|
elekiter
slsctromi IcsVolume-7, Number 10
October- 1989
Publishor: CR. Chandarana
Ealtor: Surendra lyer
Clreulation: Advertising: J. Dnes
Production: C.N. Mithagari
‘Address:
FLEKTOR ELECTRONICS PVT. LTD.
52. C Proctor Road, Bombay-A00 007 INDIA
Telex: 11) 76661 ELEK IN
OVERSEAS EDITIONS
Elektor Eleetronies
[Publiehing)
‘Down House, Sroombil Road,
CONDON Swi ae
Editor: Lon Seymour
Eloktor san
Route Nationale; Le Sea; LP. 52
159270 Balu Franco
Estors: D'S Meyer
GCP Raederedor!
loko: Varian Gmbh
Slater Strate 26
5100 Aachen = West Gormany
Euitor: £8 Krempetsauer
Elakior PE
Keraieiaia 14
16673 Vouln Athens Gresee
Egor € Xanthoule
Pater Treeioelstrast 24
BYO1 VicBeek= the Netnelancts
dor: PEL Keresmakors
Eleva shop
5 Naseer Pace
Usgbela chsh
Keraoh9 Pakistan
Manager: Zain Abmec
Foneirs & Bonto Lea
AD Estofaniae 3-1
1060 Usbos-Portgat o
Editor: Jaremies Soave
\ngeek SA
Pla Repubiice Ecuador
228016 Meara Spain
Editor: MFerrer
Electronic Press AB
‘6c 5508
14105 Hudcinge ~ Sweden
Editor: Bil Cedrus
nage oars sce pimssen oe pale!
Sty owh pert ov oe: psecion
Printed at : Trupti Offset Bombay 400 012
Copyright ® 1889 Eloktuur B.V.
CONTENTS
Editorial
Can Britain maintain its lead in mobile radio ... 10.05
Special Features.
‘The weather man speaks 10.06
Project Aristotle 10.08
10.10
Computers — an anti-view
‘Components
Anew generation of analogue switches 10.33
om 10.49
ASIC microcontrollers
Practical filter design (8) .. 10.62
Computers
PROJECT: PC as tone generator 1 10.30
PROJECT: Centronics monitor .. 10.46
General Interest
PROJECT: A high grade power unit 10.18
PROJECT: Stereo viewer... 10.26
PROJECT: The digital model train (6) . 10.38
PROJECT: Resonance meter 10.42
Radio & Television
‘Communication receiver front-end filtering, 10.22
Amateur Communication receivers: still a challenge? 10.24
Test & Measurement
Simple transmission line experiments .. 10.32
Information,
Electronics News .... 10.14
Telecom News 10.15
Industry News 10.16
Guide lines:
Corrections ... 10.65
Classified Ads .. 10.66
10.66
Index of advertisers
eo inci atone 1960 10.03,Front cover
Clear compact dises prior
to being metallized are
seen during production at
Numbus Records Ltd,
Britain’s largest manufac-
turer, whose development
of a new laser-mastering
system won the Queen's
Award for Technological
Achievement in 1987.
Producing a cD master
with the Nimbus laser-
mastering system involves
transferring up to 6,000
million bits oF information
(secorded sound) on to a
prepared glass master.
‘This is then transferred to
metal stampers by an elec-
tro-forming process. The
ses are pressed from
clear polycarbonate by
fully automated injection
moulding presses.
CAN BRITAIN MAINTAIN ITS
LEAD IN MOBILE RADIO?
One of the great success stories in the United Kingdom electronics industry over
the past few years has been, and still is, mobile radio. Britain's world lead in this,
field has helped to push the number of two-way mobile radios in the UK to well
over a million, Cellular radios. although they became available only in 1985,
already account for over half that total. And demand keeps growing.
But while demand continues to grow, there are increasing shortages of skilled
engineers and technicians to produce, install and service the equipment.
According to the Federation of Communication Services (FCS), the mobile radio,
market is growing at well over 10 per cent per year, while a survey of its mem-
bers shows that 90 per cent of them need more technical staff. One industry
source estimates that 6,000 more specialist staff will be needed by 1995
‘There are several initiatives that mobile radio firms should make the most of to
demonstrate that mobile radio offers excellent career prospects. These include the
Enterprise and Education Initiative, which aims to strengthen the partnership
between business and education by offering young persons the opportunity of
gaining work experience in both manufacturing and service industries, and teach-
ers the chance to experience business first hand. Another effective way of draw-
ing school-leavers' attention to the radio industry is through the Young Radio
‘Amateur of the Year Award. This is aimed at anyone under 18 who is keen on Drv
radioconstruction or operation, uses radio for a community service, o is involved
in amateur radio in some other way, for instance, a school science project.
One of the main problems in mobile radio is the lack of nationally recognized
qualifications for technicians. Trainees are often attracted to other sectors where
structured training exists. The mobile radio industry itself faces difficulties when
recruiting technicians of indeterminate abilities. Consequently, mobile radio users
suffer because of the varying quality of service they receive.
‘These problems led the Department of Trade and Industry, the Mobile Radio
Users Association (Mua), the Federation of Communications Services and the
Electronics Engineering Association (EF) to start the Radiocommunications
Quality Assurance Scheme, For a company to maintain certification with the
scheme, technicians must be properly trained and qualified. Recognizing this, the
prt and the MRUA earlier this year launched a joint initiative. This resulted in the
Mobile Radio Training Committee (mirc), whose aim is the identification of the
mobile radio community's education and training needs.
‘The dialogue between academics and industry is important, Academics have
expressed the view that business people should participate in planning courses
and helping to provide on-the-job experience. Educators and trainers should be
up-dated by working with businesses, having contact with senior engineers and
experiencing the use of modern equipment,
The activities of the p11, the MRUA, the Pcs and the MRTC are drawing attention to
the importance and growth of mobile radio. The United Kingdom currently has a
Jeading role, but this position is threatened by the shortage of skilled personnel.
‘The Government is doing much to highlight the career opportunities and alleviate
the problems, but the onus must be on business to form a partnership with
education. Packages are required that will attract the people needed, in the
numbers required, and provide them with the necessary skills.
lear ins etozer 969 10.05A HIGH-GRADE POWER UNIT
C. Bolton BSc
These supplies were developed to power experimental electronic
equipment including small RF os
jators and amplifiers. There are
two versions: a single-channel unit and a dual-channel unit in which
the channels may be used independently or in series to give
well-balanced positive and negative rails.
Various circuits may be used to produce a
variable, regulated output voltage:
Chopper cireuits
In these, the current is chopped into pul-
ses which are fed to an energy storage
device to givean outputvoltage. This type
of circuit was discounted for the present
Gesign since the switching involved pro-
duces RF energy which readily interferes
with other equipment
Shunt regulators
These circuits produce a larger current
than is required, and shunt tne unwanted
part away. The shunt regulator is particu-
larly wasteful when the required current
is much smaller than the available cur-
ent, as is frequently the case in ex-
perimental work
Series regulators
These are in essence series resistors that
can be varied to maintain a constant out-
put voltage. Their inefficiency is highest
| Output voltage: 0-25 V fully variable
| Output current: 1.50 max.
| Guirent limit: 5OmAA.A
‘Output resistance: 2ma
‘Output change for 10% mains
change:
ensure a small
current demand on ICI, Transistors Tsand
Ty are connected in parallel with small
emitter resistors to distribute heat dissipa-
tion.
The output voltage of IC) is deter-
mined initially by a reference voltage ap-
plied to its non-inverting input. The
di ot
fc i
S
Fig. 1
10.18 eiateorinaa cabo 1983
Circuit diagram of the single-channel version of the power supply.suman te sanders
tetas
‘ne
Fig. 2. Suggested construction of the high
inverting input is a fixed fraction of the
output voltage supplied by the unit. The
high gain and diiferential operation of IC)
enable the device to vary its output volt-
age such that the voltage difference be-
tween its inputs is almost zero.
‘The reference voltage for [Cr is derived
from constant-current source T) and zener
diode Ds. Components Rs and Cs form a
simple noise filter. Zener diode Ds pro-
duces a smail oif-set voltage to enable the
‘output voltage to go down to zero.
Current limiting on the basis of voltage
feedback is achieved by Ris, 1C2, To, Two
and Ts. The current flow through Rie pro-
duces a voltage across the resistor. Part of
this voltage is selected by potential
divider P2 and Ra, amplified by IC2 and
applied toa trigger circuit around Ts and
T», Normally To is off, but it is turned on
when the output of IC? rises sufficiently
because of a higher load current. This
causes LED Ds to light, indicating current
limiting activity, and Tia to be switched
on. Transistors Ts, Tw and Te now act as
‘an amplifier to draw current through Rs,
which in turn reduces the reference volt”
age to IC and, consequently, the output
voltage.
Power to operate the reference source
and associated circuitry is obtained inde-
pendently of the output supply from Tr
Br: and Cy, together with stabilizing cir-
cuit Ti and Tz. Loading on this supply is
le power unit,
constant until current limiting occurs. The
regulator for this supply thus acts only
against fluctuations on the mains, which
rarely reach 10%, This enables a steady
reference to be obtained fairly simply.
Practical points
Component layout is not critical, but at-
tention must be paid to a number of
points, The can of C2 must be well sleeved
to keep it insulated from the chassis. The
wires carrying the output voltage must be
routed such that they do not form loops
enclosing other components (this is most
likely to happen on the front panel). Ona
similar note, the wires carrying the output
current must be thick enough to prevent
undue heating, and the wire connections
at the output terminals must be made
exactly as shown in the circuit diagram.
‘As to cooling, Ts and Ty must be
mounted on a heat-sink with a thermal
specification not exceeding 0.5 K/W. Re-
member to insulate these transistors elec-
trically from the heat-sink. Transistor
requires only a small heat-sink
Fuses Fz and Fs are intended to protect
the rectifier bridges and the transformers
against failure of the smoothing capacitor.
‘They consist of short lengths of 40 SWG
copper wire: F: between vero-pins on the
circuit hoard, and Fs between tags on a
short length of tag strip, which can be
mounted anywhere convenient to the
transformer leads.
Any type of non-steel cabinet may be
used fo house the power supply. Steel
may be used provided the main transfor-
mer has sufficiently small magnetic leak-
age to avoid magnetizing the steel near
the leads to the inputs of IC2.
‘Constructional deiails of a cabinet that
may be made from aluminium are given
in Fig, 2. No dimensions are given since
these will depend on the components
used for Tr, C2 and the heat-sink. The
L-section is extruded aluminium, which is
available from many DIY suppliers.
Setting up
‘The setting up procedure is concerned en.
tirely with the current limit facility.
1. With the unit switched off, set the out-
put voltage control, Pr, for zero volts, the
current limit control, P2, for maximum
current (maximum resistance), and Ps to
zero resistance.
2. Connect a resistor of about 10 Q, ca-
pable of carrying 1.5 A, across the output
terminals (a length of electric fire spiral
hhas been found useful).
3. Switch on the unit and raise the output
until a current of 1.5 A flows.
4. Adjust Ps so that the current limit warn-
ing light, Ds, is just on.
5. Increase the resistance of Ps until the
letor nls ocr 1989 10.19current drops by between 50 and 100 mA.
as indicated on an ammeter.
6. Reduce the output voltage to zero and
check that the warning light goes out.
7. Raise the output voltage and check that
the warning lamp comes on at 1.5 A.
8. Try to raise the current by raising the
output voltage or reducing the load resis-
tor, and check that there is little rise in
output current.
9. Choose other settings of the current
limit control, and. check that limiting oc-
curs at lower currents. The lower limit
should be between 30 and 50 mA.
10, If at any time the current limit indica-
tor lights, but at less than full brightness,
the limit circuit oscillates because Ps has
been advanced too far and should be re-
adjusted. This is best done by reducing its
value to zero and repeating operations 3,
4and 5.
‘The current limit control can be calibrated
by setting it to maximum, adjusting the
output current to a value required as a
calibration point, and then adjusting the
limit control until limiting just occurs as
indicated by the lamp coming on,
Notes on the use
The output of the single-channel unit is,
floating so that either side, or none, may
bbe grounded. The high degree of regula-
tion is available only direct at the output
terminals of the supply: bear in mind that
six inches of ordinary connecting wire
have a higher resistance than the output
resistance of the unit.
Under near short-circuit conditions,
the current limit may produce a low-level
oscillation on the output voltage. This is
dependent on the reactance of the load,
and is unlikely to be of any consequence
since the supply is not normally used asa
constant-current source.
Dual-channel unit
In the dual-channel unit, channel 1 is es-
sentially the same as the single-channel
unit. The modifications are the addition of
a fine voltage control, Ps,a second current
limit amplifier, ICs, which is operational
only in the balanced mode, and a dis-
charge circuit, Tu, Tz and Tis, which dis-
charges Ce when the voltage setting is
reduiced, enabling the output to follow the
setting closely.
‘Channel 2s similar to channel 1 except
'OHP
Ls.
‘Auxillary circuit for adjusting the
Fig. 4.
PSU.
that it is complementary. For ease of fol-
lowing, the circuit components with an
identical function in channel 1 and the
single-channel version are given the same
reference numbers. Likewise, compo-
nents in channel 2 serving the same func
tion as those in channel 1 are given the
same numbers with prefix ‘9’. Thus, [Ci of
channel 1 becomes ICs) of channel 2. The
complete circuit diagram of the dual-
channel power supply is given in Fig. 3.
The discharge circ!
As the voltage setting is reduced, the out-
put of ICi falls, anc will fall below the
output terminal voltage unless Ci is di
charged. The output voltage of [Ci is d
veloped across i via emitter followers
and Tit. Diode Dio produces a small volt-
age to compensate for additional base-
emitter deop in Darlington transistors Te
and Tz, If the voltage across Ro is lower
than that across Cs, Ti2 is turned on. This
in turn switches T13 on, which discharges
G until the voltage across it is almost
equal to that across Ris when Tz turned
off. Components Dia, Dis and Ros limit the
base current in Tis fo a safe level. Diode
Du prevents the base of Tis being driven
dangerously positive if the voltage setting
is raised suddenly.
Balanced output mode
In the balanced output mode, the oper
ation of channel 1 is unchanged. In chan-
nel 2, the reference voltage is obtained
from the channel 1 reference via the
‘simes-l’ amplifier, ICs. This reference is
compared with %4 of the voltage between
the positive and negative rails produced
by potential divider Rse-Roo
Ifthe current in channel 1 exceeds the
set limit, ICz causes the limit circuit to
operate. If the current in channel 2 ex-
ceeds the limitsetting, the output from ICs
causes the limiter in channel | to operate,
Since both channels use the channel 1 ref
erence, they are limited equally in both
cases. Hence, balance is maintained under
current limiting conditions. Diodes Ds
and Ds prevent competition for limiting
between the channels. The current limit
settings of the two channels are inde-
pendent.
Switching between modes of operation
is accomplished by S:, which is a wafer
switch made up of two 6-pole, 2-way wa-
fers, Relay Re1 is operated by Si to switch
the output current.
Current for the relay coil is obtained
from the channel? AC supply via Dis and.
Cis. This supply also feeds D:, the ‘power-
on’ indicator.
Setting up procedure
With the unit set for independent channel
operation, set the current limit circuits as
described for the single-channel unit. Use
Prand Ps for channel 1, and Psa and Pus for
channel 2,
To adjust the balance, either a digital
voltmeter capable of resolving millivolts
at 25 V and below, or the auxiliary test
circuit shown in Fig. 4, is required. The
PSU must be switched on at least five
minutes before the balance is adjusted.
Turn S2 to balanced operation. Set
channel 1 to about 10 V and adjust Pr so
that channel 2, now the negative rail, also
supplies 10 V.
Setting up with aDVM
11. Set the output voltage to about 19 V
with the aid of the channel 1 control.
32. Connect the digital meter to the + and
terminals. Note the reading.
13. Connect the digital meter to the + and
— terminals, Adjust P? to give the reading
obtained in step 12
14, Reconnect the digital meter to the +
and + terminals. Reduce the output volt-
age to 1.3 V and note the exact reading.
15. Connect the digital meter to the + and
~ terminals. Adjust Ps to give the reading
obtained in step 14
Setting up with the auxiliary test circuit
11, With the 18 V battery in the test circuit
and the multimeter on the 25 V range, con-
nect point X to the + terminal, and point ¥
to the + terminal. Adjust the output volt-
age so that the multimeter reads zero
Change to 100 mV and adjust the output
voltage to give a multimeter reading of
50 mV.
12. Set the multimeter to the 5 V range.
Connect X to the + terminal, and Y to the
= terminal. Adjust P? until the multimeter
reads zero, Change the multimeter range
to 100 mV and adjust Pr to give a reading
of 50 mV.
13. Disconnect the test circuit from the
unit. Replace the 18 V battery by the 1.5 V
cell in the test circuit. Reduce the output
to about 2 V and set the multimeter to the
5 V range. Connect X to the + terminal,
and Y to the + terminal. Adjust the unit
until the multimeter reads zero. Change
the multimeter range to 100 mV and ad-
just the output voltage to give a reading,
of 50 mV,
14, Set the multimeter to the 5 V range
Connect X to the + terminal, and Y to the
= terminal, Adjust Ps so that the
multimeter reads zero. Change the
multimeter range to 100 mV and adjust P+
to give a reading of 50 mV.
Further settings common to both meth-
ods:
16, Repeat steps 11 to 15.
17. Repeat steps 11, 12 and 13. If any ad-
justment of Py is required, steps 14 and 15
must be repeated, followed by steps 11,
12, and 13 and so on until no further ad-
justment is required.
18. Connect the 10 © resistor used for set-
ting the current limit to the + and — termi-
nals. Set the channel 2 current limit
control for maximum current, and adjust
Ps 50 that the channel 1 limit warning
Jamp just comes on when the current in
channel 2 (the negative rail) reaches 1.5 A.
too indi onoder 1982 10.21COMMUNICATION RECEIVER
FRONT-END FILTERING
In communication receivers, whether
intended for general coverage or for ama-
teur bunds only, front-end design has
changed considerably over the years. With
the use of higher intermediate frequencies
(ir) and the availability of high-frequency
(ir) crystal filters, we no longer see the
‘multiple banks of tuned circuits and multi-
gang capacitors
Unfortunately, for most new develop-
‘ments there is a price to pay: the reduction
in pre-mixer selectivity means that any
amplifier preceding the mixer must offer
superlative performance in terms of inter-
modulation distortion and cross modula-
tion. If it does not, the user may get the
impression that the receiver is full of sig~
nals. ‘The old saying that “The wider the
window's open, the more muck blows in”
is very apt here
1 was with these thoughts in mind that
the writer has designed some general-pur-
pose front-end filters for the amateur
bands. If you need more protection up
front when Joe Bloggs just down the road
fires up his 400 watts of sideband, these
filters should help you to listen on the next
adjacent band up or down, You may wish
to incorporate them in your next receiver.
What kind of filter?
Frequency filters fall into four categories:
low-pass (L2), high-pass (iP), band-pass
(B®), and band-stop,
‘The design of a band-pass filter for tel-
atively small bandwidths is not too diffi-
cult, but the difficulty increases exponen-
ly with increasing bandwidth!
Band-pass and bund-stop filters may be
constructed from a mix of low-pass und
high-pass sections. In ap filters, these sec-
bband-stop filters they
are in parallel. The band-stop filler so con-
structed is not often seen in print, but i
nevertheless, a thoroughly practical
design. It is, of course. a pity that the LP
and HP sections can be used only for the
construction of a band-pass or a band-stop
filter, but not for both simultaneously!
In modem filter design, « number of
approximations to the ideal brickwall
response have become popular. The low-
pass responses of these are shown in
Fig. 1. Their high-pass response is
‘obtained by network transformation,
10.22 eter ince october 1989
by A.B. Bradshaw
Very flat pass band. Attenuation continues to
e in stop band. Simple to set up. Very poor
pass-stop band transition
sition,
‘ Equally spaced ripples in pass band. Attenuation
‘continues to increase in stop band. More difficult to
set up than Butterworth. Good pass-stop band tran-
Unequally spaced ripples in pass band. Attenuation
(minimum) is defined in stop band. Ripples in stop
band. More difficult to set up than Butterworth. Very
ag {good pass-stop band transition.
Fig. 1. Froquency response characteristics of the ideal low-pass filter and three approximations,
The operating impedance, band edge,
attenuation in the stop band, pass-band
ripple and component values are all de~
rived from a low-pass section normalized
for a frequency of | radian and an impe-
dance of 12.
‘The shape of the response, which
determines the complexity (length) of the
finished filter, is decided with the aid of
ign tables. There is usually a trade-off
between the ratio of the band-edge fre-
‘quency to the design attenuation frequency
and the stop-band attenuation. This means
that the “squarer” the response of a given
filter is, the lower will be the stop-band
attenuation,
In the construction of a ar filter, the
band edge of the tp section becomes the
upper profile and that of the 1p section,
the lower profile. In effect, the two res-
ponses cross over each other.
In the designs illustrated in this article,
the elliptic function approximation is used
With this, the minimum stop-band attenua-
tion remains at its design figure, in con-
trast to Butterworth or Chebishev func-
tions where it increases the further the fre-
‘quency is away from the band edge. This
is, however, a small price 0 pay for the
excellent transition band selectivity of this
type of filter,
‘The filters discussed here are designed
for a stop-band attenuation of 40 dB or
80 dB to meet both light and stringent
requirements. Also, they are designed for
an input and output impedance of 50 Q.
Although intended primarily for receiver
applications, they may, of course, be used
in transmitters, in which ease the compo-
rent ratings MUST BE UPGRADED!
Components
Ideally, the filters should be constructed
on @ printed-circuit board, but this is not
essential.
Capacitors should be low-loss types.
They should be connected in parallel t0
get their tolerance within 1%, although sil-
ver-mica capacitors with 1% tolerance are
readily available.
The Q of the inductors should be as
high as can be obtained. However, as the
filter impedance is 50 2, the values of
inductance are low, s0 the coils can be
wound manually quite easily. Take care to
prevent inductive coupling berween sec-
tions.
When setting up the filter, trim the
coils to their correct value by checking the
stop-band nulls on an oscilloscope (or
analyser if you are that lucky!). Check all
frequencies with a suitable counter.Fig 2. Band-pass fier for the top band. The ~1 dB edges are at 1.8 MHz and
2.0 MHz. The pass band ripple is 1 dB. The -40 dB points are at 1.479 MHz
and 2.494 MI The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at; LF 1.025 MHz
and 1.44 Miz; HF 25 MHz and 3.51 MHz,
#ptpre
fe a -
Fig. 4. Band-pass filer for the 80 m band. The -1 dB edges are at 3.5 MH2
and 3,8 MHz. The pass band ripple is 1 dB. The -40 dB points are at
2.875 Miz and 4.624 MHz, The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at: LF
2.8 Mz and 1.994 Miz; HF 4.75 MHz and 6.669 MHz,
ope
ce
| ee |
) aA pire
| re | es es
/ERERU EEE:
Fig. 3. Band-pass fiter forthe top band. Attenuation at 1.8 MHz and 2.0
MRz is 0.18 dB, The pass band ripple is 0.18 dB. The -80 dB points are at
3,178 MHz and 1.132 MHz, The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at: LF
0.9269 Miz, 1.1106 MHz and 0.54202 MHz; HF 3.88 MHz, 3.241 MHz and
6.641 Mi
ier
Fig. 5. Band-pass filter for the 80 m band. Attenuation at 3.5 MH2 and 38
MHz is 0.18 dB. Pass band ripple is 0.18 dB. The ~80 dB points are at
2.202 MHz and 6.038 MHz. The frequencies of infinite attenustion ar at: LF
1.802
1.053 MHz,
12.619 MH2,
Miz and 2.159 MHz; HF 6.158 MHz, 7.378 MHz and
Fig. 6. Bandpass filer for the 40 m band. The ~1 dB edges are at 7.0 MH
‘and 7.2 MHz, The pass band ripple is 1 dB. The -40 4B points are at
5.761 Miz and 8.762 MHz. The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at: LF
5,988 MHz and 5.6 MHz; HF 9.0 MHz and 12.63 MHz.
Fig. 7. Band-pass filter for the 40 m band. Atienuation at 7.0 MHz and 7.2
MHz is 0.18 dB. The pass band ripple is 0.18 dB. The -80 dB points are at
4.405 Miz and 11.44 MHz. The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at: LF
2.407 MHz, 3.604 MHz and 4.319 MHz; HF 11.668 MHz, 13.961 MHz and 23.91
Mb.
{IF
Fig. 8. Band-pass filter for the 20 m band. The ~1 dB edges are at 14.0 MHz
‘and 14.2 MHz, The pass band ripple is 1 dB. The ~40 dB points are at
11.50 MHz and 17.28 MHz. The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at: LF
7.977 Miz and 11.2 MH; HF 17.75 MHz and 24.92 MHz,
Thre
i
Fig. 10. Bond-pass fier forthe 10 m band. The -1 dB edges are at 28 Miz
‘and 30 MHz. The pass band ripple is 1 dB. The 40 4B points are at 23 MHz
and 36.51 MHz. The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at: LF 15.954 MHz
and 22.4 MHz; HF 37.5 MHz and 52.65 MHz.
Fig. 9. Band-pass fitter for the 20 m band. Attenuation at 14.0 MHz and
“4.2 Mz Is 0.18 dB. The pass band ripple is 0.18 dB. The -80 dB points are
at 6.810 MHz and 22.564 MHz. The frequencies of infinite attenuation are at
LF 4.215 MHz, 7.209 MHz and 6.636 MHz; HF 29.01 MHz, 27.57 MHz and
497356 Ma,
Arar Tyo
so 2 = a ‘ eo
2 ht
ime
°
Fig. 1. Bandpass tite or he 10m band Allenuaton at 28 ean 30
MHz is 0.10 dB. The pass band ripple is 0:18 dB. The ~80 dB points aro at
17.62 MHz and 47.6 MHz, The frequencies of infinite attenuation are: LF
1849 MHz, 14.419 MHz and 17.277 MHz; HF 48.619 MHz, 58.254 Miz and
99.625 MHz,
‘shor ina ocobr 1888 10.23AMATEUR COMMUNICATION RECEIVERS:
STILL A CHALLENGE?
The valve era
Over the past forty years or so, communi-
cation receiver design has undergone quite
a revolution, In the days before transistors
and ics, there were some remarkably good
receivers around. Typical among these
were the ARS8, the Hamerlund Super-Pro,
the Marconi CR10O, the BC348, and the
Racal RAI?.
After the end of the Second World War,
many radio amateurs were using either
‘one of these classical designs or one of the
many ex-military receivers that had come
‘on to the surplus market.
A large number of amateurs showed
‘great ingenuity in the use of various items
of military equipment to make up their sta-
tion receiver, and sometimes their trans-
miter as well. There was a lot of ex-ser-
vices expertise about and a considerable
amount of technical discussion seemed to
take place over the airwaves. Cobbling
together all this readily obtainable gear
was not entirely caused by the non-avail-
ability of proprietary amateur equipment:
most of us being broke had something. to
do with it as well!
‘Towards the end of the valve era, there
occurred a number of technical develop-
ments in radio valve technology that had
direct bearing on communication receiver
design. One of these was the appearance
of the frame grid pentode, like the E183.
These new valves, 465 kHz IF trans-
formers with @ good Q, and ex-govern-
ment quartz crystals, such as the
FT241/243, helped to achieve respectable
IF response shapes for reception of the
increasingly popular single-sideband (838)
transmissions.
‘AL the same time, wide-range, stable
aintomatic gain control (AGC) was becom-
ing the norm, its control voltage no longer
derived from the incoming cartier.
‘The emergence of the long-life stable
double triodes, like the E88CC, originally
developed for the then embryonic compu-
er industry, further helped to improve
amateur communication receiver design.
Another milestone was the introduction
of the beam deflection mixer valve, like
the 6ARS and the 7360, which were devel
oped for the American colour tv market.
The remarkably linear mixing and large-
10.24 iets
by A. B. Bradshaw
signal handling capabilities of these new
valves soon caught the eye of receiver
designers and it did not take long before
manufacturers like Collins, Squires-
Sanders. Drake, and so on were incorpo-
rating them in their new receivers,
At about this time, a superb receiver,
the Thornley G2DAF design, appeared on
the UK amateur scene, Many of these
excellent receivers were built and had a
profound influence on our thinking of
what kind of performance could be
achieved with the technology then avail-
able. I built my own and well remember
the pleasure of using the receiver. which
had the knife-edge selectivity of the
Kokusai mechanical filter Type MF4SS.
10K.
By then, we had the ingredients neces-
sary for meeting the specification for a
‘z00d communication receiver:
+ good iF shape factor (in spite of the
low te resulting from the multi-conversion
necessary for the He end)
+ stable conversion oscillators, necessary
for the increasingly popular ss8 mode of
transmission;
+ ease of tuning with mechanical s/s
drives (Edddystone 898, and so on).
Nevertheless, these receivers still had
some serious short-comings. They were
complex (at the time); they usually
embodied lots of ganged switching of
tuned circuits; they used relatively expen-
sive wound components; their front-end
alignment and tracking, particularly in
general coverage designs, was difficult;
and lastly, these ‘magificent machines*
could certainly not be regarded as
portable.
The solid-state era
The transition to solid state electronics
was not a sudden occurrence, and for
some years hybrid designs were very pop-
ular in the amateur press. Although these
designs still used valves in their front-
ends, much of the remaining circuitry had
become solid-state. These early solid-state
devices, however, could not produce the
good intermodulation and cross modula-
tion performance of their valved predeces-
sos
Over the past decade, solid-state
devices have improved enormously, how-
ever, and present-day communication
receivers have very real benefits compared
with those of yesteryear
Unfortunately, in my view, we have
allowed the Japanese industry to dominate
the manufacture and design of good-quali-
ty communication receivers. This is partic-
ularly disappointing in view of our own
earlier performance. In the solid-state era
‘we have managed t0 produce some inno-
vative designs, but they are few and far
between.
Nevertheless, the radio amateur re-
mains in a unique position. The receiver
manufacturer is hamstrung by severe eco-
nomic restraints and market forces. The
amateur designer and constructor, on the
‘other hand, is still at liberty to explore and
indulge his fancy in ways that would be
‘out of the question for the professional
designer. [ am not suggesting for one mo-
‘ment that the radio amateur can challenge
the Japanese giants, Nevertheless, there is
still much innovation in Britain, well doc-
umented in a variety of books, technical
articles, application notes, and so on,
Modern home construction
If we regard the modern communication
receiver at a system level, we have a good
‘opportunity to see what some British man-
ufacturers and suppliers have on offer
RF amplifiers: Plessey Types SL600;
SL61IC; SL612; SLI610C; SLISIIC:
SLIGI2C.
High performance mixers: Plessey Type
SL6440A/C (+30 dBm intercept point);
Siliconix Type Si8901 double-balanced
mixer (+35 dBm intercept point): vari
diode bridge ring devices, from the
‘MD108 up to the SRA3 (£28 from Cirkit)
1 shaping filters: ceramic and mechani
cal filters are available for the lower 1's
(455 KH), while for the higher 1Fs there
are quartz crystal lattices up to 10.7 MHz
are available in bandwidths suitable for
388 and Cw from Cirkit
1 amplifiers: three Plessey Type SL612
ics will give most of the gain required in a
normal iF amplifier.
Demodulators for aM, ssB, and cw:
Plessey Types SLO700A and SLO24
AGC generators: rather a limited choicehete, but the Plessey SL620 and SL62IC
Ics are well proven.
‘This list shows that there is a good
home-bred range of building blocks
although I stil feel that there are areas of
design that have been neglected. Some of
these are receiver frontend filtering for
the amateur bands, local oscillator design
(cither upper conversion synthesis or lim-
ited-range Bro conversion systems), while
the required noise floor specification for
‘iF synthesizers isa real challenge,
Conclusion
As I glance through yesteryear copies of
RSGB Bulletin, RAD COM, and others, 1
can not but be struck by the falling off in
interest in innovative design. Can this
malaise be halted? 1 certainly hope so.
What are you going to do about it?
References,
‘Communication Receivers” by G.R.B
Thornley. RSGB Bulfetin, July-Now 1960
and March-April 1961
‘An Amateur Bands Communication
Receiver” by A.J. Shepherd, RSGB
Bulle-tin July 1963
Prelude to a Communication Receiver”
by 1 Pouson, Radio & Hobbies
(Australia) Sept. 1964 (2 parts)
“The Deltahet Mark 2 Solid State
Version” by I. Pogsen, Radio & Hobbies
(Australia) Feb, 1971 (in 2 pars)
10-80 Metre Amateur Transceiver” by
D.R. Bowman, Wireless World, lune 1
“Defining and Measuring Receiver Dyna-
mic Range” by W. Hayward, OST, July
1975,
High Dynamic Range Receiver Input
Stages” by U.L. Rhode, Ham Radio, Oct.
1976
“Receiver Noise Figure, Sensitivity, and
Dynamic Range: What the Numbers
Mean” by J. Fisk, Ham Radio, Oct. 1975,
“Optimum Design for HF Communication
Receivers” by U.L. Rhode, Ham Radio,
Oct. 1976.
IF Amplifier Design” bs
Ham Radio, March 1977.
“Noise Blanker Design
Ham Radio, Nox. 1977.
Etfects of Noise on Receiver Systems”
by UL. Rhode, Ham Radio, Nov. 1977.
“The PW Helford HF SSB Transceiver”
by V. Goom, Practical Wireless, Nov.
1980 (in 6 paris).
“The RX80 Mk2" by A.L
Com, Jan, 1981 (in 6 parts).
“A Dual-Conversion Multimode Receiver
IF/AF Strip” by S. Niewiadomski, Rad
Com, May 1985 (in 2 paris).
A Home Built Frequency Synthesizer for
45-75 MHz” by J. Crawley, Rad Com,
August 1986 (in 2 parts),
ULL. Rhode,
by W, Stewart
Bailey, Rad
W PRODUC
Thick Film Resistor Arrays (DIP)
Honest (YEC) Ine., Japan, offers Dip-
ped Resistor Networks Dual in Line Pac-
kage (DIP). As these are dipped compo-
nents, they are cheaper when compared
to moulded ones, Circuits are available
in Isolated, Bussed and Dual Ter-
minators, These arrays have a pitch of
2.54 mm and hence compatible with
standard I.C. sockets, Power ratings of-
fered are 0.063 W, 0.125 W and 0.25 W.
Resistance tolerances offered are
+20%, +10%, +5% +2% . Resis-
tance range is from 50 ohms to 1 M ohm,
T.C.R. available are 300, 250 and 200
ppnvC. Operating temperature range is
from -55 Cto +125.
Hi-Tech Resistors Pvt. Ltd. © 1003/4,
Maker Chambers ¥, Nariman Point ©
Bombay-400 021 €
Contact Cleaner
ACCRA PAC (INDIA) PRIVATE
LTD. in collaboration with Accra Pac
Inc, USA, have introduced the
SAFEGUARD Contact Cleaner, for
electronic maintenance.
‘The Contact Cleaner is a specially for-
mulated solvent which restores electrical
continuity of all types of contacts and
controls. Pure solvents under high pres-
sure quickly penetrate the surface pores
removing grease, dirt, oil and surface
oxides, and evaporate quickly leaving
behind clean contacts. It has excellent
dielectric properties and improves per-
formance and reliability of all electronic
equipment, Non-flammable, non-toxic
the Cleaner is useful for silver/precious
‘metal contacts, TV turners, miniature
controls, solenoids, circuit breakers,
potentiometers, selector switches, vol-
ume and tone controls, relay contacts,
thermostat controls, distribution panels
and other electronic/electrical contacts.
ACCRA PAC (INDIA) PRIVATELTD @
917, Raheja Chambers @ Nariman Point
© Bombay-400 021
Vinyl Hoses
Udey Cables are manufacturing Parmyf=
lex Flexible Vinyl Hoses for various ap-
plications like electrical conduits in
buildings, machine tool wirings, dust and
rags collection hoses for textile machin-
ery, Vacuum cleaner hoses, gas and
fume removal, dust extractor for wood
working cte. Reinforced with steel wire
to ensure resistance to crushing forces
and development of kinks the hoses are
available in diameter 10 to 60 mm for
medium duty application (Type SF) and
from 60 to 200 mm for heavy duty appli-
cations (Type MSF). Other sizes availa-
ble against specific orders
Udey Cables Clo. Jafkay Lights ¢ Dina
Building ¢ 52M. Karve Road © Bombay-
400 002 © Tel: 314622/310870 ©
tage ndia erober 289 10.25,STEREO VIEWER
This electronic ornament is ba:
C.J. Ruissen & A.C. van Houwelingen
lly 2n unconventional VU-meter. A
‘square matrix composed of 1010 LEDs indicates signal volume as
‘The circuit is perhaps best qualified as a
simple X-Y display for audio signals, and
the displayed patierns are, therefore, not
unlike Lissajous figures. The heart of the
circuit is formed by an integrated circuit
from National Semiconductor, the Type
LMB9L4. At first glance, this dot/bar dis-
play driver is a quite conventional design.
The IC houses ten comparators, a preci-
sion linear-scale voltage divider and a ref-
erence voltage source. The actual
realization of these parts, however, gives
the LM3914 a number of interesting fea~
tures:
+ outputs drive LEDs, LCDs, fluorescent
displays or miniature bulbs
+ external input selects bar or dat display
mode
simple to cascade for displays with a
resolution of up to 100 steps
+ intemal voltage reference; adjustable be
tween 1.2 and 12 V
‘+ minimum supply voltage: 3 V
+ current-regulated open-collector out-
puts
+ output current programmable from 2 to
30mA
+ no multiplex switehi
+ input withstands +35 V
+ outputs interface direct with TTL and
CMOS logic
+ floating 10-step dividercanbeconnected
to a wide range of voltages, including,
internal reference
Circuit description
‘The circuit diagram of the 1010 LED ma-
trix which determines the appearance of
the stereo viewer is given in Fig, 2. The
dimensions of the matrix result in asquare
arrangement. How the square is actually
positioned is a matter of personal pref-
erence, and not, of course, of any circuit
configuration. The introductory photo-
graph shows the prototype which has ma-
trix co-ordinate X1-YI below and X10-Y10
at the top.
The matrix arrangement allows any
one of the 100 LEDs to be turned on and
off individually. To select a particular
LED, the relevant column, X1-X10, and
row, YI-Y1O, is made high and low re-
spectively. The circuit diagram of the
row/column driver (Fig. 1) shows that
two LM3914s are used: IC2 forms the col-
umn driver (X-axis), and IC> the row
Griver (Y-axis). Both LM3914s are set to
10.26 etetiorinss october 1980
well as stereo information.
eS
operate in the dot mode so that, strictly
speaking, one row and one column are
selected to light one LED at a time. The IC
ouiputs have some overlap, however, so
that two LEDs are on at the switch-over
levels.
‘Transistors T2Tn function as inver-
ters. They are required because the col-
umn driver must switch to the positive
supply rather than to ground. The pro-
grammable current source in ICs is set to
supply the relatively small base currents
for the inverter transistors. The current
source in IC2 is set toa much higher value
to supply the required current direct to
the LEDs.
‘The current source in the LM3914 is set
in a rather unconventional manner: the
ouiput current is ten times the current
supplied by the reference voltage. So, all
that is required is to load the reference
with a resistor. Rit sets the output current
of ICs to about 2 mA. A slightly different
approach is used in the case of ICz: here,
an LDR (light-dependent resistor), a tran-
sistor, Ts, and a handful of other compo:
nents form a load resistor whose value is
2 function of ambient light intensity. Since
the output current of IC2 is used for driv-
ing the LEDs, the display intensity isauto-
matically controlled as a function of
ambient light conditions. The component
values used allow the LED current to vary
between 8 and 25 mA
‘To make sure the LEDs are completely
off when they have to be off, the LT out-
puts of [C2 and ICs are fitted with a pull-
up resistor. This is required because the
TH output has an auxiliary current source
that is used for cascading, driver chips to
form a larger display. The pull-up resis-
tors keep Tz from conducting, and oneT2711 = 10x BC559B
AN,A2 = 161 =LM358
Fig. 1. Circuit diagram of the stereo viewer. . i 8
stocor na osaber 12 10.27> D1..0100
| eI
Le Efe Bee
a sel
e ks
aaparat att at |
cies
| |
|
Fig. 2. Matrix configuration with 100 LEDs.
LED in the matrix from lighting, when the
TT otitput is not actuated.
The audio signals applied to the stereo aid of bias vol
viewer are first attenuated to enable the
drive levels for ICs and ICsto be set accur-
ately. The sensitivity of the circuit is set
jotentiometer Pi. Acceptable drive
10.28 steer naa ecooer 198
at the inputs are between 45 mV requir
The zero point of the matrix is shifted
to the centre of the square display with the
es on to which
Fig, 3. Track layout and component mounting pian.
‘a90084=92
hai
the AF
adjusted to supply hall
oltage, A voltmeter is not
for this adjustment, because the
tel indication cane seen to shift tothe |
-~ ee
|| Resistors (25%):
RucRaRta = 10k
Rise 1k5.
RisiAte = 2k2
Ris= LOR
Ke
| | Re= 5600,
Rio = 1h
R= 15k.
PX = 100k logarithmic potentiometer;
‘1Mo1 muitturn preset
Pa
Capacitors:
rie =220n
CaiG5;010;C12 = 100n
Cam 47H; 10
0 = LED; cla. 5 mm
‘= BC547A
‘TeTi1 = BOSSOB
ICs = L358
IGeiGs = LM3914 |
Ce = 7805 |
Miscellaneous:
Fr = 180 mA fuse with PCB-mount olde.
‘S) = SPST mains switch
‘socket.
pin header 2x10 contacts.
Ks 2:way PCB terminal block.
Ks = IDC header 2x10 contacts.
PCB Type 690044centre of the display.
‘The circuit is powered by a conven-
tional regulated 5 V supply, which
fitted on to the printed-circuit board
together with the associated mains trans-
former.
Construction: simple
‘The printed-circuit board shown in Fig.3
accommodates all parts except the LED
matrix and the LDR for the display intens-
ity control. Populating the PCB is entirely
straightforward if the wire links are in-
stalled first
‘The LED matrix is built separately on
a square piece of veroboard. The installa-
tion of the LEDs and the lozenge-shaped
wiring at the rear of this board are greatly
simplified when the matrix is turned 45°
with respect to the hole pattern in the
board, The LED matrix is connected via a
short length of flat-ribbon cable, for which
a mating 20-way pin header, Ks, is pro-
vided on the main board.
The stereo viewer is simple to align:
simply adjust P2 and P) until the centre
four LEDs in the matrix are on. The sensi-
tivity can then be set as required with the
aid of the volume control, P1
ieee
W PRODUCTS
Digital Multimeter
PLA has developed the DM-20A a digi-
tal multimeter.
Having an LCD display with a resolution
of 1 ouV on 200 mV range in both ACI
DC models. It has an accuracy of 0.1%
Maximum voltage measurable in DC
ranges is 1000 V and 700 V rms in AC
range. It has a resolution of 10 nA on 200
uA range in AC mode. It has wide fre-
quency range of 20 KHz. in AC voltage
and is battery operated.
PLA ELECTRO APPLIANCES PYT.
LTD. ® Thakor Estate © Kurla Kirol
Road © Vidyavihar (W) ® Bombay-400
'5132667/5132668/5133048 ©
Photoelectric Fork Switch
Electronic Swtiches, have developed
Photoelectric Fork Switch also knows as
Slot Sensor or Grooved Head Sensor.
This is one piece device containing infra-
red light emitting diode, photo transistor
receiver an amplifier. A solid state con-
struction give ita long maintenance free
life. Requires 10-24 Volts DC supply is
protected from reverse polarity connec-
tions. Output is indicated by LED and is
available through PNP/NPN transistor
with light or dark switching modes, Ap-
plication includes mark detection on
transperant foils, Edge alignment, space
detection on toothed wheels, position
12, for machine tools controls,
other processing machinery etc.
Electronic Switches (Nasik) P. Ltd.
1, Nabush © Gangapur Road ©
‘Nasik-422 005 © Tel: 0253-78452
toto nin eter 1989 10.29)PC AS TONE GENERATOR
A GW-BASIC program and a few modi
J. Schiffer DL7PE
tions to the loudspeaker
circuit enable any PC, whether an XT, AT or compatible, to tunction
as a precision tone generator with a frequency range of 20 Hz to
120 kHz, with a basic sweep function as a useful option. The nice
generator is that it costs next to nothing, while
thing about t!
‘The present PC tone generator, which is
really a BASIC program only, is ideal for
aligning a wide range of AF circuits, The
frequency of the generated tone can be set
accurately, so that the low-cost tone gen-
trator is suitable for applications that in-
clude the tuning of musical instruments
(electronic tuning fork), the aligning of
RTTY, fax and SSTV filters, and the
dimensioning, and testing, of many other
types of tone decoder. In many cases, the
BASIC program obviates the useofa fanc-
tion generator and a frequency meter.
This is of particular interest for applica-
tions in the audio range, where frequency
meters are, in general, not very accurate.
The PC tone generator allows AF frequen-
cies to be defined with an accuracy of a
fraction of a hertz
PC as tone generator
Apart from the possibilities offered by
BASIC commands BEEP and SOUND, there
exists a more powerful way of generating
tones with the aid of a personal computer:
direct control of the relevant hardware.
‘This enables frequencies to be generated
at quartz-crystal stability in the range
from 20 Hz to several hundred KH, inde
pendently of the PC's clock frequency.
‘The lower frequency limit is fixed, but the
upper limit can be made as high as
allowed by the PC’s internal AF amplifier.
The relevant BASIC commands may be
found in lines 260 through 330 of the list
ing
‘The frequency resolution is excellent,
especially in the audible range: at a basic
frequency of 10 kHz, the step size is as
small as 85 Hz, oF 0.85%; between 2 and
3 kHz, the step size is 5 Hz (0.16%); and
below 1 KHz it is 0.1 Hz (0.01%),
‘The PC generates the required tone via
the built-in loudspeaker. This is adequate
for nearly all calibration and adjustment
work in the acoustic range. An oscillator,
for instance, is simple to calibrate accur-
ately by means of a beat-frequency meas-
urement in which the PC functions as the
reference. Just compare the two tones by
listening to them simultaneously, and
step the PC tone frequency until the dif-
ference frequency decreases. When it
becomes inaudible, the frequency gener-
10.30 etstorindia coder 1908
doubling as a frequency meter.
ated by the equipment under test can be
read from the PC screen, Similarly, the PC
tone generator can be set to a particular
frequency, so that the oscillator can be
adjusted until zero-beat is achieved
jing the PC’s AF signal with the aid of a small amplifi
If the generated tone is required elec-
trically also, the loudspeaker signal must
be madie available on a jack socket — see
Fig. 1. When a plug is inserted, the loud-
speaker in the PC is automatically dis-abled, and the generated tone is available
at a relatively low impedance. The 8 Q
resistor protects the internal AF amplifier
against short-circuits, The value of this
resistor must be increased as required if
the internal loudspeaker i a high-imped-
ance type. It is, of course, also possible to
wire the socket such that the loudspeaker
isnot disabled, but taken up in series with
the output signal. This arrangement obvi-
ates the use of the protection resistor, By
connecting a 16 Q resistor instead of the
indicated 100.9 type to ground, the gener-
ated tone is simultaneously audible via
the internal loudspeaker.
‘A further possibility is shown in Fig. 2
A small amplifier with adjustable volume
is connected to the jack socket, This solu-
tion is particularly useful for PCs that
have an internal loudspeaker with a rela-
tively high impedance, or one that pro-
duces insuificient output volume.
The program
‘The frequency range of 20 Hz.to 120 kHz.
is fixed in lines 180 and 200 of the the
BASIC program. Keys are used to control
the program:
Key ‘e's enable tone
Key ‘4 disable tone
Key ‘+": increase frequency by previously
eniered step size
Key ~’: decrease frequency by previously
entered step size
Key ’s': terminate program
A frequency sweep is obtained by holding
the + or - key — the tone frequency then
increases or decreases at the previously
entered step size.
Applications
Here are a few of the many possible appli-
cations of the computer-controlled tone
generator:
+ test signal for aligning RTTY circuits,
eg, 1275/2125 Hz. for VEF stations, and
1275/1445 Hz for SW stations.
test signal for tone decoders
1,000 Hi frequency reference
tuning fork
elementary acoustics
Table 1 is useful for the tuning fork appli-
cation because it shows the tone irequen-
cies for three octaves.
Table 1. Commonly used frequencies for
tuning musical instruments.
30 cus .tky OFF
28 osu 380,
0 Pras cPuina JaNFUr * Flssue onter stepwise 7 sre
128 couok 38.0.0
2s iocae 9,23. PRE ~ .
13s tSeare 2é,25\ emi" 1 Feoueney
“patee. #4" PhG0; "LocaTe 10,59:°R1Nt ;
125 Locate 40°80 “PRIME
17 Secaneu? $0) va THEN FREO.
160 {F fneaeoss0000! ‘MEN FRED-1200001 + cosuB 260
180 1p See So TEN PAG FRED ~ GIP.
Eig Up xen sor ox nese” THEN GosuS 620
20 13 uss a" On xes"o" THEN GOsus 60
350 fe Sas am Bn fiscar SEW 9509 G60 . GoTo 250
25 Our é7'tes fa sled 192 from ctzer biock
3be ter Coinmssissito! sieo RIM "aonpute cata for tixer block”
bg Ler exmmssana (coust/3e0) "REM aone-eignifacont byte”
3b Ler entuosinriGount - elaHz"256) “ABW *ieant-oienificant byte
320 OUT e6,GWTLO REM “supply least-esenteteant by
330 out seleqii snaM “supply nortsnigniticant byte
3eo Ratu
Sep Sein orcia7:"T ONE GENERATOR *
35s paint SRCCSa by SLPS
print? @
Peis") a»
couon 7.0 |
Sout 7,0
tosare 2.26 3
GGT 97.2NeC97) OR 2 REN turn on PC ioudspesker
Reruew
CUT 87, 1NP(S7) AND 252 85M turn off FC loudapeeker
Note 4th octave | 5th octave Gthoctave
ore 261.6 iE 523.3 1048.5
or ara sad
[> | aea7 | 587.9
[ 0» ain “sea, sal
[= 205 SNS
F 48.2 : =
[re 2700
[es 020
a ee
A 00 5
at | 466.2 | |
H 493.9 ES
eco ini ote 1988 10.31SIMPLE TRANSMISSION-LINE
EXPERIMENTS
by Roy C. Whitel
ead, C-Eng., MIEE
This article describes some simple transmission-line experiments
that were developed for the uncLe scheme. Under this scheme,
which was initiated by the ice, but later joined by other learned
societies, members (usually retired) volunteer to go to schools to
help teachers to bridge the gaps that exist between the academic
world and the world of practical engineering.
The material used in the experi-
ments consisted of:
a known length of coaxial
le of which both ends were
essibles
+a twin-beam oscilloscope;
+ an HE generator with 75 Q
output;
+ three 100 Q non-induetive
potentiometers;
+ anohmmeter.
Measurement of
velocity ratio
‘The equipment should be con-
LSet Pi
nected as showin in Fi
to its maximum resi
and the wo Y sensitivity con.
trols of the CRO to produce equal
values of ¥ sensitivity
Sct the signal generator to its
minimum available frequency
and note the small lateral dis-
placement of the two wave-
forms, Then, increase the gener-
ator frequency, which causes the
lateral displacement of the
‘waveforms 10 increase, until, for
the first time, the two wave-
forms are seen to be in phase
The propagation time of the
cable now equals one period ¢=
Uf of the generator output. The
velocity ratio of the cable then
equals
velocity in cable / velocity in free spac
sable length in metres xf (3 x 108),
A typical value is 0.8.
Change the generator frequency to one
quarter of the value used previously
which makes the line one quarter wave-
length long. Adjust P! to obtain vertical Y
deflections on the cko of equal magnitude
10.32 eter ncn ectober 1969
———} Adjust R2 to provide across the
Fig.
Disconnect Pi and measure its effective
value, which is equal to the characteristic
impedance, Z,, of the cable.
Measurement of attenuation/
frequency characteristics
Connect the equipment as shown in Fig. 2.
Set Ri to equal Z,. Potentiometer Pi has
been provided with a decibel scale (which
can be done with the aid of the onmmeter).
input end of the line an impe-
dance equal to Z,, If the output
impedance of the generator is 75,
2, this will be 43
Over a range of
from 100 kHz to the maximum at
which the available equipment
will operate satisfactorily, adjust
PI to produce Y deflections of
equal magnitude, The cable atten-
uations are then equal to the
attenuations of the potentiometer.
The attenuation/frequency char-
acteristic of the cable roughly fol-
requencies, say
ows the emperical equation
loss =(aif+ bf) [dB]
where b<
Ae
Fig. 18, DG411s inthe head switching circuit of a disk drive,
10.36 slestorindia october 1580
Programmable one-shot
multivibrator
Another useful application for an analogue
switch, a programmable one-shot multivi-
brator, is shown in Fig. 14. This circuit
produces pulses whose duration is deter
mined by digitally selecting one of the wo
timing resistors—see Fig. 15. Advanta,
of the use of the DG419 in this circuit are
small size (8-pin minipie or small-outline
package), high speed, low on-resistance,
and TTL compatibility even in single-sup-
ply operation.
Analogue switch powered
by input signal
The analogue switch in Fig. 17 derives
operating power from its input signal, pro-
vided that the amplitude of that signal
exceeds 4 V and the frequency is greater
than | kHz, This circuit is useful when
signals are to be routed to either of two
remote loads. Only three conductors are
required: one for the signal to be switched
one for the control signal and a common
return,
‘A positive input pulse — see Fig. 16 —
turns on clamping diode D and charges
Cy]. The charge stored on the capacitor is
used to power the chip; operation is satis:
factory because the switch requires 1 sup
ply current of not greater than 1 WA
Loading of the signal source is impercepti-
ble. The DG419's on-resistance has the
respectable value of 100 © for an input
signal of § V.
Read/write disk-drive
The circuit shown in Fig. 18 allows data to
be written to or read from a disk. In the
write mode, SW2 is closed. A ONE is ere
ated by momentarily closing SWI. This
causes current to flow in the left-hand half
Of the head coil. A ZER0 is produced when
$W3 is closed. This causes current to flov
in the right-hand half of the coil and re
verses the direction of the magnetic flux
In the read mode, switches SW4 and
SWS are closed. This connects the head
coil to the read preamplifier so that the
voltages picked up by the head as the disk
slides by can be amplified.
Single-supply operation with +12 V
low-on resistance and high switching
speed allow an improvement in data rates
of roughly x10 when DG4Is are used in
place of the more mature DG2s.
‘uit
Micropower vrs transfer
switch
The purpose of the uninterrupted power
supply (UPS) circuit in Fig, 19 is to pre-
serve volatile memory contents in theFig. 19, Micropower ves circuit.
event of a power failure. In this applica-
tion, every tenth of a volt counts. This cir-
cuit uses a micropower analogue switch
that comes in an §:pin minipte or small-
ouiline package, a 3-V lithium cell to sup-
ply back-up power, a diode and 1wo resis.
tors. Voltage losses under 0.1 V can be
achie-ved
During normal operation, currents of
several hundreds milliamperes are sup-
plied from Vcc. In this mode, SWI is
open, so that the only drain. from the lithi-
tum cell consists of leakage currents flow-
ing into the Vj and $ terminals. The leak-
age current is typically about 10 pA.
Resistors Ry and Ry are continuously
sampling Voc.
When Vcc drops to 3.3 V, the DG417
changes states, closing SWI and connect-
ing the back-up cell. Diode Dy prevents
current from leaking back towards the rest
of the circuit, Current consumption by the
CMOS analogue switch is around 100 pA:
this ensures that most of the available
power is applied to the memory where it
is really needed. In the stand-by mode,
currents of some hundreds of milliam-
a ain data
When the +5 V supply comes back on, the
potential divider senses the presence of at
least 3.5 V and causes a new change of
state in the analogue switch, restoring
normal operation
On-resistance is about 74 @ when Vee
is +5 V and 128 Q when Vog is +3 V. For
‘example, an 800 {LA load, equivalent to a
static RAM of 256 Kbit (MCM6IL16), will
produce a voltage drop of 0.1 V on the
analogue switch, which is much better
than the 0.6 V drop occurring if a simple
2-diode circuit were used.
Higher curtents and lower losses can be
achieved by paralleling several sections in
a multiple analogue switch such as the
DG4OS.
Line a in the photograph in Fi
20
Fig. 20. Oscilloscope waveforms show a clean
power switch-over.
illustrates how, in spite of Veg dropping
to 0 V (line b), uninterrupted power is ap-
plied to the load, Negligible voltage loss
is caused by the switch. Line c shows that
the DG417 changes state when its control
input voltage decays to 1.4 V and
changes again when it reaches 1.5 V on
its way back to normal. The values of Ry
and R2 may be adjusted for different trip
points if desired.
For the applications mentioned in this
article, the DG4090 family of silicon-gate
‘€MOS switches comes a step closer to the
ideal switch. Any application that uses
industry-standard analogue switches can
now be improved by choosing these fast,
lower-power, versatile analogue switches.
WV PRODUCT:
Time Switch
The MIL 2008 Q series Time Switch is
fitted with a Quartz Electronic Drive
Control and Stepper motor. The Quartz
Frequency is 4.19 MHz and the Quartz
stabilization guarantees the exact run-
ning of the driving mechanism. These
time switches are designed for the accu-
rate and effortless control of oil heating
installations, electric heaters, air condi-
tioning plant, water processing plant,
street lights, traffic signals, ete., ete.,
MIL 2008 Q is available with contact rat-
ing of 16Amps. 250 V AC and with daily/
weekly programme dial. Operates on
mains supply and continues to run for
150 hrs. after power failure on a battery
back-up
i Electronies Thakor Estate @ Kurla
Kirol Road e Vidyavihar — (W)
Bombay-400 086 @ Tel: $136601/
5113094/5113095,
Ferrite EE Cores
‘Available from M/s. Hilversum Elec
tronics of Madras are a wide variety of
ferrite FE cores for all applicatio
‘The FE cores feature a high permeabil-
ity, low loss and are ideal for high fre-
quency converters, inverters, SMPS etc.
These cores are also available with air
gaps and in a wide variety of sizes,
Maruguppa Electronics Ltd. © Agency
Division © 29 Ind Street Kamaraj
‘Avenue @ Adyar @ Madras-600 020 @
Tel: 413387
eho indi ctor 1808 10.37THE DIGITAL MODEL TRAIN — PART 6
by T. Wigmore
The sixth part in the series deals in detail with the Booster Unit.
Each of these amplifiers provides enough power for the control
of up to fifteen trains on a digital model track. The booster is the last
unit in the series that can be used with both the Marklin and the
Elektor ElectronicsDigital Train System. The units featured in
forthcoming parts in the series are peculiar to the
‘The power supply of a digitally controlled
‘model railway track is fundamentally dif-
ferent from that of a conventional track, in
that che supply voltage is switched rapidly
between +18 V and -18 ¥. The switching is
carried out by the booster (power amplifi-
e
‘The booster ensures that the serial con-
trol commands generated by the digital
control circuits contain not only the infor-
mation, but also the power to start lacomo-
tives, tumouts (points) and signals,
Since derailments, and the consequent
short-circuits of the track, occur much
more often on model railway tracks than
on life-size ones, it is essential that the
booster is provided with an efficient shor
circuit protection facility.
The concept
(Our booster unit has two important advan
tages over that from Marklin: higher out
pul power and a regulated output voltage.
The Marklin booster provides a maxi-
mum output current of about 3 A. That is
not much if you take the current drawn by
one locomotive at about 700 mA , and add
to this the current drawn by turnouts
(points), signals, and coach lighting, It is
on those considerations that our booster
provides an output current of 10 A.
The output voltage of the Marklin
booster is fairly load-dependent: a 25%
drop aver the normal range of loads is
quite normal. That kind of variation has, of
course, an adverse effect on the speed of
the locomotives and the brightness of the
‘coach lights.
‘The output stage is an emitter follower
Driving the bases by a voltage source
ensures a virtually constant output volt-
age, which resulls in independent speed
control of the trains and constant bright-
ness of the various lights. These properties
are illustrated in Fig. 39 and Fig. 41
The use af an emitter follower also
enables higher switching speeds since the
transistors operate on the linear part of
their characteristics: the switching times
are, therefore, not adversely affected by
saturation effects.
‘A draw>ack of the configuration is the
higher voltage and the consequent greater
10.38 wear na october 1989
Elektor Electronics System.
dissipation in the output transistors.
Fortunately, this is easily rectified by the
tuse of somewhat larger heat sinks,
The circuit
Since the switching pattern of the track
voltage contains control information, it is
important that the booster provides a clean
‘output signal. Much attention has, there-
fore, been paid to the switching speed. The
practical outcome is illustrated in Fig. 40,
The bases of the emitter follower, T!-Ts
in Fig. 42, are switched by TS and Ts
respectively between +20 V and ~20 V.
These voltages are provided by IC1-Ds
and [C2-Ds respectively. The final output
voltage is the difference between the base
voltage and the sum of the base-emitter
potential (about 1.5 V) of the output tran-
sistors and the drop across the emitter
resistors (maximum 0.6 V). In practice, the
output vollage is 2 reasonably constant
418 V. See also the load characteristic in
Fig. 41
‘The emitter follower ensures a better
bandwidth and regulation with complex
loads than, for instance, feedback.
Emitter resistors Ri2-Ris ensure an
equal division of current to T1-T? on the
‘one hand and to Ts-Té on the other.
Resistors Riz and Ris serve to measure
the cuzrent in aid of short-circuit protec-
tion transistors T9 and Tw. When the emit-
ter current of Ti or TS tends to become too
high, the drop across R12 or Rid rises suffi-
ciently to switch on T9 or Tio, This causes a
reduction in the base current of the output
transistors and, consequently, in their col-
lector and emitter currents,
‘The input stage is formed by Ty and Ts
and is configured in a manner that makes a
symmetrical input signal essential. If the
input (pin 4 of Ka) is 0 V or not connected,
Fig. 38. The booster unit without heat sinks and enclosure.Fig, 98, Date transfer by sultching the supply
voltage. It's evident that the Marklin Booster
(upper trace) does not provide a regulated out-
putin contrast to the Elekor Electronics unit
(lower trace)
all transistors are switched off and the out-
put presents a high impedance (that is, no
voltage is supplied to the rails). When the
input voltage is between +5 V and +20 V,
Ty, Ts, Ti,and Te conduct and the output i8
switched to +18 V, With the input veltage
between -5 V and -20 V, Ts, Ts, T3 and Ts
conduct and the output voltage is switched
to-18V.
All transistors, except Ts and Ts, oper-
ate on the linear part of their characteris
tics. Transistors Ts and To are switched in
the saturation region because switching
transistors for voltages of 50 V and more
are not available. Nevertheless, Cs ensures
that these transistors switch at a sufficient
ly high speed.
Overload signal
The circuit around Tin serves to indicate an
overload condition. Note that only the
negative output voltage is monitored. This
is suificient since the loac on the negative
line is sightly higher than that on the posi-
tive rail. For instance, the turnout (points)
decoders work with half-wave rectifiers
And, therefore, load only the negative rai.
Moreover, when no data are being trans-
mitted the output voltage is negative
When the booster is overloaded, To and
Tro limit the current in the first instance.
‘The output voltage will then drop signifi
cantly and this cases arise in the voltage
fcross the outpnt transistors and thus in
the dissipation If this situation is allowed
to persist, there is a danger of the booster
being thermally overloaded: the conse-
quent risk of fire isa very real one
Therefore, ifthe output voltage drops
below 15 V, Th will switch off The signal
at pin Sof Ki, aided by the pullup resistor
on the main FD of the Elektor Flectronies
system, goes Tow and this results in the
removal of the drive to the booster with
the aid of the software, Thermal overloads
are, therefore, prevented; moreover, the
system ‘knows’ that in this condition no
data can be transmitted (even if they
Fig. 40, Comparison of the switching behaviour
under load of the Marklin Booster (upper traces)
‘and the Elektr Electronics unit (ower traces).
Fig. 41. Load characteristic of the booster unit.
could, they would not reach
Fig 42, Circuit diagram ofthe booster unit
152220
the decoders).
Capacitor C7 enables the
‘overload action to be delayed,
so that the system is not dis-
abled at every momentary
short circuit. This will be
reverted to later in the series.
Construction
If the recs shown in Fig. 45 is
used, construction of the
booster unit should not pre-
sent any problems,
Fit the wire links first:
those close to the output tran-
sistors should be of 1: mm dia.
Mount resistors Ri2=-Ris
well away from the board,
because they get pretty hot
during operation.
‘The board has provision
fora 5-pin DIN connector, but if
the booster is intended for use
ina stationary position (which
is normally the case), the
respective wires may be sol-
dered direct to the board.
Circuits [C1 and 1Cz do
not need a heat sink
Do not fit C7 at this
stage.
‘Transistors TI-Ts must
be mounted on a heat sink
with a thermal resistance of
no} less than 0.8 K/W with the
aid of good-quality insulating
cfetor india acter 1969 10.39Fig, 43, Circuit diagram of a recommended power supply.
washers. If BDX66/67 darlingtons (with
TO33 housing) are used, they must first be
mounted on fo the heat sink and then con
nected to the board by not too long, heavy-
duty wires,
Power supply
‘The circuit diagram of a recommended
power supply is shown in Fig. 43. The
2xi8 V transformer must preferably be a
toroidal type. The rectifier must be a
heavy-duty type and needs a heat sink (it
may be mounted on to that for TI-T3).
Tf you do not want to go to the expense
of a new transformer, but rather use one
that you have had lying around for some
time, use the circuit shown in Fig. 44
Remember, however, that such a set-up
will normally not be able to deliver more
thaa a quarter of the power of the supply
in Fig, 43, if that
‘nally, DO NoT connect transformers in
parallel to increase the total available cur-
rent:such a set-up can be a death trap.
Fig. 45, Printed circuit board for the booster unit.
10.40 terns ectobe 1980
Fig. 44 f you are content (forthe time
being) with a much smaller output
current, this power supply will do
neal.
Assembly and test
Since the booster is operated from the
mains, great care and attention must be
paid to correct assembly and insulatios
Because there are always metal parts in a
model railway system that can be touched
Gike the rails), itis advisable to use a good=
quality insulated enclosure.
The insulation of the power supply
transformer stated in the parts list is
approved to Class I. This means that the
mains cable should have three cores, one
of which is earth.
‘All metal parts that can be touched
Gncluding the heat sinks) should be con
nected to earth,
Connect the two secondary windings of
the mains transformer in Fig. 43 in series
and fit and solder the rectifier and the
buffer capacitors (Ciot = Ci + C2 = C34 Ca
= 2 20,000 UF rated at > 40 V).
Before the supply is connected to the
booster, switch on the mains and check
that the direct voltage across the buffer
capacitors is +25-29 V. If you measure 0 V,
it is almost certain that the two secondary
windings have been connected in anti-
phase. Switch off the mains, discharge the
capacitors via a resistor and reverse the
connections of one of the secondary wind-
ings. Then check the direct voltage again.
If everything is all right, switch off the
mains again and discharge the buffer
capacitors via a resistor.
Next, connect the supply to the booster
via insulated wire of at least 0.5 mm dia
and switch on the mains. Check that the
Rise 4k7_
re = 1000; 1 W
Ro 10k
rosFis = 1k0
Rro(196R 15 = 0015;
‘TuiT2 = BDV 65 (Philips Components)
Ts; = BDV 64 (Philips Components)
Ts =BC640
Te BC639
y= BOS47B
To = BC557B
To=BOS37
Two = 80327
1 = 80557
IG; = 7805
IG = 7905,
Miscellaneous:
Ki = 5-way DIN sooket (180°) for PCB
runing.
Toten type spade eins for Poa
ousting
Ieuan mtorr
Poa Type e918 Ta
‘Recommended power supply parts (not on
PCB: F
Mains transformer: 2x18 V @900 VA (e.9.
ILP 73014)
| ‘Smoothing capactiors: 4 of 10,000, 40 V
| oc4 off 15,0000F: 40.
| High current ge retir: min 20 A (2.0
8YW6' from Motorola).
| One mains-tated fuse: 2 A slow.
‘Two low-voltage fuses: 10 A fast.
Heatsink: 6.9, SK120-100mm (Dau Compo-
ents; Fischer).output voltage of IC1 is +20 V and that of
IC? is -20 V. There should be no voltage
between B (earth) and R since there is as
yet no input,
Fit a 100 02,5 W, resistor between B and
R and connect the input, pin 4 of Ki, to a
positive voltage, for instance, +20 V at pin
3 of Ki. The output voltage should then be
+18 V. With a negative input - obtained by
interconnecting pins 1 and 4 of Ki - the
output should be-18 V.
Connecting to Marklin Digital
The booster circuit is driven via Ki, which
also carries the auxiliary +20 V and -20 V
voltages. These are not of importance
when the Marklin Digital is used, but in
the Elektor Electronics system they power
the RS232 interface,
When the Marklin Digital is used, only
pins 2 (earth) and 4 (input) of Kr need to
be connected to the brown and red termi-
nal at the rear of the Central Unit. Our
booster, therefore, does Nor use the 5-pin
connector on the Central Unit
The overload signal (pin 5 of Kt) is also
for use with our own system only. To
arrange for the automatic switch-off of the
Markiin unit during overloads, a diode
must be added as shown in Fig. 46
Warning of a short circuit in the booster is
then passed to the Central Unit, after
whieh the current monitor in that unit
arranges the switch-of
The Central Unit may provide some of
the power to the rails, but note that only
the B connexions of the Central Unit and
our booster may be interlinked. The R con-
AUTO TEST SYSTEM FOR
POWER SUPPLIES
The Chroma 6000 Power Suppy Auto
Test System, manuufactured by Chroma
ATE Inc., Taiwan, is used for testing
power supplies, both AC/DC and DC)
DC types. It includes Switcher Analyz~
ers, Vin Sources, an Extended Measure-
ment Unit and a System Controller
(IBM PC-XT or compatible). The mod-
ular hardware configuration allows the
user to select and expand from one
Switcher Analyzer module into. the
‘Chroma 6000 Power Supply ATS by in-
crementing hardware modules.
The Chroma-6000 ATS offers a MULTI-
SYSTEM and PARALLEL testing ar-
chitecture to improve the test efficiency
and accuracy. Each of the su
namely the Switcher Analyzers and the
Extended Measurement Unit, contains a
CPU, memory, dedicated control and
measurement circuits, which is capable
of distributed processing during test
Fig. 6, How to connect the booster unit to Marklin's Central Unit.
nexions (centre zail in the Marklin system)
must be isolated from one another,
Marklin supplies special parts to prevent
the slide contacts from short-circuiling the
electrically separated centre rails during
For true-to-scale modellers
The output voltage of the booster was cho
execution Chroma 6000 ATS
software packages provide a powerful
menu driven, programmer free opera-
tion,
A.T.E. LIMITED ¢ (Electronics Divi-
sion) ® 36, SDF 2 @ SEEPZ Andheri
East) ¢ Bombay-400 096
The
sen at £18 V to ensure that the maximum
speed of the locomotives would be about
equal to that in traditional model railway
systems. Taken to scale, model trains trav-
el faster than life-size ones. Modellers who
want to have their locomotives travel at,
proportionally, the same speed as life-size
trains can arrange this by using 12 V zener
diodes in the Ds, D and Dy positions, This,
will result in an output voltage of #1
ini
Infra Red Pyrometers
L & Tismarketings non-contact temper-
ature measuring systems havings wide
applications is steel, cement, glass, heat
treatment, bitumen mixings, food pro-
cossings etc. ‘These systems use infra red
radiation technology and are manufac-
tured by Hozur Instruments Private Ltd
in collaboration with hand Infrared Ltd
of UK,
Larsen & Toubro Ltd. @ Process Instru-
ments Division @ Venkata remanna
Centre ® Madras-600 018 ©
oaober 1909 10.4RESONANCE METER
The test instrument discussed is a must for anyone working with RF signals,
but with a limited budget. It enables the resonance frequency of
tuned circuits to be measured within the range of 100 kHz to about
50 MHz, and can also be used as a capacitance meter, RF test
‘Traditionally, the name of the instrument
of the type to be described has evolved
from gritt dipper to gute dipper or simply
‘tipper. The first name, grid dipper, was
used in the valve era and long after. When
thermionic valves disappeared from con-
sumer electronic equipment, the instru
‘ment was built from semiconductors and
10.42 eietnor india cetcbor 1900
generator and RF signal probe.
J. Bareford
baptized ‘gate dipper’ hecause the gate of
a field effect transistor (FET) is electrically
very similar to the first grid ofa valve, The
instrament is basically an RF signal
source with adjustable output frequency,
coupled to a circuit that measures and
indicates the amplitude of the output sig-
nal — see Fig. 1. Because the terms ‘gate™
and ‘grid’ have been formed historically,
but have really nothing to do with the
basic function of the instrument, these
misnomers are omitted here to be re-
placed by the more universal term ‘reson-
ance meter’
Tuned circuits and
resonance
Many constructors shy away from pro-
jects that contain home-made inductors,
because these, they feel, remain some-
thing of a mystery owing to their lack of
experience or suitable test and measuring
equipment. And yet, many a radio ama-
teur will confidently inform these con-
structors that there is nothing mysterious
about winding coils, Infact, dimensioning
them and peaking the resultant tuned cir~
cuit at the right frequency is sheer plea-
sure, provided, he will tell you, that a
resonance meter is available, Without this
simple instrument even experienced RF
engineers are often at a loss in getting
radio equipment to work correctly.
‘Any tuned circuit absorbs energy from
another that is placed near it, and reson-
ates at the same frequency. The RF energy
is supplied by the resonance metet and an
inductor that forms part of an oscillator.
When this inductor is held near the coil
under test, the oscillator output ampli-
‘tude drops if the two tuned circuits reson-
ate at the same frequency. When the ‘dip’
is indicated by the signal level meter on
the resonance meter, the resonance fre-
quency of the tuned circuit under test can
bbe read from the tuning dial, Mind you:Block diagram of the resonance
Fig. 1.
meter.
the resonance frequency can be deter
mined while the equipment of which the
tuned circuit forms part is not powered.
The coupling between the resonance
meter and the tuned circuit under test is
entirely inductive: all that is required is to
hold the pick-up coil on the meter close to
the tuned circuit under test. Tune the res-
onance meter, and the signal level meter
on it will tell you the resonance frequency
of the L-C network under test.
Resonance meter as an RF
signal source...
Since the resonance meter contains an 05-
cillator capable of covering a faitly large
frequency range, it may dovble as an RF
signal generator. To align a receiver, for
instance, the resonance meter is simply set
to the required frequency and placed close
to the aerial input. If tis too strong for a
precise adjustment, the test signal can be
attenuated by placing the resonance meter
further away.
... as. a frequency meter or
RF probe.
The resonance meteris designed such that
it can easily be used as a coarse frequency
meter and signal strength meter (RF
probe). These functions are achieved by
switching off the internal oscillator, but
leaving the pick-up coil and the signal
rectifier plus level indicator in function
Energy picked up from a resonating i
| xu
Fig. 2
ductor in equipment to be aligned thus
ccatises the meter to deflect when the tun-
ing dial is sct to the correct frequency. The
meter indication isa measure of the signal
strength, while the tuning dial shows the
meastired frequency. These combined
functions are particularly useful for alig-
ning receivers and transmitters in which
several frequencies are mixed. The probe
function of the resonance meter is then
ideal for, say, aligning the filter that fol-
lows the mixer Stage, so that only the
wanted frequency is passed.
..and aC or L meter
Capacitance (C) and inductance (L) meas-
urements are the last additional functions
of the resonance meter.
The value of a capacitor can be deter-
mined with the aid of a parallel inductor
with known inductance, L, and, of course,
‘a resonance meter. The capacitance, C, is
simple to calculate from the resonance fre-
quency, jo, of the parallel tuned circuit:
Tho valuos of Lo.
Table 1.
2aXLC
Since the self-inductance is known, and
the resonance frequency can be measured,
the equation can be rewritten as
1
wf
Similarly, inductance can be calculated
with the aid of a reference capacitor:
Circuit diagram of the budget resonance moter for 0.150 MHz in eight ranges.
Three transistors
The circuit diagram of the resonance
meter is given in Fig. 2. All functions dis-
cussed above are realized by three transis
tors and a handful of passive components.
Although perhaps a little difficult to de-
luce from the circuit diagram, T1 and
form an oscillator. The frequency of oscil-
lation is determined by Ls and varicaps D:
and Dz, The two diodes are connected in
parallel to achieve the required capacit-
ance range that can be adjusted with Pi
‘A total of eight plug-in inductors is
required to cover the frequency range
from 0.1 to 50 MHz.
Preset Paallows the collector current in
both transistors. to be adjusted, giving
contro] over the amount of RF energy
generated by the oscillator. Transistors Ts
and T: forma differential amplifier in which
Cr provides the feedback between the col-
lector of Tz and the base of Ty
The measuring amplifier is formed by
‘Ts. This transistor is operated in class C,
so that it does not conduct until the vol
age on Ls is about 0.6 V higher than the
emitter voltage. This means that T> forms
a basic rectifier because it conducts only
during a part of the positive half-wave of
the oscillator signal. This pulsating signal
is converted into a clean direct voltage by
Ce. Regulator IC: prevents fluctuations of
the supply voltage degrading the stability
of the oscillator. Should the supply volt-
age be unstable, the voltageat Pi, and with
it the varicap voltage, is unstable also. The
varicap voltage, by the way, is not only
dependent on the setting of Pr, Presets Ps
and Ps are included to give Pi the correct,
range, which is a must for the calibration
of the scale on the front-panel designed
slain cotobes 1908 10.43,Fig. 9. Printed-circult board for the reson-
ance meter.
Resistors (25%):
| BuRr= 1k0
| Ra= 22001
Fo= 47k
Rae = 33k
Fe = 220k
Pi = 100k linear potentiometer
Pe =50k inear potentiometer
PsP4= 5k preset H
‘Capacitors:
C1= 1000
C2=22n
Co= 474; 6V; radial
Ca= 2200
Cs 10; 16V
| Co= 1p0; 25
Cr=39n
‘Semiconductors:
DrDe= BB2T2
TiiTe= F451
Ta = BFROT |
IC) = 78110
| Miscellaneous:
PCB Type 886071
radial choke (Toko).
L2=.33mH radial choke (Toko).
132 00 Table 1
‘Si = miniature SPST switch.
‘Mi = 250 HA moving-coll VU meter.
1 off DIN-type 2-way loudspeaker socket.
+8 off DIN-type 2sway loudspeaker plugs.
ABS enclosure.
t
mes)
10.44 cio
for the resonance meter. The ranges of the
resonance meter can only be calibrated if
the standard choke values listed in Table 1
The circuit diagram shows that the
supply voltage for the resonance meter is
18 V, obtained from two series-connected
9 V’ batteries. A mains adaptor with
12 VDC output is, however, also suitable
iffthe resonance meter is fitted with a Type
7BLA0 voltage regulator
Construction
Resonance meters for frequencies up into
the VHF range are not the easiest of con-
struction projects. The main problem of
many home-made as well as ready-made
meters is that these produce ‘false’ dips
when the pick-up coil is not held near a
tuned circuit. According to Murphy's law,
tliese false dips will typically occur in the
most frequently used ranges.
RESONANCE
METER
®
on
Fig. 4
eao7T 12‘The printed-circuit board for the pres-
ent resonance meter has been designed to
minimize the risk of false dips. Figure 3
shows the component mounting plan and
the track layout of the board, which is
available ready-made.
Mounting the parts on the board is fair
ly straightforward. The only point to pay
special attention to is that all component
wires must be kept as short as possible.
‘The populated board is mounted in an
ABS enclosure. This is not standard prac-
ticein view of RF screening, but avoids the
risk of a metal enclosure affecting the
operation of the oscillator. As a result,
false dips would occur, and the calibra-
tion would have to be changed.
All wires in the enclosure, and partieu-
larly those between the board an the in-
ductor socket should have the absolute
minimum length. The front-panel design
shown in Fig. 4 is copied and secured on
to the enclosure.
The pick-up coils are made from DIN-
type 2-way loudspeaker plugs and ready-
made chokes as shown in the photograph
of Fig. 5. The chokes for the two lowest
ranges must be types with plastic sleev-
ing, not types with ferrite encapsulation.
The other chokes are miniature axial
types.
Calibration
The resonance meter can not be calibrated
hefore it has been fitted into a suitable
enclosure. Either a frequency meter or a
short-wave receiver must be used for the
adjustment procedure.
If a frequency meter is available, the
procedure is started by winding 10 turns
of enamelled copper wire on to a lead
pencil. Remove the pencil, and connect,
the inductor to the input of the frequency
meter. Plug one of the lower-range coils,
into the resonance meter, switch on the
instrument, and adjust P» for full-scale de-
flection of the signal level meter, Mi. The
frequency meter will display a frequency
if the pick-up coil on the resonance meter
is held near that on the frequency meter.
Check whether the displayed frequency
rises if Pi is turned anti-clockwise. If not,
swap the outer wires on the poten-
tiometer. Set the tuning to the highest fre-
quency in the range, and adjust Ps until
the frequency meter displays the scale fre-
quency. Turn Pi to the lowest frequency,
and adjust Pa similarly. Once again check
the upper frequency and correct the set
ting of Po if necessary
‘A short-wave receiver is also suitable
for calibrating the resonance meter, but
has the disadvantage of requiring to be
re-tuned for every adjustment,
Since every choke has its particular
tolerance, itis necessary to check for scale
deviations in every range of the resonance
meter. If the deviation in a particular
range is unacceptable, try using another
choke from another batch but with the
same value indication. Choke tolerance is
typically 420%
Practical use
‘The resonance meter is a test instrument
that becomes easy to operate only grad-
ually through regular practical use. Prior
to any measurement, the frequency range
must be determined, and the appropriate
pick-up coil selected. In some cases, you
will need to change coils if the resonance
frequency is close to the end of the range.
Switch on the instrument, and adjust the
sensitivity control, Ps, for fs.d. (full-scale
deflection) of the signal level meter. Line
up the pick-up coil with the inductor in
the equipment (Fig. 6), and tune carefully
until the pointer of the level meter moves
to the left. The frequency range is prob-
ably fairly large at this stage. To achieve a
more accurate dip, move the pick-up coil
away from the inductor while still ensur-
ing that they point in the same direction.
Fig. 6.
Now retune the resonance meter until a
sharp dip is found.
If the resonance frequency of a tuned
circuit is not known, it is wise to start
‘examining it in the lowest range of the
resonance meter, increasing the range
until a sharp dip is found. This procedure
avoids harmonics being mistaken for the
natural frequency.
‘The resonance meter need not be very
accurate since its main application is the
coarse dimensioning and adjustment of
inductors, or capacitors that form part of
anL-C tuned circuit — precise adjustment
is invariably done along the lines of the
setting-up procedure with the equipment
turned on. Also, itis useful to note that the
resonance frequency of an L-C circuit is
generally lowered when it is installed in
the circuit, which introduces additional
capacitance.
‘Not all tuned circuits can be tested
with the aid of the resonance meter. In-
ductors wound on a toroid core, or en
closed by a metal cover, absorb very little
externally applied energy, and do not pro-
duce a dip unless a small external series
inductor of one or two turns isadded tem-
porarily. This lowers the resonance fre-
quency to some extent, but allows a useful
estimate to be made. Some in-circuit L-C
networks will not dip either. Examples are
the heavily damped tuned circuits in the
emitter line of a grounded-base transistor
circuit, To measure the resonance fre-
quency, either the transistor or the tuned
circuit must be removed
Finally, the resonance frequency of
series L-C tuned circuits can not be
‘measured unless a capacitoris included in
the cireuit that provides a path from the
inductor back to the series capacitor. This,
in fact, creates a parallel tuned circuit
Using the resonance meter to ‘dip’ an L-C tuned circuit.
ator ina cbr 1089 10.45,CENTRONICS MONITOR
The Centronics interface standart
A. Rigby
often said to be without
problems in practical use. When a malfunction occurs, however,
many more connections have to be checked than, for instance, on an
RS-232 link. The monitor described here alleviates the plight in
debugging a Centronics connection. It is a handy tester that
indicates the levels on all lines simultaneously, including those that
Nearly all of today’s personal computers
are equipped with a Centronics port for
connecting a printer. The general accept-
ance of the Centronics interface standard
has. been helped by the availability of
ready-made eables of variouslengths, and
the fact that the majority of printer manu-
facturers have ensured compliance with
the pinning of the ‘blue-ribbon’ input con-
neetor on their products
Sometimes, however, the installation
of a new printer or cable gives rise to
awkward problems that take a lot of
precious time to analyse and resolve. In
these eases, the present in-line indicator
provides almost instant fault analysis be-
cause it shows the logic state of the data-
bits and a number of handshaking and
control signals
Data and handshaking
To ensure that the computer-to-printer
link works as required, a number of sig-
nals must be present, while the use of
others depends on the equipment used at
either side of the Centronics cable. At the
computer side, datalines D0-D7 must be
10.46 clei india ccicbor 1988
carry pulses.
connected, as well as handshake lines
STROBE, BUSY and/or ACK (ackrow-
ledge). Especially the last two signals are
prone to cause trouble if the relevant pins
are correctly marked (according to the
printer manual), but not used electrically.
When the Centronics connection is
fully functional, the computer puts the bit
pattern to be sent to the printer on to the
eight datalines, and actuates the STROBE
line by pulling it low. This enables the
printer to recognize that the databyte rep-
resenting the printable character is stable
and therefore valid. Reception of the byte
is signalled to the computer by a low-to-
high change on the BUSY line, BUSY re-
mains high until the printer is ready.
Depending on the type of printer, the re-
ceived databyte is instantly printed, or
stored in an internal buffer memory. In
both cases, however, the processing (which
is not necessarily the same as printing) of
a characteris signalled to the computer by
means of a high-to-low transition on the
ACK line.
‘The processing of received characters
differs from printer to printer. Older mod-
cls print each character immediately after
it has been received, halting the computer
during the printing operation. Printers of
allater generation typically feature a small
buffer that allows a line of printable char-
acters to be stored. The characters in this
buffer are not printed until a carriage re-
turn is received. Many modern matrix
printers have buffers capable of storing
many kilobytes of text, and handle print
ing, data spooling and. communication
with the computer simultaneously. Some
top-range models house more data pro-
cessing chips than the average PC com-
patible
‘Apart form the data and handshaking
lines, the Centronics standard specifies a
number of other, auxiliary, functions:
PE Paper Empty Goes high when
the printer is out
of paper.
SEL Select Indicates that the
printer is on line
and ready to re-
ceive data,
Automatic line
feed after a car-
riage return,
Resets the printer
Indicates internal
failure.
AUTO Auto Feed
INTE __ initialize
ERROR
‘The last four lines must be given a fixed
level, even if they are not used in the ac-
tual connection between the computer
and the printer. In other words: the mini-
mum requirement is that non-connected
active-low and active-high lines be fitted
with a pull-up and pull-down resistor re-
spectively.
The monitor
‘The Centronics monitor indicates the cur-
rent logic level on all lines by means of
light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The databus
lines are connected to a Type 74HCTS40
buffer that supplies sufficient output cur-
rent to connect the LEDs direct to ground.
A logic high level causes the LED associ-
ated with a particular line to light. Each of
the five status lines is connected direct to
the associated LED. This can be done with
impunity because the signal levels are= [+[>[=[=]»
fairly steady.
Signal lines STROBE, BUSY and ACK
require a different configuration because
they carry pulses rather than steady le-
vels. Three monostables in the form of
‘Type 555 timer chips are therefore used to
drive the relevant LEDs, Inverter Ts-Ris-
Ri ensures that the BUSY LED lights
when the associated line is actuated (Le,
logic high), Such an inverter is not re~
quired for the ACK and STROBE lines,
‘which are active-iow. The associated 555
are housed in dual timer ICs, a 556.
AIF ies Ap
be ol
Fig. 1. Circuit diagram of the Centronics monitor.
All other signals that may be available,
but are not strictly required for correct
operation, are simply passed between the
relevant pins of the input and output
socket of the monitor. Many Centronics
cables do not have separate ground wires,
but use commoned connector pins at both
ends. These pins are often connected by a
single wire :
Sixteen LEDs enable the user of the
monitor to locate the possible source of
trouble at a glance: 8 data LEDs, 3 for the
handshaking lines, and 5 for the status
lines.
Power supply
An external supply will not be required in
most cases because virtually all modern
printers supply #5 V at pin 18, 35 or both.
Diodes Ds and Dio ensure compatibility of
the monitor with these printers, and also
allow the unit to be powered from an ex-
ternal 10 V/50 mA power supply. Regula-
tor ICs then provides the 5 V supply
voltage for the ICs and LEDson the board.
eto india asser 1880 10.47Connections
Connector Ki is a 36-way Centronics
socket with straight solder pins. Push the
socket On to the PCB edge, while ensuring
that the pins align with the copper islands.
Soldering is then straightforward. Con-
nector Ke is removed froma standard Cen-
tronics cable plug, and secured as Ki. Two
types of connector exist: versions with
screws and versions with clamps for the
screening hood. The screw type is the bet-
ter for the present application
13 | SELECT | Printer
Pin] Signal’ | Source
[1 | STROBE | Computer
| 2 | Datao | Computer
| bata | Computer|
| [4 | psta2 [computer |
[5 | Data's | Computer
6 | bata | companer
| [rf tetas | computer
| lee esate eae
Se: Data 7 _| Computer
[_10 ACK
} 1" Busy Printer
[se | BARER [te
14 | ALES | Computer
13 | ne.
76 |_eround
17_| chassis
18 15V
19_| ground
20 | ground
21 | ground
22 | ground
[eeees: ‘ground
24 | ground
25 ground |
26 | ground
27 | ground
28 | ground
29 ground | |
20 | ground
a1 | iNT | computer | |
32__| FAROR | Printer | |
38 ne.
a4 ne.
a5 15V_| Printer
38 ne.
10.48 clezorinae octane 1989
at both sides of the printed-circuit board.
Parts ist
Resistors (5%):
Fis = 1k0 SIL resistor aray
Capacitors:
(CisGai0s:Cr = 100n
G2iCax0s;Ca = 330n
Semiconductors:
Di-DaiDi1-Drs = LED; 3 mm; red
DeDro= 1Na148
Di= 1N4OOt
TisTziTe = BOSS7B
Ta= BC547B
Miscellaneous:
2, Track layout and component mounting plan. A number of parts must be solderedASIC MICROCONTROLLERS
by Simon Young*
This article discusses the evolution of the MCS-51 architecture
and how to use ASIC technology to extend the set of generic
features contained in the family members.
Intel offers the MCS-S1 architecture to
customers in a number of ways.
‘The first is via standard products, such
as the 80C51BH and 8052. These devices
are designed for the general microcon-
troller marker, where the internal hardware
resources can be closely matched to the
system requirements.
The second is via Application Specific
Standard Products (a8s°s) developed for a
vertical market sharing a common set of
additional features. An example is the
80CSIFA, which augments the MCS-51
core features with a programmable counter
array, an enhanced serial port for ruultipro-
cessor communications and an up/down
timerfeounter.
The third way to gain access to the
MCS-5I architecture is via ASIC, and this
is the subject of this article. Intel offers to
customers the same capability it uses
house to develop asses
MCS-51 Microcontrollers
The MCS-51 family of microcontrollers
was designed 10 meet the needs of embed:
ded control applications. The architecture
and instruction set were optimized for the
‘movement of data between internal memo-
ry and internal peripherals.
Figure 1a shows the MCS-51 architec-
ture. ‘The Special Function Register (5°)
bus connects the internal resources (such
as port latches, timers and peripheral con-
trol registers) with the crv. Thel28 bytes
of on-chip RAM (between 00 hex and 7E
hex) can be addressed both with direct
(Mov data addr) and indirect (ov @Ri)
addressing modes. Some devices, ¢.g.. the
8052, provide an additional 128 bytes of
on-chip RAM for temporary data storage
between 80 hex and FF hex (dotted in
Fig. 1b). This may be addressed only indi
rectly ~ forming a useful area for the
stack,
The SFR space appears to the CPU as
128 bytes of memory located between 80
hex and FF hex. This area of memory is
accessed only by direct addressing modes,
in order to distinguish it from the addition-
*Simon Young is with Intel Corporation (UK)
Ltd at Swindon
al data RAM discussed above. Of the 128
locations, 21 are used in the 80C51BH
standard product (26 on the 805:
The 64 Kbytes of external data memo-
Fy space are accessed with the Movx
instruction.
Another powerful feature of the MCS-
31 architecture is the ability to address
individual bits within certain sex and
internal RAM locations. All MCS-S1
‘Typical 80C51 core-based design.
devices contain a complete Boolean (sin-
gle-bit) processor. The MCS-51 instruc-
tion set supports the Boolean processor
with instructions to move, set, clear, com-
plement, OR, AND, and conditional branch
on bit. This ‘bit addressability’ allows
individual bits to be tested and modified
without the need of complex masking
operations, with consequent significant
improvements in speed,
dekior indi ster 1808 10.49,inteJ-
MCS-51 MEMORY STRUCTURE
PROGRAM
MEMORY
FFF
(ee
(eal
a
[es [em|
0000 Ee
PSEN
DATA
MEMORY
Fig. ta
r External
Intcrpes
C
MCS-51 ARCHITECTURE
TIMER?
TIMER!
wen
Fig. 1b
At the time the first members of the
MCS-51 family were introduced, there
was mo economic packaging for high pin-
count devices. The parts were packaged in
40-pin bit. packages: only recently have
PLCC packages been used. To provide
access to the intemal hardware resources
of the device, several functions, including
port input and output signals, external
multiplened address/data bus, serial port
Vo, external interrupt signals and
timer/counter input signals had to be mul-
tiplexed, Clearly, functions multiplexed on
the same pin may not be used concurrent-
1
10.50 atatorinaaceaber 19
As systems designers developed in-
creasingly complex embedded control
applications, the 8051 required additional
memory, peripherals and/or 1/o ports.
‘These had to be added externally as mem-
ory or memory-mapped peripherals,
reducing the parallel io available on the
8051, Fully expanded in this way, only a
single 8-bit Yo port is available. While the
on-chip features and price-performance
ratio of the 8051 make it still an attractive
proposition when compared with other
solutions, the end result is different from
what the 8051 was designed to be: a sin-
sle-chip, stand-alone microcontroller.
UCS1: Intel's original
microcontroller core
In 1985, Intel introduced the UCS1, which
was developed from the 1.5 jum cHMOS i
80C51BH standard product, The UCS1
allows designers to integrate the micro-
controller core, memory, memory-mapped
peripherals and cells from the 1.5 jim stan-
dard cell library on to a single chip,
In transforming the 80C51BH into the
UCS1 core cell, the v0 pads and pin multi-
plexers were removed. The internal
peripherals, multiplexed address-data bus,
control signals and input and output ports
all have dedicated signals,
With the ability to choose different
amounts of program om (zero, 4 K, 8 K
or 16 K bytes) and data Ram (up to 1K
bytes) with no loss in functionality, the
UCS1 has been a very successful part of
Intel's ASIC offering,
In summary, the UCS1 provides sys-
tems designers the capability to integrate
“fixed’ core and memory-mapped periph-
crals, complete with user-defined logic, on
to assingle ASIC device, The asic resembles
an integrated version of the discrete solu-
tion, with increased flexibility because of
the. demultiplexed fo. However, it is not
possible to apply the full power of the
architecture and instruction set to memo-
ry-mapped peripherals.
UCS51: Intel's next genera-
tion microcontroller core
Infel have recently introduced the UCS51
family of microcontroller and peripheral
cells into the 1.5 jum ciMos m standard
cell library. The UCS51 permits systems
designers to connect any of the available
peripheral cells or user-defined logic
directly into the SFR space. The UCSS1
cores then access the control registers
within these peripherals in exactly the
same way as any internal st register.
There are great benefits to be gained
from directly connecting peripherals to the
sm bu
+ instructions operating on peripheral
registers in the SFR space are more code-
efficient then accessing memory-mapped
registers indirectly (with MOVx), so that
Jess program memory space is required;
‘+ register direct-instructions (ADD, aDBC,
'SUBB, INC, DEC, ANL, ORL, XRL, MOV, PUSH,
POR, XCH, CINE and DINZ) execute more
quickly, improved system through-
put:
+ certain bytes in the SFR space (located
at x0 hex and x8 hex) are bit addressable:
‘mapping peripherals into these locations
permits the bit-banging capabilities of the
Boolean processor to be applied to these
registers;interface logic between the UCSSI
core and UCSSI peripherals is eliminated:
there is no need of an address latch,
address decoder or tri-state bus driver.
‘The basic UCSSI core cell resembles a
UCSI, Port! has been removed to provide
access to the SFR bus, although it may be
replaced easily as described later.
Interfaces have been added for connecting
kom medules (either none or one of 4 K, 8
K, or 16 K bytes), a Ram module (same
RAM as 8052) and an interrupt expansion
unit, A functional cell diagram is shown in
Fig. 2.
Additional interrupts
enhance real-time
performance
Unexpanded UCSS1 cores have five inter-
rupt signals available, as have the UCS1
and 80C5IBH. Users may configure the
internal peripheral interrupts for use as
general purpose interrupt signals, with no
change in priority levels and vector loca-
tions. It is also possible, by the use of the
Interrupt Expansion Unit, to add a further
five external interrupts, making a total of
10, with complete flexibility of interrupt
source, peripherals, on-chip or off-chip
logic.
1s! peripherals for configuring
unique microcontroller cells
The Bus Interface Unit is, perhaps, the
most important UCSS1 peripheral cell
Functionally, it is and 8-bit input, 8-bit
‘output SF bus interface. With it, designers
may replace Port! and add further demul-
tiplexed i/o ports as needed,
This cell is also used to interface
between on-chip user-defined logic and
the sR bus. Thus, customer developed
logic using cells from the 1.5 jum standard
cell library may be mapped directly into
the SFR space to gain the advantages dis-
cussed previously.
The 8-bit, B-channel successive
approximation ADC has a nominal conver-
sion speed of 20 us at a core frequency of
16 MHz. A conversion may be triggered
by hardware or software, with an interrupt
generated on completion.
Timer2 is a 16-bit timer/counter cell,
enhanced over the Timer2 found on the
£8052 standard product and some asses.
‘The serial /o cell isa full-duplex serial
port, enhanced from the serial channel
contained in the 80C51BH by the addition
of a new mode: Mode 4. This mode pro-
vides 9-, 10-, 11- or 12-bit transfers with
variable baud rate. In Mode 4, the
UCSSISIO cell also generates parity for
transmission and detects framing, overrun
and parity errors on reception.
Edwina
Inert
ROM {See
' ;
‘Demultiph y CPU
( REBSIEPSS ous) K
UCS-51 ARCHITECTURE
* Special Function Register Bus
FD
Asic\q)
Fig.2
‘The baud rate generator cell is used to
‘generate clocks for the serial 1/o peripheral
or for user-defined logic. Operating trom
the L6 MHz system clock, the 8&6 gener
ales rates from 50 Hz to 4 MHz with an
accuracy better than ().2%.
‘These five 151 peripheral cells and 16
distinct core configurations complete the
UCSSI offering at the time of launch:
more are in development. The 1.5 im
standard cell library includes ssi, Msi and
Vo functions and may also be integrated
ona UCSS1-based asic
cap tools aid development of
microcontroller-based asics
The Design Entry Tool, ner, provides a
high-level, menu-driven means of config-
uring the core hardware resources. The
UCS51 core options are RAM, ROM oF
interrupts. Adding a peripheral requires
two data to be entered: the peripheral type
and the address of its control registers in
the SFR space
‘The DET outputs a symbol for this core.
‘The designer simply adds the user-defined
logic he requires, surrounds this with the
Yo pads and the design capture is com-
plete.
‘Once captured, the designs netlist is
transmitted 10 mpvs ~ Intel's Mainframe
Design Verification System based on
VAX/ZyCad hardware. Full-timing gate-
level simulation of the entire chip is poss
ble with vectors written in ropL — Intel's
‘Test Pattern Development Language ~ and
EXtASMSI. ExiASM51 provides 8051
assembly source code and simulation stim-
tulus, and synchronizes the execution of
instructions with external stimulus applied
to the asic.
‘The simulation output may be viewed
fas text on the host, or retumed to the
workstation for display and review in the
graphies condition.
The ICE-UCSSI In Circuit Emulator
allows the designer to develop and test
code for a UCSS1-based asic, and to emu-
late the completed asic (core, peripherals
and user-defined logic) in the target sys-
tem. The ICé is a PC-based emulator sys-
tem, offering the same advanced features
as Intel's other 1CE systems,
‘The UCSS1 core is tested with a slight-
ly modified version of the 80C51BH stan-
dard product test program, guaranteeing
functional and parametric equivalence to
the standard part. The peripherals are test-
ed in the same way.
‘The designer is responsible only for his
user-defined logic, and provides Trot and
ExtASMS1.
The result is standard producty quality
and reliability: an aot of 0.1% is guaran-
teed
Summary
Intel's famnily of UCS51 core and peripher-
al cells provides the systems designer with
unprecedented flexibility in asic design.
Not only is access provided to the basic
core architecture of the 8051, but also to a
specialized set of peripheral cells. The
design tools guide the designer through
design capture, simulation and test vector