Texas Instruments TPL0501EVM, User Manual, Page: 2 / 15

Features
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1 Features
• Works with low cost MSP430 based LaunchPad platform
• Simple GUI to control EVM
•
EVM can be operate two different modes
– Adjustable Voltage reference mode
– Variable gain mode
• Board is entirely powered by USB
2 Introduction
The TPL0501 is a single channel, linear-taper digital potentiometer with 256 wiper positions. This device
can be used as a three-terminal potentiometer or as a two-terminal rheostat. The TPL0501 has an end
– to-end resistance of 100k Ω . The internal registers of the TPL0501 can be accessed using a
SPI-compatible interface. The TPL0501 has a nominal temperature coefficient of 35ppm/ ° C. The TPL0501
is available in an 8-pin SOT-23 and 8-microQFN package with a specified temperature range of – 40 ° C to
125 ° C.
The TPL0501EVM is designed to operate with the Texas Instruments LaunchPad (MSP-EXP430G2). The
TPL0501EVM come with a preprogrammed MSP430G2553 microcontroller which is to be inserted in the
DIP socket on the LaunchPad. The LaunchPad can be separately purchased at
www.ti.com/launchpad .
The TPL0501EVM has two different evaluation modes:
Mode 1 – Adjustable voltage reference mode – in this mode the TPL0501 is used in conjunction with an
LMV321 op amp as an adjustable voltage reference circuit.
Mode 2 – Variable gain mode – in this mode the TPL0501is configured as part of a variable gain
non-inverting amplifier. The gain of the amplifier can be controlled by a digital interface. This mode can be
used to evaluate the bandwidth of the TPL0501.
The EVM is operated by connecting the LaunchPad to a PC that has Windows ™ (with .NET) via the USB
Port. Other standard lab equipment such as Signal generator, multimeter, spectrum analyzer etc may be
required for detailed analysis of the TPL0501 performance using this EVM.
3 Mode Selection
To setup any of these two modes, begin by connecting the EVM to the LaunchPad. Note the location of
the VCC and GND pins on headers J1 and J2 on both the LaunchPad and the EVM to ensure correct
installation.
1. Voltage reference mode
Connect pins 1 and 2 of Jumper J7.
Connect pins 1 and 2 of Jumper J5.
Connect the LaunchPad and TPL0501EVM to a computer through the USB connector.
2. Variable Gain mode
Connect pins 2 and 3 of jumper J6.
Connect pins 1 and 2 of jumper J7.
Attach a signal generator to the EXT_IN connector.
Connect the LaunchPad and TPL0501EVM to a computer through the USB connector
2 TPL0501EVM User Guide SLIU007 – September 2011
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