Circuit Note

Devices Connected/Referenced Circuits from the Lab reference circuits are engineered and tested for quick and easy system integration to help solve todays analog, mixed-signal, and RF design challenges. For more information and/or support, visit www.analog.com/CN0217. AD5933 AD5934 AD8606 1 MSPS, 12-Bit Impedance Converter, Network Analyzer 250kSPS, 12-Bit Impedance Converter, Network Analyzer Precision Low Noise Dual CMOS Op Amp

CN-0217

High Accuracy Impedance Measurements Using 12-Bit Impedance Converters

EVALUATION AND DESIGN SUPPORT
Circuit Evaluation Boards CN-0217 Circuit Evaluation Board (EVAL-CN0217-EB1Z) Design and Integration Files Schematics, Layout Files, Bill of Materials

CIRCUIT FUNCTION AND BENEFITS

The AD5933 and AD5934 are high precision impedance converter system solutions that combine an on-chip programmable frequency generator with a 12-bit, 1 MSPS (AD5933) or 250 kSPS (AD5934) analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The tunable frequency generator allows an external complex impedance to be excited with a known frequency. The circuit shown in Figure 1 yields accurate impedance measurements extending from the low ohm range to several hundred k and also optimizes the overall accuracy of the AD5933/AD5934.
1.98V p-p 1.98V p-p VDD/2 VDD A1 + 47nF 50k

VDD MCLK AVDD

VDD DVDD

1.48V

VDD DDS CORE (27 BITS) 50k

DAC ROUT

OSCILLATOR

VOUT

SCL SDA

I2C INTERFACE

TEMPERATURE SENSOR

TRANSMIT SIDE OUTPUT AMPLIFIER ZUNKNOWN A1, A2 ARE AD8606

REAL REGISTER

IMAGINARY REGISTER

AD5933/AD5934
RFB RFB

1024-POINT DFT VIN ADC (12 BITS) GAIN LPF VDD/2 AGND DGND I-V

20k 20k A2 + VDD 50k 50k

Figure 1. Optimized Signal Chain for Impedance Measurement Accuracy (Simplified Schematic, All Connections and Decoupling Not Shown)
Rev.0
Circuits from the Lab circuits 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 Analog Devices be liable for direct, indirect, special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages due to any cause whatsoever connected to the use of any Circuits from the Lab circuits. (Continued on last page)

One Technology Way, P.O. Box 9106, Norwood, MA 02062-9106, U.S.A. Tel: 781.329.4700 www.analog.com Fax: 781.461.3113 2011 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved.

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CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The AD5933 and AD5934 have four programmable output voltage ranges; each range has an output impedance associated with it. For example, the output impedance for a 1.98 V p-p output voltage is typically 200 (see Table 1). Table 1. Output Series Resistance, ROUT, vs. Excitation Range for VDD = 3.3 V Supply Voltage,
Range Range 1 Range 2 Range 3 Range 4 Output Excitation Amplitude 1.98 V p-p 0.97 V p-p 0.383 V p-p 0.198 V p-p Output Resistance, ROUT 200 typ 2.4 k typ 1.0 k typ 600 typ

Circuit Note
Matching the DC Bias of Transmit Stage to Receive Stage
The four programmable output voltage ranges in the AD5933/ AD5934 have four associated bias voltages (Table 2). For example, the 1.98 V p-p excitation voltage has a bias of 1.48 V. However, the current-to-voltage (I-V) receive stage of the AD5933/AD5934 is set to a fixed bias of VDD/2 as shown in Figure 1. Thus, for a 3.3 V supply, the transmit bias voltage is 1.48 V, while the receive bias voltage is 3.3 V/2 = 1.65 V. This potential difference polarizes the impedance under test and can cause inaccuracies in the impedance measurement. One solution is to add a simple high-pass filter with a corner frequency in the low Hz range. Removing the dc bias from the transmit stage and re-biasing the ac signal to VDD/2 keeps the dc level constant throughout the signal chain. Table 2. Output Levels and Respective DC Bias for VDD = 3.3 V Supply Voltage
Range 1 2 3 4 Output Excitation Amplitude 1.98 V p-p 0.97 V p-p 0.383V p-p 0.198 V p-p Output DC Bias Level 1.48 V 0.76 V 0.31 V 0.173 V

This output impedance impacts the impedance measurement accuracy, particularly in the low k range, and should be taken into account when calculating the gain factor. Please refer to the AD5933 or AD5934 data sheets for more details on gain factor calculation. A simple buffer in the signal chain prevents the output impedance from affecting the unknown impedance measurement. A low output impedance amplifier should be selected with sufficient bandwidth to accommodate the AD5933/AD5934 excitation frequency. An example of the low output impedance achievable is shown in Figure 2 for the AD8605/AD8606/AD8608 family of CMOS op amps. The output impedance for this amplifier for an AV of 1 is less than 1 up to 100 kHz, which is the maximum operating range of the AD5933/AD5934.
100 90 80 VS = 2.7V

Selecting an Optimized I-V Buffer for the Receive Stage

The current-to-voltage (I-V) amplifier stage of the AD5933/AD5934 can also add minor inaccuracies to the signal chain. The I-V conversion stage is sensitive to the amplifier's bias current, offset voltage, and CMRR. By selecting the proper external discrete amplifier to perform the I-V conversion, the user can choose an amplifier with lower bias current and offset voltage specifications along with excellent CMRR, making the I-V conversion more accurate. The internal amplifier can then be configured as a simple inverting gain stage. Selection of resistor RFB still depends on the gain through the system as described in the AD5933/AD5934 data sheet.

OUTPUT IMPEDANCE ()

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 1k 10k 100k 1M FREQUENCY (Hz) 10M

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AV = 100 AV = 10

Optimized Signal Chain for High Accuracy Impedance Measurements

Figure 1 shows a proposed configuration for measuring low impedance sensors. The ac signal is high-pass filtered and rebiased before buffering with a very low output impedance amplifier. The I-V conversion is completed externally before the signal returns to the AD5933/AD5934 receive stage. Key specifications that determine the required buffer are very low output impedance, single-supply capability, low bias current, low offset voltage, and excellent CMRR performance. Some suggested parts are the AD4528-1, AD8628/AD8629, AD8605, and AD8606. Depending on board layout, use a single-channel or dual-channel amplifier. Use precision 0.1% resistors for both the biasing resistors (50 k) and gain resistors (20 k and RFB) to reduce inaccuracies.

AV = 1

100M

Figure 2. Output Impedance of AD8605/AD8606/AD8608

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Circuit Note
CIRCUIT EVALUATION AND TEST
The schematic in Figure 1 was developed to improve impedance measurement accuracy, and some example measurements were taken. The AD8606 dual channel amplifier buffers the signal on the transmit path and converts the receive signal from current to voltage. For the three examples shown, the gain factor is calculated for each frequency increment to remove frequency dependent errors. A complete design package including schematics, bill of materials, layout, and Gerber files is available for this solution at http://www.analog.com/CN0217-DesignSupport. The software used is the same software that is available with evaluation boards and is accessible from the AD5933 and AD5934 product pages.
35 30 30

CN-0217

25

MAGNITUDE ()

20

15 10 5 10.3 1F

30.00

Table 1. Low Impedance Range Setup for VDD = 3.3 V Supply Voltage
Parameter V p-p Number of Settling Time Cycles MCLK RCAL RFB Excitation Frequency Range Unknown Impedances Value 1.98 V (Range 1) 15 16 MHz 20.1 20.0 30 kHz to 30.2 kHz R1 = 10.3 , R2 = 30.0 , C3 = 1 F (ZC = 5.3 at 30 kHz)

30.05 30.10 30.15 FREQUENCY (kHz)

30.20

30.25

Figure 3. Measured Low Impedance Magnitude Results

20 10.3, 30 0

PHASE (Degrees)

20

40

60

30.00

The accuracy achieved is very much dependent on how large the unknown impedance range is relative to the calibration resistor, RCAL. Therefore, in this example, the unknown impedance of 10.3 measured 10.13 , an approximate 2% error. Choosing an RCAL closer to the unknown impedance achieves a more accurate measurement; that is, the smaller the unknown impedance range is centered around RCAL is, the more accurate the measurement. Consequently, for large unknown impedance ranges, it is possible to switch in various RCAL resistors to break up the unknown impedance range using external switches. The RON error of the switch is removed by calibration during the RCAL gain factor calculation. Using a switch to select various RFB values can optimize the dynamic range of the signal seen by the ADC. Also note that to achieve a wider range of measurements a 200 mV p-p range was used. If the unknown Z is a small range, a larger output voltage range can be used to optimize the ADC dynamic range.

30.05 30.10 30.15 FREQUENCY (kHz)

30.20

30.25

Figure 4. Measured Low Impedance Phase Results

10.22 10.20 10.18

MAGNITUDE ()

10.16 10.14 10.12 10.10 10.08 10.06

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10.04 29.50

30.00

30.05 30.10 30.15 FREQUENCY (kHz)

30.20

30.25

Figure 5. Measured 10.3 Magnitude Results (Expanded Scale)

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The results of the low impedance measurements are shown in Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5. Figure 5 is for the 10.3 measurement and is shown on an expanded vertical scale.

80 1F 100 29.95

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Example 1: Low Impedance Range

0 29.95

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Example 2: k Impedance Range
Using an RCAL of 99.85 k, a wide range of unknown impedances were measured according to the setup conditions listed in Table 2. Figure 6 to Figure 10 document accuracy results. To improve the overall accuracy, select an RCAL value closer to the unknown impedance. For example, in Figure 9, an RCAL closer to the ZC value of 217.5 k is required. If the unknown impedance range is large, use more than one RCAL resistor. Table 2. k Impedance Range Setup for VDD = 3.3 V Supply Voltage
Parameter V p-p Number of Settling Time Cycles MCLK RCAL RFB Excitation Frequency Range Unknown Impedances Value 0.198 V (Range 4) 15 16 MHz 99.85 k 100 k 30 kHz to 50 kHz R0 = 99.85 k R1 = 29.88 k R2 = 14.95 k R3 = 8.21 k R4 = 217.25 k C5 = 150 pF (ZC = 26.5 k at 40 kHz) C6 = 47pF (ZC = 84.6 k at 40 kHz)
89.3 89.4 89.5 89.6

Circuit Note

PHASE (Degrees)

89.7 89.8 89.9 90.0 90.1 90.2

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90.3 30

35

40 FREQUENCY (kHz)

45

50

Figure 7. Phase Result for ZC = 47 pF, RCAL = 99.85 k

8280
R3

8260
IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE ()

8240

8220

8200
IDEAL

120

8180

110
IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE (k)
35 40 FREQUENCY (kHz) 45 50
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8160 30

100
IDEAL

Figure 8. ZC = 8.21 k, RCAL = 99.85 k

90
218.5 218.0
IDEAL

80
MEASURED
IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE (k)
217.5 217.0 216.5 216.0
R4

70

35

40 FREQUENCY (kHz)

45

50

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60 30

215.5 21.50 214.5 214.0 213.5 30

Figure 6. Magnitude Result for ZC = 47 pF, RCAL = 99.85 k

35

40 FREQUENCY (kHz)

45

50

Figure 9. ZC = 217.25 k, RCAL = 99.85 k

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Circuit Note
120
R0
60 65 70

CN-0217

100

IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE (k)

80
C6

PHASE (Degrees)

75 80
IDEAL MEASURED

60

40
R1 C5

85 90 95

20

R2
4 24 44 64 84 104
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R3 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50
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0 30

FREQUENCY (kHz)

FREQUENCY (kHz)

Figure 12. Phase Results for ZC = 10 k||10 nF, RCAL = 1 k

Figure 10. Magnitude Results for Example 2: R1, R2, R3, C5, C6

Example 3: Parallel R-C (R||C) Measurement

An R||C type measurement was also made using the configuration, using an RCAL of 1 k, an R of 10 k, and a C of 10 nF, measured across a frequency range of 4 kHz to 100 kHz. The magnitude and phase results versus ideal are plotted in Figure 11 and Figure 12. Table 3. R||C Impedance Range Setup for VDD = 3.3 V Supply Voltage
Parameter V p-p Number of Settling Time Cycles MCLK RCAL RFB Excitation Frequency Range Unknown Impedance R||C Value 0.383 V (Range 3) 15 16 MHz 1 k 1 k 4 kHz to 100 kHz R = 10 k C = 10 nF

Setup and Test

The EVAL-CN0217-EB1Z software is the same as that used on the EVAL-AD5933EBZ application board. Please refer to the technical note available on the CD provided for details on the board setup. Note that there are alterations to the schematic. Link connections on the EVAL-CN0217-EB1Z board are listed below in Table 4. Also note that the location for RFB is located at R3 on the evaluation board, and the location for ZUNKNOWN is C4. Table 4. Link Connections for EVAL-CN0217-EB1Z
Link Number LK1 LK2 LK3 LK4 LK5 LK6 Default Position Open Open Open Insert Insert A

4000 3500
IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE ()

3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0

IDEAL MEASURED

COMMON VARIATIONS
Other op amps can be used in the circuit, such as the AD4528-1, AD8628, AD8629, AD8605, and the AD8608.

Switching Options for System Applications

For this particular circuit, the ZUNKNOWN and RCAL were interchanged manually. However, in production, a low onresistance switch should be used. The choice of the switch depends on how large the unknown impedance range is and how accurate the measurement result needs to be. The examples in this document use just one calibration resistor, and so a low on-resistance switch such as the ADG849 can be used as shown in Figure 13. Multichannel switch solutions such as the quad

24

44

64

84

104

FREQUENCY (kHz)

Figure 11. Magnitude Results for ZC = 10 k||10 nF, RCAL = 1 k

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ADG812 can also be used. The errors caused by the switch resistance on the ZUNKNOWN are removed during calibration, but by choosing a very low RON switch, the effects can be further minimized.

Circuit Note
LEARN MORE
CN-0217 Design Support Package: http://www.analog.com/CN0217-DesignSupport MT-085 Tutorial, "Fundamentals of Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS)," Analog Devices. Riordan, Liam, "AD5933 Evaluation Board Example Measurement," AN-1053 Application Note, Analog Devices.
A1

Buchanan, David, "Choosing DACs for Direct Digital Synthesis," AN-237 Application Note, Analog Devices.
D

ADIsimDDS Design and Evaluation Tool AD5933/AD5934 Demonstration and Design Tool

ADG849
IN

Data Sheets and Evaluation Boards

AD5933 Data Sheet AD5933 Evaluation Board
S1 S2 RCAL

AD5934 Data Sheet AD5934 Evaluation Board AD8606 Data Sheet ADG849 Data Sheet ADG812 Data Sheet

RFB

ZUNKNOWN

A2

VDD 50k

REVISION HISTORY
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50k

6/11Revision 0: Initial Version

Figure 13. Switching Between RCAL and Unknown Z Using the ADG849 UltraLow RON SPDT Switch (Simplified Schematic, All Connections and Decoupling Not Shown)

(Continued from first page) Circuits from the Lab circuits are intended only for use with Analog Devices products and are the intellectual property of Analog Devices or its licensors. While you may use the Circuits from the Lab circuits in the design of your product, no other license is granted by implication or otherwise under any patents or other intellectual property by application or use of the Circuits from the Lab circuits. Information furnished by Analog Devices is believed to be accurate and reliable. However, "Circuits from the Lab" are supplied "as is" and without warranties of any kind, express, implied, or statutory including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability, noninfringement or fitness for a particular purpose and no responsibility is assumed by Analog Devices for their use, nor for any infringements of patents or other rights of third parties that may result from their use. Analog Devices reserves the right to change any Circuits from the Lab circuits at any time without notice but is under no obligation to do so. 2011 Analog Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. CN09915-0-6/11(0)

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