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I have some (expensive) weird real time hardware with only two 12-bit ADC inputs vacant, and it needs to read 10-bit samples taken by a MCU with 8-bit PWM output ports. The ADC can take samples at around 100Hz, the PWM operates at 32KHz, and I want samples from my sensor at at least 10Hz (more is better).

I'm planning on encoding 5 bits on each analog channel by hooking the PWM outputs to RC filters, but this seems dangerous in many ways: I can't really guarantee the PWM high/low levels, and when the 5 low bits overflow I'll have a weird discontinuity. Is there a better way?

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1 Answer 1

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Solutions:

  • Use a micro with more PWM bits (many have 16-32 bit PWM)
  • Use a 10 bit separate DAC to generate your 10 bit value.
  • Dither the 8-bit PWM in software (by adjusting the PWM value on each cycle) to increase resolution.
  • Use 4x 8-bit channels in parallel, averaged with resistors.
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  • \$\begingroup\$ The problem is, the MCU is an arduino running some libraries I don't control, so I cannot change the PWM duty cycle at regular intervals or meddle with the interrupts \$\endgroup\$
    – FrancoVS
    Mar 13, 2017 at 16:54
  • \$\begingroup\$ Do you have source code for your arduino? \$\endgroup\$
    – bobflux
    Mar 13, 2017 at 16:55
  • \$\begingroup\$ I can find it, but I'd rather not meddle with it too much to avoid breaking stuff. If it comes down to this, I'll probably do the 5-bit per channel thing. \$\endgroup\$
    – FrancoVS
    Mar 13, 2017 at 17:01
  • \$\begingroup\$ Arduino has 16 bit timer you know? It could output your PWM value directly... \$\endgroup\$
    – bobflux
    Mar 13, 2017 at 17:14

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