on a Microsoft Windows

platform. In Windows, the program

communicates with the ADS1x31REF using a virtual COM port driver that causes the USB connection to

appear to Windows as a normal serial port. The necessary driver is installed with the EVM software.

4.1 Installation and Setup

The ADS1x31REF software is distributed in an installer program called

ADS1x3x-setup-withLVRT-1.3.0.exe (the version number in the file name may differ), distributed on the

CD-ROM or available from Texas Instruments. To install the software, execute this program. The program

guides you through the installation process.

Note the following points:

• The installer installs two packages: the ADS1x3xREF program itself, and the TI Virtual COM Port

driver.

• If any version of the ADS1x3xREF program is already installed, the installer uninstalls it and quits. You

must run the installer again to complete the installation.

• If the Virtual COM Port driver is already installed, the installer offers to uninstall it. Do not uninstall it;

cancel this part of the installation.

The installer displays messages reminding you of these points.

4.1.1 First Time Connection of the ADS1x3xREF

If the ADS1x31REF has never been connected to your computer before, Windows detects the device as

unknown hardware and takes you through a series of dialogs to install the correct driver. Accept the

default settings; the driver is present and only needs to be copied to the correct location. If the driver is

successfully installed, Windows does not issue this prompt again.

On some computers, if the board is connected to a different USB port, the operating system detects the

board as new hardware. If this action occurs, proceed through the new hardware dialogs as usual, and

allow Windows to reinstall the driver.

4.2 The Display

The ADS1x31REF software has a single display; see Figure 6 for a typical display. The major elements of

the display discussed next.

Strip chart: This feature displays a scrolling graph of data received from the board.

Histogram: A sliding histogram of data received from the board is also displayed. The number of points

used in the analysis is adjustable.

DC analysis section: The results of RMS noise analysis, peak-to-peak analysis, and a running voltage

number are shown in this section. The number of analysis points and the reference voltage used for

voltage calculations are also adjustable here.

Recording section: This feature controls recording of data to a file.

Device control section: This section allows device parameters to be adjusted.

ADS1131REF and ADS1231REF SBAU175A–July 2010–Revised August 2011

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Using the PC Software

Status display: This display shows messages indicating the current state of the program.

Acquire button: This button starts and stops the running acquisition of data.

4.3 Starting the Program

When the program launches, a screen similar to that shown in Figure 6 appears. Immediately after launch,

the program searches all available serial ports for the board. To do this step, it opens every available

serial port in turn, testing it to see if there is an ADS1x31REF connected. The program uses the first

ADS1x31REF it finds. Note that the title block displays the name of the board found. Figure 6 shows the

board found as the ADS1231REF. If the ADS1131REF is connected, the title shows ADS1131REF.

Figure 6. ADS1231REF PC Software Display

Although this procedure is conceptually simple, it may not go as smoothly as expected. The following

process ensures that the board is found correctly. Note that Steps 1–3 can be done in any order.

Step 1. Apply power to the ADS1x31REF.

Step 2. Plug in the USB connector.

Step 3. Start the program.

Step 4. Watch the status display. It reads Scanning followed by the name of the serial port being

tested. When the board is found, the display reads Idle. Until a board is found, the display

cycles through every port, spending approximately one second on each port.

Once the board is detected, the program enters Idle mode and is ready for use.

NOTE: If the board is never detected, it is still possible (and safe) to exit the program during the

search process. If the board does not respond, pressing the USB Reset switch (SW1) may

help.

SBAU175A–July 2010–Revised August 2011 ADS1131REF and ADS1231REF

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Part #	897-43-004-90-000000
Description	CONN RECEPT USB TYPE B PCB
Category	SOCKET
Availability	Out of Stock
Qty	0

897-43-004-90-000000

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