AMS TDC-GP30 - User Manual

Quick Start Guide
QG000115
TDC-GP30
DEV-KIT
Ordering Code: GP30-DEV-KIT / GP30-DEV-KIT-F01
v2-00 • 2019-Feb-26

Summary

Out of the Box

Software Installation

Connect Hardware

Start the Application

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
3. Maintenance Features

This document is a Quick Start Guide for the TDC-GP30 DEV-KIT, identified by ordering codes GP30-DEV-KIT and GP30-DEV-KIT-F01, with version v2-00, dated 2019-Feb-26. It provides essential instructions for setting up and using the evaluation kit, focusing on initial steps to get the device operational.

The TDC-GP30 DEV-KIT is an evaluation kit designed to facilitate the development and testing of applications based on the TDC-GP30, a Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) integrated circuit. Its primary function is to provide a platform for users to experiment with the TDC-GP30 in a practical environment, allowing for the measurement of time-of-flight (TOF) and other related parameters. This kit is particularly useful for applications requiring high-precision time measurements, such as ultrasonic flow meters, distance measurement, and other industrial or scientific instrumentation.

Function Description:

The core function of the TDC-GP30 DEV-KIT revolves around enabling users to interact with and evaluate the TDC-GP30 chip. This involves providing the necessary hardware interfaces and software tools to configure the chip, acquire data, and analyze measurement results. The kit is designed to simplify the process of integrating the TDC-GP30 into custom applications by offering a ready-to-use development environment.

At its heart, the kit allows for the precise measurement of time intervals. This is crucial for applications like ultrasonic flow metering, where the difference in time-of-flight of ultrasonic pulses traveling with and against the flow is used to determine the fluid velocity. The TDC-GP30 chip itself is capable of very high resolution time measurements, and the DEV-KIT provides the means to harness this capability.

The kit includes a PICOPROG V3.0, which serves as both a programmer and an interface between the development kit module and a personal computer. This programmer is essential for flashing firmware onto the TDC-GP30 and for establishing a communication link for data exchange and control. The GP30-DEV KIT MODULE, based on the TDC-GP30 in a QFN32 package, is the central component where the actual time measurements are performed. It provides the necessary circuitry and connections to interface with external transducers, such as piezoelectric elements used in ultrasonic applications.

The software accompanying the kit, referred to as the GP30 Frontpanel software, is a critical part of its functionality. This application allows users to configure the TDC-GP30 chip's various parameters, initiate measurements, and visualize the results. It provides a graphical user interface (GUI) that simplifies complex register settings and data acquisition processes. The software also handles the loading of initial configurations, ensuring the chip operates correctly for specific applications, such as those involving 1MHz transducers.

Usage Features:

The TDC-GP30 DEV-KIT is designed for ease of use, guiding developers through a straightforward setup process.

1. Out-of-the-Box Experience: The kit contents are clearly defined, including the PICOPROG V3.0 programmer, the GP30-DEV KIT MODULE, and a USB cable. This ensures users can quickly identify all necessary components. A detailed User Guide (UG000292) is referenced for comprehensive information, indicating that this Quick Start Guide focuses on immediate operational steps.

2. Software Installation: A crucial first step is the installation of the provided software. The guide emphasizes installing the software before connecting the hardware to prevent potential driver conflicts with the operating system. The installation process involves downloading and unzipping the software package, then running a setup.exe file. The software package includes necessary files like bin, license, supportfiles, and setup.ini.

3. Firmware Management: The software plays a vital role in managing the PICOPROG's firmware. Upon initial connection to the USB port, the PICOPROG may be listed as an "unprogrammed" device. Starting the GP30 Frontpanel software automatically downloads a special firmware (e.g., PicoProgFW_GP30_v21.hex or higher) into the PICOPROG, which then re-identifies as "UNIPRO." This automated firmware update ensures compatibility and proper communication between the programmer and the development kit.

4. Hardware Connection: The guide provides clear instructions and schematic representations for connecting the hardware components.

   • The PICOPROG V3.0 connects to the computer via a USB cable.
   • The PICOPROG V3.0 then connects to the GP30-DEV KIT MODULE using an enclosed cable, utilizing DB15 interfaces. This establishes the communication link between the PC, the programmer, and the TDC-GP30 chip.
   • Users are instructed to connect their spool piece (transducers) to the US_UP(U) and US_DOWN(D) terminals on the development kit. This is where the ultrasonic pulses are transmitted and received.
   • Optionally, external temperature sensors can be connected to the PTHOT(H) and PTCOLD(C) terminals, allowing for temperature compensation in measurements, which is often critical for accurate flow metering.

5. Application Startup and Configuration:

   • After hardware connections, the GP30 Frontpanel software is launched. The communication status indicators (e.g., "Comm. with GP30 OK?") should turn green, confirming successful communication with both the PICOPROG and the GP30 chip.
   • Troubleshooting steps are provided for communication issues, including checking USB drivers, USB ports, and pressing "System Reset" on the GP30.
   • A key feature is the ability to load an initial configuration file (e.g., GP30Y_config_default_03.cfg). This file contains predefined settings for the TDC-GP30, tailored for specific applications (e.g., 1MHz transducers). Users can locate and open this file from the installation folder.
   • The "Write Config" button downloads the loaded configuration into the GP30, preparing it for measurements.

6. Measurement Execution and Data Display:

   • Once configured, users can initiate measurements by pressing "Start Measurement" in the software.
   • The software then displays measurement results in a tabular format, showing "Time of Flight Measurement" data. This includes various TOF values (TOF SUM AVG UP, TOF SUM AVG DOWN, TOF1 UP, TOF1 DOWN, etc.), their averages, and standard deviations. This detailed output allows for comprehensive analysis of the time measurements.
   • The interface also includes options to "Write TOF Values to File," "Open TOF Graph," and display "Pulse Width Ratio UP" and "Pulse Width Ratio DOWN," providing tools for data logging and visualization.

Maintenance Features:

While the Quick Start Guide primarily focuses on initial setup and usage, it implicitly touches upon aspects that contribute to the kit's maintainability and troubleshooting:

• Software Updates: The emphasis on downloading the "latest software installation package" suggests that ams AG provides updates, which can include bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features. Keeping the software updated is a key maintenance practice for optimal performance.
• Firmware Updates: The automatic firmware download to the PICOPROG when the software starts ensures that the programmer is always running a compatible and up-to-date firmware version. This simplifies maintenance by removing the need for manual firmware flashing for the programmer itself.
• Troubleshooting Guidance: The guide includes specific troubleshooting steps for common issues, such as communication failures with the PICOPROG or GP30. This includes checking USB drivers, USB ports, and using the "System Reset" function on the GP30. These instructions empower users to diagnose and resolve minor issues independently.
• Watchdog Management: The software interface includes "Disable Watchdog" and "Enable Watchdog" functions. The guide advises disabling the watchdog in certain scenarios to prevent the firmware from restarting the GP30, which is a crucial maintenance consideration during development and debugging.
• Configuration Management: The ability to load and save configuration files (.cfg) allows users to easily restore known good configurations or switch between different application setups. This is a valuable maintenance feature for managing complex projects and ensuring consistent device behavior.
• Documentation and Support: The guide directs users to the User Guide (UG000292) for "detailed description" and points to ams AG's website for "Technical Support," "Document-Feedback," and "sales offices, distributors and representatives." This comprehensive support infrastructure is vital for long-term maintenance and problem-solving.
• Data Logging: The "Write TOF Values to File" feature allows users to log measurement data, which can be crucial for debugging, performance analysis, and long-term monitoring of the system's behavior. This data can be used to identify trends, anomalies, or degradation over time, aiding in predictive maintenance or fault isolation.

In summary, the TDC-GP30 DEV-KIT is a robust and user-friendly platform for developing and evaluating applications based on the TDC-GP30 chip. It provides a complete ecosystem of hardware and software tools, designed to streamline the development process for high-precision time measurement applications. The guide ensures that users can quickly get started, configure their device, and begin acquiring meaningful data, while also providing pathways for troubleshooting and ongoing support.

AMS TDC-GP30 Specifications

General

Type	Time-to-Digital Converter
Manufacturer	ams
Interface	SPI
Package	QFN-32
Number of Channels	4
Operating Temperature	-40°C to 125°C