Circuit Note

CN-0303
Devices Connected/Referenced
High Precision, ±70 g, ±250 g, ±500 g
Circuits from the Lab® reference designs are engineered and ADXL001
Single Axis Accelerometer
tested for quick and easy system integration to help solve today’s
analog, mixed-signal, and RF design challenges. For more Precision, Low Noise, CMOS, Rail-to-Rail
AD8606
information and/or support, visit www.analog.com/CN0303. Input/Output, Dual Package Op-Amp
2.35 V to 5.25 V, Low Power, Single-Channel,
AD7476
1 MSPS, 12-Bit ADC

MEMS-Based Vibration Analyzer with Frequency Response Compensation

EVALUATION AND DESIGN SUPPORT The circuit provides a low power solution suitable for bearing
Circuit Evaluation Boards analysis, engine monitoring and shock detection.
CN-0303 Circuit Evaluation Board (EVAL-CN303-SDPZ) The Analog Devices, Inc. proprietary fifth-generation iMEMs®
Includes ADXL001 Evaluation Board (EVAL-ADXL001-70Z) process enables the ADXL001 accelerometer to provide dynamic
and connecting ribbon cable range that extends from ±70 g to ±500 g in combination with
System Demonstration Platform (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z) 22 kHz of bandwidth.
Design and Integration Files The AD8606 is a precision, low noise, dual op amp used to
Schematics, Layout Files, Bill of Materials create an analog bi-quad filter that flattens the output frequency
CIRCUIT FUNCTION AND BENEFITS response of the accelerometer.
The circuit in Figure 1 offers a high linearity, low noise, wide- The ADXL001 output voltage is converted into a digital word by
bandwidth vibration sensing solution. It is ideal for applications the AD7476 low power, single-channel, 12-bit, successive
requiring a large dynamic range (±70 g, ±250 g, or ±500 g) and a approximation analog-to-digital converter (SAR ADC).
flat frequency response from dc to 22 kHz.

EVAL-ADXL001-70Z EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ 5V

5V 5V 5V
100kΩ 10µF 0.1pF
0.1µF
5V 5V
5V
VDD
200kΩ
VDD VDD2
107kΩ AD7476 EVAL-SDP-CB1Z
100kΩ 100pF
ST XOUT 100kΩ SCLK
A1
ADXL001 100pF 200kΩ A2 VIN SDATA
COM 107kΩ
CS

GND
100nF 100kΩ 100kΩ
GND
100kΩ 100kΩ
11054-001

GND GND NOTE: A1 AND A2 ARE 1/2 AD8606

Figure 1. Single Axis Vibration Analysis System (Simplified Schematic: Decoupling and All Connections Not Shown)

Rev. A
Circuits from the Lab reference designs from Analog Devices have been designed and built by Analog
Devices engineers. Standard engineering practices have been employed in the design and
construction of each circuit, and their function and performance have been tested and verified in a lab
environment at room temperature. However, you are solely responsible for testing the circuit and
determining its suitability and applicability for your use and application. Accordingly, in no event shall One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A.
Analog Devices be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages due Tel: 781.329.4700 www.analog.com
toanycausewhatsoeverconnectedtotheuseofanyCircuitsfromtheLabcircuits. (Continuedonlastpage) Fax: 781.461.3113 ©2013–2016 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.
CN-0303 Circuit Note
PIN 8
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
Accelerometer Output Characteristics
The ADXL001 is specified and tested for 3.3 V and 5 V supplies.
Although operational with a supply voltage anywhere between 3 V

11054-003
and 6 V, optimum overall performance is achieved at 5 V.
The output voltage sensitivity is ratiometric with respect to the Figure 3. ADXL001 XOUT Voltage Increases with Acceleration in the
Positive X-Axis Direction
supply voltage. For a 3.3 V supply, the nominal output sensitivity is
16 mV/g. For a 5 V supply, the sensitivity is 24.2 mV/g. Interfacing to the ADC
The zero-g output level is also ratiometric and is nominally To digitize the acceleration information, the accelerometer output
equal to VDD/2. voltage range must fall inside the ADC input voltage range. The
AD7476 input voltage range is 0 V to VDD (5 V). The ADXL001
The ADXL001 requires only one 0.1 μF decoupling capacitor as
output voltage range is 0.2 V to VS − 0.2 V (4.8 V). Based on
long as there is no noise present at the 1 MHz internal clock
this information, any acceleration sensed by the accelerometer
frequency. If necessary, larger bulk capacitors (1 μF to 10 μF) or
is digitized requiring no additional amplifiers or buffers.
ferrite beads can be included.
Because the VDD power supply of the AD7476 serves as the
Accelerometer Physical Operation ADC reference, an external reference is not required. In
The ADXL001uses silicon on insulator (SOI) MEMS addition, the entire circuit is ratiometric with the supply
technology and takes advantage of mechanically coupled but because the same VDD supply also drives the ADXL001.
electrically isolated differential sensing cells. Figure 2 is a
Frequency Response
simplified view of one of the differential sensor cell blocks. Each
sensor block includes several differential capacitor unit cells. The frequency response of the accelerometer is the most
Each cell is composed of fixed plates attached to the device important characteristic in the system and is shown in Figure 4.
layer, and movable plates attached to the sensor frame. As the frequency of the signal goes beyond approximately 2 kHz
Displacement of the sensor frame changes the differential to 3 kHz, there is an increase in the gain of the accelerometer.
capacitance. On-chip circuitry measures the capacitance change At the resonant frequency of the beam (22 kHz), there is
and converts it into an output voltage. approximately 7 dB (×2.24) of peaking in the output voltage of
the device. This peaking has significant ramifications for the
ANCHOR output voltage of the accelerometer.
15
MOVABLE
PLATE FRAME 12
CAPACITORS
9
UNIT
SENSING FIXED
ACCELERATION

CELL PLATES 6
RESPONSE (dB)

3
UNIT 0
FORCING
MOVING CELL
PLATE –3

–6

–9
11054-002

ANCHOR
11054-004

–12

Figure 2. Simplified View of Sensor Under Acceleration –15

1 10 100 1k 10k 100k
The sensor device is micro-machined in plane in the SOI device FREQUENCY (Hz)

layer. Trench isolation is used to electrically isolate, but Figure 4. ADXL001 Frequency Response
mechanically couple, the differential sensing elements. Single- Consider a 20 g acceleration at 10 kHz. The expected output
crystal silicon springs suspend the structure over the handle voltage, assuming a zero-g output voltage of 2.5 V and a
wafer and provide resistance against acceleration forces. sensitivity of 24.2 mV/g is:
The ADXL001 is an x-axis acceleration and vibration-sensing 2.5 V + (0.0242 × 20) = 2.984 V
device. It produces a positive-going output voltage for vibration
toward its Pin 8 marking as shown in Figure 3. However, this voltage is increased by approximately 2 dB of
peaking, causing the actual output voltage to be:
2 dB = 20 log10 (VOUT/2.984 V)
VOUT = 3.757 V

Rev. A | Page 2 of 6
Circuit Note CN-0303
15
The difference between the expected output voltage and the
actual output voltage is a significant source of error: 12

9
Error = 3.757 V − 2.984 V = 0.773 V
6 ADXL001 RESPONSE
It is important to correct for this error to ensure accuracy, and an

RESPONSE (dB)
analog bi-quad filter was designed specifically for this purpose. 3

The details of its implementation are discussed in the Filter Design 0

section. –3
FILTER RESPONSE

Accelerometer Range Reduction –6 SYSTEM RESPONSE

It is important to note that, as the frequency response of the –9

accelerometer begins to peak, the useable acceleration range of

11054-005
–12
the device decreases. Consider a 70 g acceleration at 20 kHz. –15
The expected output voltage is: 1 10 100 1k 10k 100k
FREQUENCY (Hz)
2.5 V + (24.2 mV/g × 70 g) = 4.194 V Figure 5. ADXL001 Frequency Response, Filter Frequency Response and
Incorporating the ~7dB peaking effect: System Frequency Response

7 dB = 20 log10 (VOUT /4.194V) The notch filter was designed by modifying an example circuit
found in “Passive and Active Network Analysis and Synthesis”
VOUT = 9.389 V
by Aram Budak, October 1991 (ISBN-13: 978-0881336252. The
Because the ADXL001 has a 5 V supply rail, the output limits at transfer function for this compensator is the inverse of the
approximately 0.2 V and 4.8 V. The largest measureable g-force previously derived transfer function. The Multisim™ Circuit
therefore depends on the frequency of vibration. Design Suite was used to simulate and verify the notch filter
Additional headroom of ±0.5 V must be allowed due to the transfer function. The filter parameters were specified as Q =
variation in the zero-g offset voltage. The zero-g offset variation 2.5, center frequency = 22 kHz, notch depth = 7 dB.
limits the maximum usable output voltage range to ±1.8 V, Test Results
corresponding to approximately ±70 g for vibration frequencies Two basic tests verify the performance of the system. First, a
less than approximately 2 kHz. signal generator was used to drive a constant amplitude sine
As the vibration frequency increases from about 2 kHz to wave of varying frequency into the filter. Measuring the input
22 kHz, the maximum allowable g-force before output and output voltages and plotting 20 log10(VOUT /VIN) provided
saturation is gradually reduced by 7 dB (×2.24) to ±31 g. As the frequency response of the analog filter shown in Figure 5.
long as the maximum g-force is less than ±31 g, the filter Second, the frequency response of the entire signal chain was
provides a flat frequency response to 22 kHz without saturation verified to ensure the performance of the design. To more
and loss of information. accurately verify the system frequency response, a signal
Filter Design generator was used to simulate the ADXL001 output.
To compensate for the gain peak found in the accelerometer For testing purposes, a 5 g acceleration was simulated and
frequency response, an analog, bi-quad, notch filter was driven into the filter over a 50 kHz frequency range. If the
implemented. The quality factor (Q = 2.5) and resonant frequency ADXL001 is subject to a sinusoidal ±5 g acceleration in the
of the beam (22 kHz) are both found in the specifications table sensitive axis, it outputs a corresponding ac voltage:
of the ADXL001 data sheet.
±5 g × 0.0242V/g = ±0.121 V
By creating a notch filter with a peak of approximately −7 dB at
This voltage is centered on the zero-g output, 2.5 V.
22 kHz, the frequency response of the accelerometer can be
flattened, removing much of the difficulty in measuring The signal generator drives this voltage into the filter. An
vibration at higher frequencies. Figure 5 shows the frequency oscilloscope was used to measure the peak output voltage of the
response for the filter, the accelerometer, and the entire signal filter. This voltage was converted back into g’s (divide g’s by the
chain. The data was taken using a sine wave input to the EVAL- sensitivity) and compared to the original input acceleration.
CN0303-SDPZ board to simulate the accelerometer output. Plotting 20log10 (VOUT/VIN) provides the frequency response of
the system.

Rev. A | Page 3 of 6
CN-0303 Circuit Note
It is important to adjust the signal generator output voltage The power supply to the ADXL001 is decoupled with a 0.1 μF
based on the peaking found in the frequency response of the capacitor to properly suppress noise and reduce ripple. The
accelerometer. For a 10 kHz frequency, the output voltage of the capacitor must be placed as close to the device possible.
signal generator must be increased by approximately 1.8 dB to Power supply lines must have as large a trace width as possible
accurately represent the output voltage of the accelerometer to provide low impedance paths and reduce glitch effects on the
experiencing a 5 g acceleration. supply line. Clocks and other fast switching digital signals must be
The results of Figure 5 show the removal of the large peak shielded from other parts of the board by digital ground.
found in the frequency response of the accelerometer. The A complete design support package for this circuit note can be
−3 dB bandwidth is approximately 23 kHz. A small amount of found at www.analog.com/CN0303-DesignSupport.
ripple is seen in the passband immediately prior to the roll off
caused by a slight misalignment in the peak of the accelerometer
frequency response and the notch in the filter response.
A Wavetek Model 81 Pulse/Function Generator was used to
generate a 2 kHz sine wave and connected directly to the filter
input. Figure 6 shows a screen shot of the CN0303 Evaluation
Software displaying conversion data from the AD7476 ADC
and plotting the data in a graph. The sampling rate was 1 MSPS.

11054-007
Figure 7. Photo of EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ

COMMON VARIATIONS
11054-006

To produce a more complete vibration sensing solution, a two axis

Figure 6. Screenshot of CN0303 Evaluation Software Digitizing a 2 kHz (ADXL2xx family) or three axis (ADXL3xx family) accelerometer
Sine Wave at a 1 MSPS Sampling Rate
can be used in place of the ADXL001. By measuring acceleration
PCB Layout Considerations in the second and third spatial dimensions, the user can write
In any circuit where accuracy is crucial, it is important to custom software allowing a more accurate and complete
consider the power supply and ground return layout on the vibration sensing system.
board. The printed circuit board (PCB) must isolate the digital
and analog sections as much as possible. The PCB for this
system was constructed in a four-layer stack up with large area
ground plane layers and power plane polygons. See the MT-031
Tutorial for more discussion on layout and grounding, and see
the MT-101 Tutorial for information on decoupling techniques.
The EVAL-ADXL001-70Z board is connected to the EVAL-
CN0303-SDPZ circuit board by a flexible ribbon cable. This
allows the user to isolate the EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ from any
vibrations that could cause potentially damaging mechanical
stress to the circuit board, as well as allowing the user to place
the ADXL001 directly at the vibration source.

Rev. A | Page 4 of 6
Circuit Note CN-0303
CIRCUIT EVALUATION AND TEST  EVAL-ADXL001-70Z evaluation board and ribbon cable
This circuit uses the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z system demonstration (included with EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ board)
platform (SDP) board and the EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ circuit  EVAL-SDP-CB1Z SDP board
board. The two boards have 120-pin mating connectors,  CN0303 Evaluation Software
allowing for the quick setup and evaluation of the circuit’s  Power supply: +6.0 V or +6.0 V wall wart
performance.  Function generator (Wavetek 81 or equivalent) for
This circuit also uses the EVAL-ADXL001-70Z evaluation generating simulated ADXL001 output if desired
board (included with the EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ board). The Getting Started
output connector (P1) of this PCB must be wired to the input
Load the evaluation software by placing the CN0303 Evaluation
connector (J6) of the EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ PCB using the
Software disc in the CD drive of the PC. Using My Computer,
ribbon cable supplied.
locate the drive that contains the evaluation software disc and
The EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ board contains the circuit to be open the Readme file. Follow the instructions contained in the
evaluated, as described in this circuit note. The EVAL-SDP-CB1Z Readme file for installing and using the evaluation software.
evaluation board is used with the CN0303 Evaluation Software
Functional Block Diagram
to capture the data from the EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ circuit board.
The EVAL-ADXL001-70Z board contains the ADXL001 IC. A functional block diagram of the test setup is shown in
Figure 8. The signal generator is used to simulate the ADXL001
Equipment Needed output. The EVAL-ADXL001-70Z board can be connected to
The following equipment is needed: EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ board for actual vibration measurements
 PC with a USB port and Windows® XP or Windows Vista® by using the ribbon cable to connect the 5-pin header (P1) of
(32-bit), or Windows® 7 (32-bit) the EVAL-ADXL001-70Z to the 5-pin header (J6) of the EVAL-
CN0303-SDPZ.
 EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ circuit board

EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ 5V
EVAL-CFTL-6V-PWRZ

6V 100kΩ 10µF 0.1pF PC

J5 OSCILLOSCOPE
WALL WART
PROBE 1
(TP VOUT) 5V 5V USB
5V OSCILLOSCOPE VDD
SIGNAL 200kΩ PROBE 2 (TP3)
GENERATOR 107kΩ AD7476
100kΩ 100pF USB
SIGNAL OUT 100kΩ SCLK
A1
100pF 200kΩ A2 VIN SDATA
107kΩ
CS
J6 J1
120-PIN EVAL-SDP-CB1Z
100nF 100kΩ 100kΩ
GND
100kΩ 100kΩ
GROUND 11054-008

GND

Figure 8. Test Setup Functional Block Diagram

Rev. A | Page 5 of 6
CN-0303 Circuit Note
Setup LEARN MORE
Connect the 120-pin connector (J1) on the EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ CN-0303 Design Support Package:
circuit board to the connector on the EVAL-SDP-CB1Z SDP board. http://www.analog.com/CN0303-DesignSupport
Use nylon hardware to firmly secure the two boards, using the
MT-031 Tutorial, Grounding Data Converters and Solving the
holes provided at the ends of the 120-pin connectors.
Mystery of “AGND” and “DGND”, Analog Devices.
Connect the 5-pin header (P1) of the EVAL-ADXL001-70Z
MT-101 Tutorial, Decoupling Techniques, Analog Devices.
evaluation board to the 5-pin header (J6) of the EVAL-CN0303-
SDPZ circuit board using the ribbon cable. AN-688 Application Note, Phase and Frequency Response of
iMEMS Accelerometers and Gyros, Analog Devices
Connect a +6.0 V power supply to connector J5 of the EVAL-
CN0303-SDPZ board. Connect the USB cable supplied with the Linear Circuit Design Handbook, Hank Zumbahlen, Analog
SDP board to the USB port on the PC. Do not connect the USB Devices
cable to the mini USB connector on the SDP board at this time. Aram Budak, Passive and Active Network Analysis and
Test Synthesis, October 1991, ISBN-13: 978-0881336252.
Launch the evaluation software, and connect the USB cable Data Sheets and Evaluation Boards
from the PC to the USB mini-connector on the SDP board. CN-0303 Circuit Evaluation Board (EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ)
After USB communications are established, the SDP board can System Demonstration Platform (EVAL-SDP-CB1Z)
now be used to send, receive, and capture serial data from the
ADXL001 Data Sheet
EVAL-CN0303-SDPZ board.
ADXL001 Evaluation Board (EVAL-ADXL001-70Z)
Information regarding the SDP board can be found in the SDP
User Guide. AD8606 Data Sheet

Information and details regarding test setup and calibration, AD7476 Data Sheet
and how to use the evaluation software for data capture can AD7476 Evaluation Board
be found in the software Readme file found at
REVISION HISTORY
www.analog.com/CN0303-UserGuide.
9/2016—Rev. 0 to Rev. A
Changed EVAL-SDP-CS1Z to EVAL-SDP-CB1Z ..... Throughout

7/2013—Revision 0: Initial Version

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CN11054-0-9/16(A)

Rev. A | Page 6 of 6