02-11-2012, 05:14 PM
Precision Waveform Generator/Voltage Controlled Oscillator
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The ICL8038 waveform generator is a monolithic integrated
circuit capable of producing high accuracy sine, square,
triangular, sawtooth and pulse waveforms with a minimum of
external components. The frequency (or repetition rate) can
be selected externally from 0.001Hz to more than 300kHz
using either resistors or capacitors, and frequency
modulation and sweeping can be accomplished with an
external voltage. The ICL8038 is fabricated with advanced
monolithic technology, using Schottky barrier diodes and
thin film resistors, and the output is stable over a wide range
of temperature and supply variations. These devices may be
interfaced with phase locked loop circuitry to reduce
temperature drift to less than 250ppm/oC.
Application Information (See Functional Diagram)
An external capacitor C is charged and discharged by two
current sources. Current source #2 is switched on and off by a
flip-flop, while current source #1 is on continuously. Assuming
that the flip-flop is in a state such that current source #2 is off,
and the capacitor is charged with a current I, the voltage
across the capacitor rises linearly with time. When this voltage
reaches the level of comparator #1 (set at 2/3 of the supply
voltage), the flip-flop is triggered, changes states, and
releases current source #2. This current source normally
carries a current 2I, thus the capacitor is discharged with a
net-current I and the voltage across it drops linearly with time.
When it has reached the level of comparator #2 (set at 1/3 of
the supply voltage), the flip-flop is triggered into its original
state and the cycle starts again.
Waveform Timing
The symmetry of all waveforms can be adjusted with the
external timing resistors. Two possible ways to accomplish
this are shown in Figure 3. Best results are obtained by
keeping the timing resistors RA and RB separate (A). RA
controls the rising portion of the triangle and sine wave and
the 1 state of the square wave.
Waveform Out Level Control and Power Supplies
The waveform generator can be operated either from a
single power supply (10V to 30V) or a dual power supply
(±5V to ±15V). With a single power supply the average
levels of the triangle and sine wave are at exactly one-half of
the supply voltage, while the square wave alternates
between V+ and ground. A split power supply has the
advantage that all waveforms move symmetrically about
ground.
The square wave output is not committed. A load resistor
can be connected to a different power supply, as long as the
applied voltage remains within the breakdown capability of
the waveform generator (30V). In this way, the square wave
output can be made TTL compatible (load resistor
connected to +5V) while the waveform generator itself is
powered from a much higher voltage.
Frequency Modulation and Sweeping
The frequency of the waveform generator is a direct function
of the DC voltage at Terminal 8 (measured from V+). By
altering this voltage, frequency modulation is performed. For
small deviations (e.g. ±10%) the modulating signal can be
applied directly to pin 8, merely providing DC decoupling
with a capacitor as shown in Figure 5A. An external resistor
between pins 7 and 8 is not necessary, but it can be used to
increase input impedance from about 8kΩ (pins 7 and 8
connected together), to about (R + 8kΩ).
For larger FM deviations or for frequency sweeping, the
modulating signal is applied between the positive supply
voltage and pin 8 (Figure 5B). In this way the entire bias for
the current sources is created by the modulating signal, and
a very large (e.g. 1000:1) sweep range is created
(f = Minimum at VSWEEP = 0, i.e., Pin 8 = V+). Care must be
taken, however, to regulate the supply voltage; in this
configuration the charge current is no longer a function of the
supply voltage (yet the trigger thresholds still are) and thus
the frequency becomes dependent on the supply voltage.
The potential on Pin 8 may be swept down from V+ by (1/3
VSUPPLY - 2V).