TDC1000-C2000EVM: Air Transducer with TDC1000 c-2000 EVM

Hi Yogesh,

Can you tell me a bit more about your application? While the TDC1000 will work with a 40kHz transducer, it is geared toward higher frequencies and most often used for liquid-coupled applications. What kind of detection range does your application require? For applications requiring a detection range within 5cm-10m, I would recommend using the PGA460, which is exclusively used for air-coupled applications and operates at lower frequencies than the TDC1000. The 40kHz transducer you are using would most commonly be used with the PGA460. 

If your application requires shorter range detection and the TDC1000 best suits your sensing needs, could you elaborate on the problems you're having setting up the device? Are you unable to get the GUI to graph data and yield an average time of flight? Or are you encountering a different problem? I'd be happy to help you debug with more data.

Regards,

Hello Kristin,

Application Requirments:

First thing is our range so we want up to 2 meters range in air and I also found the PGA 460 that chip needs higher voltage means 7- 18 volts. But we have only 3.3v supply from LiSocl2 Cell. Because our product is based on waste management, So, we need to determine Dustbin Fill level measurement through this Low Power IoT sensor.

Our Goal:

I Purchased a TDC1000 Evaluation kit from Texas Instruments and download GUI to evaluate first so when first I connect with Murata transducer with TDC 1000 so obviously failed because of the output frequency so I selected clock frequency divided by 8, Then I changed this divided by 256 and TDC generated about 31. Khz signal and transducer working in trigger mode but didn't receive the echo. 

Please provide me first the information about GUI or USer guide of GUI because there is nothing to give me hint about GUI operations and configuration so didn't get any correct configuration for the sensor which I am using.

Thanks,

Hi Yogesh,

Unfortunately, the 2m detection range your application requires is too far for the TDC1000. It has a maximum listening period of 8ms, which equates to a maximum detectable distance of about 1.37m. You are likely not receiving an echo for two reasons: your target is too far out of range and your output frequency is too far from the transducer's resonant frequency. Generally speaking, transducers will still perform well when stimulated with frequencies within 1 kHz of their resonant frequencies. The 9 kHz difference between your transducer's resonant frequency and your output frequency would result in large losses in your output signal strength, so even if your target is in the detectable range, the signal strength is likely to weak to provide a detectable echo. 

For your application, I would recommend using the PGA460 with a voltage doubler of some type. A charge pump might be a good option for your low power requirements. The PGA460 will work with a 6.6V supply and will be able to support your 2m maximum detection range. You can also use a load switch to further minimize the PGA460's power consumption, disconnecting it from power when it is not in use. I'm not sure how often you need to check the dustbin fill level, but this could be a good option if you only need to check the level every minute or two. 

In addition, the PGA460 has a more flexible output frequency range, as it does not depend on an input clock frequency (nor does it need an input clock signal, as it has an internal oscillator). You would more easily be able to use it with the 40 kHz transducer you've selected. It also has a newer GUI and more extensive user's guide. I would recommend purchasing the BOOSTXL-PGA460Q1 EVM to test your application. This video series and the EVM Quick Start Guide would be good places to start.  

Regards,