LM2907/LM2917 Frequency to Voltage Converter

May 2003

LM2907/LM2917
Frequency to Voltage Converter
General Description n Only one RC network provides frequency doubling
n Zener regulator on chip allows accurate and stable
The LM2907, LM2917 series are monolithic frequency to frequency to voltage or current conversion (LM2917)
voltage converters with a high gain op amp/comparator de-
signed to operate a relay, lamp, or other load when the input
frequency reaches or exceeds a selected rate. The tachom- Features
eter uses a charge pump technique and offers frequency n Ground referenced tachometer input interfaces directly
doubling for low ripple, full input protection in two versions with variable reluctance magnetic pickups
(LM2907-8, LM2917-8) and its output swings to ground for a n Op amp/comparator has floating transistor output
zero frequency input. n 50 mA sink or source to operate relays, solenoids,
The op amp/comparator is fully compatible with the tachom- meters, or LEDs
eter and has a floating transistor as its output. This feature n Frequency doubling for low ripple
allows either a ground or supply referred load of up to 50 mA. n Tachometer has built-in hysteresis with either differential
The collector may be taken above VCC up to a maximum VCE input or ground referenced input
of 28V. n Built-in zener on LM2917
The two basic configurations offered include an 8-pin device n ± 0.3% linearity typical
with a ground referenced tachometer input and an internal n Ground referenced tachometer is fully protected from
connection between the tachometer output and the op amp damage due to swings above VCC and below ground
non-inverting input. This version is well suited for single
speed or frequency switching or fully buffered frequency to
voltage conversion applications.
Applications
n Over/under speed sensing
The more versatile configurations provide differential ta-
chometer input and uncommitted op amp inputs. With this n Frequency to voltage conversion (tachometer)
version the tachometer input may be floated and the op amp n Speedometers
becomes suitable for active filter conditioning of the tachom- n Breaker point dwell meters
eter output. n Hand-held tachometer
Both of these configurations are available with an active n Speed governors
shunt regulator connected across the power leads. The n Cruise control
regulator clamps the supply such that stable frequency to n Automotive door lock control
voltage and frequency to current operations are possible n Clutch control
with any supply voltage and a suitable resistor. n Horn control
n Touch or sound switches
Advantages
n Output swings to ground for zero frequency input
n Easy to use; VOUT = fIN x VCC x R1 x C1

Block and Connection Diagrams

Dual-In-Line and Small Outline Packages, Top Views

00794201 00794202
Order Number LM2907M-8 or LM2907N-8 Order Number LM2917M-8 or LM2917N-8
See NS Package Number M08A or N08E See NS Package Number M08A or N08E

© 2003 National Semiconductor Corporation DS007942 www.national.com

LM2907/LM2917
Block and Connection Diagrams Dual-In-Line and Small Outline Packages, Top Views (Continued)

00794203 00794204
Order Number LM2907M or LM2907N Order Number LM2917M or LM2917N
See NS Package Number M14A or N14A See NS Package Number M14A or N14A

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 LM2907/LM2917
Absolute Maximum Ratings (Note 1) Power Dissipation
If Military/Aerospace specified devices are required, LM2907-8, LM2917-8 1200 mW
please contact the National Semiconductor Sales Office/ LM2907-14, LM2917-14 1580 mW
Distributors for availability and specifications.
See (Note 1)
Supply Voltage 28V Operating Temperature Range −40˚C to +85˚C
Supply Current (Zener Options) 25 mA Storage Temperature Range −65˚C to +150˚C
Collector Voltage 28V Soldering Information
Differential Input Voltage Dual-In-Line Package
Tachometer 28V Soldering (10 seconds) 260˚C
Op Amp/Comparator 28V Small Outline Package
Input Voltage Range Vapor Phase (60 seconds) 215˚C
Tachometer Infrared (15 seconds) 220˚C
LM2907-8, LM2917-8 ± 28V See AN-450 “Surface Mounting Methods and Their Effect
LM2907, LM2917 0.0V to +28V on Product Reliability” for other methods of soldering
Op Amp/Comparator 0.0V to +28V surface mount devices.

Electrical Characteristics
VCC = 12 VDC, TA = 25˚C, see test circuit
Symbol Parameter Conditions Min Typ Max Units
TACHOMETER
Input Thresholds VIN = 250 mVp-p @ 1 kHz (Note 2) ± 10 ± 25 ± 40 mV
Hysteresis VIN = 250 mVp-p @ 1 kHz (Note 2) 30 mV
Offset Voltage VIN = 250 mVp-p @ 1 kHz (Note 2)
LM2907/LM2917 3.5 10 mV
LM2907-8/LM2917-8 5 15 mV
Input Bias Current VIN = ± 50 mVDC 0.1 1 µA
VOH Pin 2 VIN = +125 mVDC (Note 3) 8.3 V
VOL Pin 2 VIN = −125 mVDC (Note 3) 2.3 V
I 2, I3 Output Current V2 = V3 = 6.0V (Note 4) 140 180 240 µA
I3 Leakage Current I2 = 0, V3 = 0 0.1 µA
K Gain Constant (Note 3) 0.9 1.0 1.1
Linearity fIN = 1 kHz, 5 kHz, 10 kHz (Note 5) −1.0 0.3 +1.0 %
OP/AMP COMPARATOR
VOS VIN = 6.0V 3 10 mV
IBIAS VIN = 6.0V 50 500 nA
Input Common-Mode Voltage 0 VCC−1.5V V
Voltage Gain 200 V/mV
Output Sink Current VC = 1.0 40 50 mA
Output Source Current VE = VCC −2.0 10 mA
Saturation Voltage ISINK = 5 mA 0.1 0.5 V
ISINK = 20 mA 1.0 V
ISINK = 50 mA 1.0 1.5 V
ZENER REGULATOR
Regulator Voltage RDROP = 470Ω 7.56 V
Series Resistance 10.5 15 Ω
Temperature Stability +1 mV/˚C
TOTAL SUPPLY CURRENT 3.8 6 mA

Note 1: For operation in ambient temperatures above 25˚C, the device must be derated based on a 150˚C maximum junction temperature and a thermal resistance
of 101˚C/W junction to ambient for LM2907-8 and LM2917-8, and 79˚C/W junction to ambient for LM2907-14 and LM2917-14.
Note 2: Hysteresis is the sum +VTH − (−VTH), offset voltage is their difference. See test circuit.
Note 3: VOH is equal to 3⁄4 x VCC − 1 VBE, VOL is equal to 1⁄4 x VCC − 1 VBE therefore VOH − VOL = VCC/2. The difference, VOH − VOL, and the mirror gain, I2/I3,
are the two factors that cause the tachometer gain constant to vary from 1.0.
Note 4: Be sure when choosing the time constant R1 x C1 that R1 is such that the maximum anticipated output voltage at pin 3 can be reached with I3 x R1. The
maximum value for R1 is limited by the output resistance of pin 3 which is greater than 10 MΩ typically.

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LM2907/LM2917
Electrical Characteristics (Continued)
Note 5: Nonlinearity is defined as the deviation of VOUT (@ pin 3) for fIN = 5 kHz from a straight line defined by the VOUT @ 1 kHz and VOUT @ 10 kHz. C1 = 1000 pF,
R1 = 68k and C2 = 0.22 mFd.

Test Circuit and Waveform

00794206

Tachometer Input Threshold Measurement

00794207

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 LM2907/LM2917
Typical Performance Characteristics
Zener Voltage vs
Total Supply Current Temperature

00794240
00794241

Normalized Tachometer Normalized Tachometer

Output vs Temperature Output vs Temperature

00794242 00794243

Tachometer Currents I2 Tachometer Currents I2

and I3 vs Supply Voltage and I3 vs Temperature

00794244 00794245

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LM2907/LM2917
Typical Performance Characteristics (Continued)

Tachometer Linearity Tachometer Linearity

vs Temperature vs Temperature

00794246 00794247

Tachometer Input Hysteresis

Tachometer Linearity vs R1 vs Temperature

00794249
00794248

Op Amp Output Transistor Op Amp Output Transistor

Characteristics Characteristics

00794251
00794250

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 LM2907/LM2917
Applications Information CHOOSING R1 AND C1
There are some limitations on the choice of R1 and C1 which
The LM2907 series of tachometer circuits is designed for
should be considered for optimum performance. The timing
minimum external part count applications and maximum ver-
capacitor also provides internal compensation for the charge
satility. In order to fully exploit its features and advantages
pump and should be kept larger than 500 pF for very accu-
let’s examine its theory of operation. The first stage of op-
rate operation. Smaller values can cause an error current on
eration is a differential amplifier driving a positive feedback
R1, especially at low temperatures. Several considerations
flip-flop circuit. The input threshold voltage is the amount of
must be met when choosing R1. The output current at pin 3
differential input voltage at which the output of this stage
is internally fixed and therefore VO/R1 must be less than or
changes state. Two options (LM2907-8, LM2917-8) have
equal to this value. If R1 is too large, it can become a
one input internally grounded so that an input signal must
significant fraction of the output impedance at pin 3 which
swing above and below ground and exceed the input thresh-
degrades linearity. Also output ripple voltage must be con-
olds to produce an output. This is offered specifically for
sidered and the size of C2 is affected by R1. An expression
magnetic variable reluctance pickups which typically provide
that describes the ripple content on pin 3 for a single R1C2
a single-ended ac output. This single input is also fully
combination is:
protected against voltage swings to ± 28V, which are easily
attained with these types of pickups.
The differential input options (LM2907, LM2917) give the
user the option of setting his own input switching level and
still have the hysteresis around that level for excellent noise
rejection in any application. Of course in order to allow the It appears R1 can be chosen independent of ripple, however
inputs to attain common-mode voltages above ground, input response time, or the time it takes VOUT to stabilize at a new
protection is removed and neither input should be taken voltage increases as the size of C2 increases, so a compro-
outside the limits of the supply voltage being used. It is very mise between ripple, response time, and linearity must be
important that an input not go below ground without some chosen carefully.
resistance in its lead to limit the current that will then flow in As a final consideration, the maximum attainable input fre-
the epi-substrate diode. quency is determined by VCC, C1 and I2:
Following the input stage is the charge pump where the input
frequency is converted to a dc voltage. To do this requires
one timing capacitor, one output resistor, and an integrating
or filter capacitor. When the input stage changes state (due
to a suitable zero crossing or differential voltage on the input)
the timing capacitor is either charged or discharged linearly USING ZENER REGULATED OPTIONS (LM2917)
between two voltages whose difference is VCC/2. Then in For those applications where an output voltage or current
one half cycle of the input frequency or a time equal to 1/2 fIN must be obtained independent of supply voltage variations,
the change in charge on the timing capacitor is equal to the LM2917 is offered. The most important consideration in
VCC/2 x C1. The average amount of current pumped into or choosing a dropping resistor from the unregulated supply to
out of the capacitor then is: the device is that the tachometer and op amp circuitry alone
require about 3 mA at the voltage level provided by the
zener. At low supply voltages there must be some current
flowing in the resistor above the 3 mA circuit current to
operate the regulator. As an example, if the raw supply
The output circuit mirrors this current very accurately into the varies from 9V to 16V, a resistance of 470Ω will minimize the
load resistor R1, connected to ground, such that if the pulses zener voltage variation to 160 mV. If the resistance goes
of current are integrated with a filter capacitor, then VO = ic x under 400Ω or over 600Ω the zener variation quickly rises
R1, and the total conversion equation becomes: above 200 mV for the same input variation.
VO = VCC x fIN x C1 x R1 x K
Where K is the gain constant — typically 1.0.
The size of C2 is dependent only on the amount of ripple
voltage allowable and the required response time.

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LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications
Minimum Component Tachometer

00794208

00794209

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 LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

Zener Regulated Frequency to Voltage Converter

00794210

Breaker Point Dwell Meter

00794211

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LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

Voltage Driven Meter Indicating Engine RPM

VO = 6V @ 400 Hz or 6000 ERPM (8 Cylinder Engine)

00794212

Current Driven Meter Indicating Engine RPM

IO = 10 mA @ 300 Hz or 6000 ERPM (6 Cylinder Engine)

00794213

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 LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

Capacitance Meter
VOUT = 1V–10V for CX = 0.01 to 0.1 mFd
(R = 111k)

00794214

Two-Wire Remote Speed Switch

00794215

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LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

100 Cycle Delay Switch

00794216

Variable Reluctance Magnetic Pickup Buffer Circuits

00794239
Precision two-shot output frequency 00794217

equals twice input frequency.

Pulse height = VZENER

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 LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

Finger Touch or Contact Switch

00794219

00794218

Flashing LED Indicates Overspeed

00794220
Flashing begins when fIN ≥ 100 Hz.
Flash rate increases with input frequency
increase beyond trip point.

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LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

Frequency to Voltage Converter with 2 Pole Butterworth Filter to Reduce Ripple

00794221

Overspeed Latch

00794223

00794222

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 LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

Some Frequency Switch Applications May Require Hysteresis in the

Comparator Function Which can be Implemented in Several Ways:

00794224

00794225
00794226

00794227
00794228

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LM2907/LM2917
Typical Applications (Continued)

Changing the Output Voltage for an Input Frequency of Zero

00794230

00794229

Changing Tachometer Gain Curve or Clamping the Minimum Output Voltage

00794232

00794231

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 LM2907/LM2917
Anti-Skid Circuit Functions
“Select-Low” Circuit

00794234
VOUT is proportional to the lower of the two input wheel speeds.

00794233

“Select-High” Circuit

00794236
VOUT is proportional to the higher of the two input wheel speeds.

00794235

“Select-Average” Circuit

00794237

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LM2907/LM2917
Equivalent Schematic Diagram

00794238
*This connection made on LM2907-8 and LM2917-8 only.
**This connection made on LM2917 and LM2917-8 only.

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 LM2907/LM2917
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters)
unless otherwise noted

8-Lead (0.150" Wide) Molded Small Outline Package, JEDEC

Order Number LM2907M-8 or LM2917M-8
NS Package Number M08A

Molded SO Package (M)

Order Number LM2907M or LM2917M
NS Package Number M14A

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LM2907/LM2917
Physical Dimensions inches (millimeters) unless otherwise noted (Continued)

Molded Dual-In-Line Package (N)

Order Number LM2907N-8 or LM2917N-8
NS Package Number N08E

Molded Dual-In-Line Package (N)

Order Number LM2907N or LM2917N
NS Package Number N14A

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 LM2907/LM2917 Frequency to Voltage Converter
Notes

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accordance with instructions for use provided in the safety or effectiveness.
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