This version (14 Jan 2021 05:19) was approved by Robin Getz.The Previously approved version (03 Jan 2021 22:04) is available.
Table of Contents
Weigh Scale Measurement Demo using Arduino Uno
The CN0216_example is a weigh scale measurement demo project for the Arduino Uno base board with additional EVAL-CN0216-ARDZ shield, created using the Arduino IDE.
General Description/Overview
The CN0216_example project uses the EVAL-CN0216-ARDZ shield which is a precision weigh scale system using a 24-bits sigma-delta converter, and auto-zero amplifiers providing high gain for the bridge sensor input
The CN0216 circuit translates the resistance changes on the bridge into very small voltages. The bridge is excited by a regulated 5V and that determines the full scale range of the bridge output. Those values are passed through very low noise, auto zero amplifiers to remove as many error sources as possible before being gained up to levels that will be compatible with the ADC. The 24-bit ADC value is received via SPI interface of the EVAL-ADICUP360 board.
The CN0216_example application processes ADC output value and make all necessary conversions in order to provide the weight results. A UART interface (9600 baud rate and 8-bits data length) is used to send the results to terminal window: ADC Data Register codes, ADC Input Voltage volts, and Sensor Input Weight grams are the outputs provided in the terminal window.
At the start of the project, a calibration of the upper and lower input range of the weigh scale is taken to remove both offset and gain errors in the circuit, providing the most accurate weigh scale measurements possible. Make sure you open up the serial terminal to your PC in order to do the calibration. Once the program is running, it will ask you to make the zero scale calibration, you MUST press <ENTER> to begin the zero scale calibration(takes about 5 seconds). Once that calibration has taken place, the serial terminal will prompt you to add the calibration weight to the scale and then press <ENTER> to make the full scale calibration(again takes about 5 seconds). Those measurements are averaged over 100 samples and then stored into memory as the upper and lower calibration coefficients.
Once calibration is complete, measurements of the output values (weights and conversion information) are displayed every time you press <ENTER> key from the keyboard. Measurements should be between the lower and upper calibration limit can be made at the beginning of the program.
Demo Requirements
The following is a list of items needed in order to replicate this demo.
- Hardware
- Arduino Uno Rev 3
- EVAL-CN0216-ARDZ
- 4- or 6- Wire wheatstone bridge weigh scale
- Type B to Type A USB cable
- PC or Laptop with a USB port
- Software
- CN0396_example sketch
- Arduino Interactive Development Environment(IDE)
Setting up the Hardware
- Plug the EVAL-CN0216-ARDZ shield on top of the Arduino Uno development board by matching up the POWER, ANALOG, DIGI0, DIGI1 connectors.
- Note, the boards should only plug together one way, preventing reverse connections.
- Connect your weigh scale to the EVAL-CN0216-ARDZ via (), make sure you pay attention to the pinout which can be found on the CN0216 hardware page.
- Connect an acceptable 7V-12V power supply into the power jack of the Arduino Uno
Extremely important to plug in an acceptable power supply to the power jack for the EVAL-CN0216-ARDZ. The boards will not work if you try only to power it from the USB.
- Plug in the Type B USB cable into the USB port on the Arduino Uno, and the other end into the PC or laptop.
Obtaining the Source Code
The source code and include files of the CN0216_example can be found here:
Project Structure
The Arduino Sketch is used to load the example into Arduino IDE. The project is composed of three main parts:
- the main program (arduino sketch)
- application layer (IC drivers and sensor data)
Configuring the Software Parameters
There are no software configurations for this particular project.
Compiling, Verifying, and Programming
- Once the project has been imported and the software parameters have been appropriately configured, you must Compile/Verify the project within the Arduino IDE. You can do this by clicking on the Sketch menu, and then on the Compile/Verify option.
- Once the project is compiled and free of errors, you can now upload the project to the Arduino Uno. Click on the Sketch menu item, and then click Upload.
These two steps can also be done using the quick buttons on the Arduino sketch. Check out the image below for locations of the quick buttons.
Outputting Data
Data is output using the USB cable from the Arduino to the PC. The USB port acts as a serial terminal to display the data being transmitted via UART. Opening the serial terminal window from the Arduino IDE is very easy, simply click on the button shown in the picture below.
Serial Terminal Output
You may need to configure the serial terminal depending on the current settings of the Arduino IDE. Make sure the settings are as follows:
Select COM Port Baud rate: 9600 Data: 8 bit Parity: none Stop: 1 bit Flow Control: none
Tools Download and Help
The Arduino tools are easy to use, and there are many tutorials and users guides to help learn how to use the Arduino IDE.
For more information on how to use the tool basics, please check out the Arduino tutorials page.
To download the Arduino tools, check out the Arduino software page.
End of Document
resources/eval/user-guides/arduino-uno/reference_designs/demo_cn0216.txt · Last modified: 14 Jan 2021 05:12 by Robin Getz