FDC1004EVM: FDC1004EVM

TBh

Part Number: FDC1004EVM
Other Parts Discussed in Thread: FDC1004, , MSP430F5528, MSP430F5529, ENERGIA, MSP-EXP430F5529LP

Hello there,

I am trying to read the capacitance of basic parallel plate capacitor, the capacitance between ground plate and sensor plate. It is actually a micro-structure and the gap between the ground and sensor plates changes. And this capacitive sensor is connected to FDC1004 EVM by about 1 m long coaxial cable. There are two major issues with my sensor application. Hope you give me great comments.

1) How to remove or minimize parasitic capacitance appearing in a dynamic environment? For example, when my finger touches the coaxial cable connecting the EVM and my sensor, the capacitance read by the FDC1004 EVM is changed.

2) Is it available to collect all the data points mentioned in the company datasheets (400 samples/s, 200 samples/s, and 100 samples/s)? I realized that the software working with FDC1004 EVM does not take all of the data., for example by the 400 samples/s mode, it collects only about 60 data points. Something it collects different number, not 60 points. If it is possible, how to collect all the data points?

It is said that if this firmware "Capacitive Sensing Sample Code (Energia) v1.1 (Rev. A)" is written to the FDC1004EVM, it is available. And it must be compiled and can then be uploaded to an MSP430. However, it is a little bit hard to catch up.

Can it the code "Capacitive Sensing Sample Code (Energia) v1.1 (Rev. A)" be written to the FDC1004EVM through the GUI software, for the FDC1004EVM is composed of I2C converter based on MSP430F5528 micro-controller and FDC1004? It seems that the company website does not provide a user guide for the code.

Can you give me your comments about my questions? Your comments will be great. Thanks.

over 5 years ago

0 TBh over 5 years ago

Intellectual 325 points

Would you please give me your great comment especially on the second question (collecting and controlling data points)?

0 Kristin Jones93 over 5 years ago

TI__Genius 17440 points

Hi Tae,

1. The best way to shield your coaxial cable is to connect the SHLD pin from the FD1004 to the shielding of your cable. This will allow the parasitic capacitances to be between SHLD and ground instead of CINx and ground, which will protect your measurement.

2. The Capacitive Sensing Sample Code is completely separate from the Sensing Solutions GUI. In order to use the sample code as is, you will need to purchase an MSP430F5529 Launchpad from the ti.com. Then you can follow the instructions in the Getting Started Guide included with the sample code to correctly connect the hardware and flash the MSP430. You can find it in Windows (C):\ti\Capacitive Sensing Microcontroller (Energia)-1.1
If you do not wish to purchase the Launchpad, the example code can serve as guidelines for how to write your own firmware.

The sample rate can be configured using the FDC Configuration Register, which should be done in firmware for your MCU. If you want live data from the FDC1004EVM, you will need to write your own program to read data from the FDC1004 (through the MCU) at the sample rate you desire.

Regards,

0 TBh over 5 years ago in reply to Kristin Jones93

Intellectual 325 points

Hi Kristin,

Is it "MSP-EXP430F5529LP" the one you are suggesting?

Best,

Tae

0 Kristin Jones93 over 5 years ago in reply to TBh

TI__Genius 17440 points

Hi Tae,

Yes, that is the correct Launchpad.

Regards,

0 TBh over 5 years ago in reply to Kristin Jones93

Intellectual 325 points

Hi Kristin,

I am investigating what to do with the launch pad. Anyway, which part of the user's guide provides explanations for the connection of two devices (the launch pad and the FDC1004 EVM) and for the writing code on the FDC1004?

Best,

0 TBh over 5 years ago in reply to TBh

Intellectual 325 points

Hi Kristin,

The launch pad has many functionality. However, it seems that it does not support FDC1004 EVM.

Best,

0 Kristin Jones93 over 5 years ago in reply to TBh

TI__Genius 17440 points

Hi Tae,

The Launchpad should support the EVM. You can find how to connect to the FDC1004EVM on the middle of page one of the attached document, which is included in the example code you downloaded.

Getting Started Guide- FDC1004 with MSP430 LaunchPad.pdf

Regards,

0 TBh over 5 years ago in reply to Kristin Jones93

Intellectual 325 points

Hi Kristin,

If the firmware writing is successfully finished by connecting the launchpad to the FDC1004EVM, as the document indicates, does the sensing solution GUI work like before, with upgraded firmware, by reconnecting the original MCU of the EVM to the FDC1004 for the operation of FDC1004EVM device?

Best,

0 TBh over 5 years ago in reply to TBh

Intellectual 325 points

Kristin,

As asked, it seems that the launchpad is directly connected to FDC1004 without the MCU of the FDC1004EVM in order to write Energia on FDC1004. After the writing, do I need to reconnect the upgraded FDC1004 to the MCU of the initial FDC1004EVM for the operation of the device?

Best,

0 Kristin Jones93 over 5 years ago in reply to TBh

TI__Genius 17440 points

Hi Tae,

The FDC1004 will not retain its register values if it is disconnected from power. You will need to keep the FDC1004 connected to the launchpad in order to use the Energia firmware.

Regards,

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FDC1004EVM: FDC1004EVM