Mixed Signal PICtail™ Demo
Board User’s Guide
2004 Microchip Technology Inc.
DS51523A-page 9
Chapter 2. Installation and Operation
2.1
INTRODUCTION
The Mixed Signal PICtail™ Demo Board demonstrates several Microchip analog
products in a signal chain configuration. The product families demonstrated include
DACs, ADCs, V
REF
s, LDOs and PICmicro
®
microcontroller devices. Evaluating
precision analog products for specific applications can be challenging due to noise
sources related to the PCB layout and not the silicon under evaluation. The Mixed Signal
PICtail™ Demo Board provides the necessary hardware and firmware to exercise each
of these devices in real-world applications. Users can quickly modify the existing
hardware and firmware to validate functionality for their specific system needs.
2.2
FEATURES
The Mixed Signal PICtail™ Demo Board has the following features:
• Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is a 4-layer board designed to minimize external
noise
• A 28-pin PICmicro (PIC16F767) microcontroller footprint is provided to permit
code development. In-Circuit Debugger is supported via the RJ11 connector
• The 14-pin header is designed to seamlessly interface to the PICkit™ 1 Flash
Starter Kit
• Firmware demonstrating DTMF generation on the MCP492X/482X DAC is
included
• Firmware demonstrating a precision sine-wave generation on the TC132X DAC is
included
• Firmware to configure and read the MCP330X/320X SAR ADCs is included
• Two precision voltage references (V
REF
s) are supported (can compare noise)
• Flexible amplifier circuit layout supports a dual op amp in multiple configurations
for either an input signal filter (ADC) or an output signal-conditioning stage for the
DACs
• Four DIP switches allow simple firmware mode selection are supported
• Two indicator LEDs (red and green) are supported
• Can be powered by either the PICkit™ 1 Flash Starter Kit or by an external 9V
supply
2.3
GETTING STARTED
The Mixed Signal PICtail™ Demo Board is assembled and tested for evaluation and
demonstration of the MCP492X, MCP482X, TC132X, MCP3551, MCP3302,
MCP3204, MCP1541, MCP1701, PIC16F767 and MCP617 features. Additional
product samples with footprints supported by this board are included. A block diagram
of the demo board is shown in Figure 2-1. Refer to
Appendix A. “Schematics and
Layouts”
and
Appendix B. “Bill-Of-Materials (BOM)”
for more detailed circuit
information.