Freescale Semiconductor MC9328MX1 Embedded Processor Application Note

Below you will find brief information for MC9328MX1. This document details how to implement a battery voltage detection circuit using the i.MX1 (MC9328MX1) device's auxiliary input channel. It describes the necessary external components, such as analog switches and a potential divider, and explains the software algorithm for calibration and measurement. With an accuracy of approximately ±20mV in the 3V–4.2V range, this solution provides a robust method for monitoring battery levels in embedded applications.

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Freescale Semiconductor
Application Note
Document Number: AN2412
Rev. 1, 08/2005
Battery Voltage Detection Using the i.MX1
MC9328MX1
By: Cliff Wong
1
Abstract
In the ADC portion of the ASP module there is an
auxiliary input channel (U-channel) that can be used for
low voltage measurement. It is possible to use it to build
a battery voltage detection circuit with an accuracy of
approximately &plusmn;20mV at the 3V–4.2V range.
This document applies to the MC9328MX1 device,
called i.MX1 throughout.
2
Circuit Description
A small number of external components are required to
use the ADC to measure battery voltage. The circuit
shown in Figure 1 is composed of three analog switches
that are controlled by the programmed GPIO lines of the
i.MX1. As each input switch is enabled, its value is
sampled and then disabled so the next signal and be
switched on and measured.
&copy; Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., 2005. All rights reserved.
Contents
1
2
3
4
Abstract . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circuit Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Software Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Revision History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1
1
2
3
Software Description
To Battery
6k
4k
2 to 4 Mux
1.8 V
UIP
GPIOs
GND
UIN
Figure 1. Suggested Battery Voltage Detection Circuit Diagram
There are three signals (battery voltage, 1.8V reference, and 0V reference or ground) gated to the
U-channel by three analog switches; the MC74HC4066 is the recommended choice for the analog switch.
The 1.8V and 0V sources are used to calibrate the reference points for the ADC. From the sample values
of these references the software determines the mapping curve of input voltage to output samples.
Because the input to the ADC cannot exceed 1.8V, it cannot be directly connected to the battery. A
potential divider circuit must be used to reduce the battery signal presented to the UIP channel. For
example, a lithium battery has a voltage range of approximately 3V to 4.2V, so a divider ratio of 3:2 is
adequate to develop a voltage less than 1.8V. The total resistance of the divider circuit may range from a
few kilo-ohms to 10k ohms. Low tolerance type resistors are recommended for use in the divider, to
minimize any error introduced by software.
NOTE
Because the analog switches are controlled by GPIO lines from the i.MX1
using an optional 2-to-4 decoder is recommend to reduce the number of
GPIO lines needed to control the three switches.
3
Software Description
This section provides a high-level description of the software algorithm used to determine the battery
voltage levels. The process involves two parts: calibration and battery voltage measurement.
• Calibration—Each of the two reference input voltages (1.8V and 0V) should be sampled to
generate a mean value. It is recommended that all three signals be sampled 12 times to enhance the
accuracy of the readings. Each set of the 12 FIFO data is used to generate a mean sample value.
With the value for 1.8V point and 0V point established, the slope and offset of the mapping can be
calculated. These calculations are based on the assumption that the ADC is linear over the range.
Battery Voltage Detection Application Note, Rev. 1
2
Freescale Semiconductor
Revision History
•
Battery voltage measurement—Before each measurement of the battery voltage the switch to
control the battery voltage must be turned on and a delay of approximately 100 ms is required for
the battery voltage to become stable. To calculate the battery voltage use the following equation:
Voltage = ((Sample - Offset) / Slope) * Scaler
Eqn. 1
Where offset is the sample value for 0V input and scaler is the potential
divider ratio (2.5 in this example).
4
Revision History
Table 1 shows the revision history of this document.
Table 1. Revision History
Rev.
Author
Description
0
Cliff Wong
Initial Version
1
Dave Mejia
Applied Freescale template.
Battery Voltage Detection Application Note, Rev. 1
Freescale Semiconductor
3
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Document Number: AN2412
Rev. 1
08/2005
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Hello! I've thoroughly reviewed the Freescale Semiconductor Application Note AN2412, which details how to perform battery voltage detection using the i.MX1 (MC9328MX1) device. This document covers the circuit design with minimal external components and the software algorithm for calibration and measurement, promising an accuracy of approximately ±20mV for 3V–4.2V batteries. I'm ready to answer any questions you have about the MC9328MX1's capabilities in this application.

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Key features

Battery voltage detection for i.MX1
Utilizes ADC auxiliary input channel (U-channel)
Accuracy of approximately ±20mV (3V–4.2V range)
Requires minimal external components (analog switches, potential divider)
Controlled by i.MX1 programmed GPIO lines
Software-based calibration using 1.8V and 0V references
Supports lithium battery voltage range

Frequently asked questions

This application note describes how to build a battery voltage detection circuit using the i.MX1 (MC9328MX1) device's auxiliary input channel, achieving an accuracy of approximately ±20mV in the 3V–4.2V range.

The circuit requires a small number of external components, including three analog switches (MC74HC4066 is recommended), a potential divider circuit (resistors), and 1.8V and 0V reference sources.

A potential divider circuit is necessary because the ADC input cannot exceed 1.8V, and the battery voltage (e.g., 3V to 4.2V for a lithium battery) must be reduced to a voltage less than 1.8V before being fed to the ADC.

The software calculates the battery voltage using the equation: Voltage = ((Sample - Offset) / Slope) * Scaler. 'Offset' is the sample value for 0V input, and 'Scaler' is the potential divider ratio.