PGA450Q1EVM-S User's Guide and TIDA-00151 UART Demo Instructional

The Texas Instruments PGA450-Q1 small form-factor evaluation module (EVM) allows users to evaluate the operation and performance of the PGA450-Q1 fully integrated system-on-chip analog front-end for ultrasonic sensing. The small form-factor layout of this EVM is equivalent to that of an end-product form factor, allowing users to easily integrate this PGA450-Q1-based sensor module into a real system without the need for additional prototypes.

Trademarks

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

1 Introduction

The PGA450Q1EVM-S is a fully assembled PCB design for real-world evaluation of the PGA450-Q1 ultrasonic-sensor signal-conditioner device, an ultrasonic transducer, and step-up transformer. This EVM can be integrated with systems for general object detection and distance measurement through air, in applications such as automotive park-assist, level sensing in tanks, collision avoidance for autonomous robotics, and unmanned aerial vehicle landing assist. This small form-factor EVM is intended to act as an ultrasonic module alternative to the full-scale PGA450Q1EVM. TI recommends that the user first begins evaluation with the PGA450Q1EVM before transitioning to evaluation with the PGA450Q1EVM-S.

2 Setup and Operation

This section describes how to setup and configure the PGA450Q1EVM-S for basic operation. A detailed description of connectors, jumpers, and test points are provided in addition to the typical operation setup of the EVM. An example of operation is also included.

Figure 1 shows the PGA450Q1EVM-S pinout for the available input and output connectors.

Figure 1. PGA460Q1EVM-S Pinout

2.1 Input and Output Connectors

The PGA450Q1EVM-S has two power connectors, three communication interfaces, and two outputs. Table 1 lists the connectors in addition to a function description which includes the electrical specifications.

Table 1. Terminal Descriptors

Terminal	Designator	Direction	Description
MAIN	J2-1	Input	Single-system power supply to the VPWR pin of the PGA450-Q1 device. This supply is rated at 7 to 18 V DC for powering the entire board.
LIN	J2-2	Input/Output	The PGA450-Q1 device implements the LIN 2.1 compliant physical layer. This physical layer can be used to communicate data between the PGA450-Q1 device and the master MCU.
GND	J2-3, J4-2	—	Ground terminal to complete the circuit.
VPROG	J2-4	Input	VPROG_OTP power supply input of 8 V for programming OTP memory of the PGA450-Q1 device.
SPI	J3	Input/Output	SPI is the communication that is required for use with the PGA450Q1EVM GUI and TI GER USB interface for programming the PGA450-Q1 device⁽¹⁾. The internal 8051W must be placed in reset to communicate using SPI.
UART	J4-3, J4-4	Input/Output	The TxD and RxD pins on the PGA450-Q1 device are connected to the 8051W UART. These two pins can be used either for software debugging or for implementing application-specific protocols.
DACO	J4-1	Output	Observe the echo signal as an amplified analog signal or from a DAC output which converts a digitally filtered echo signal. In the Evaluation tab of the GUI, the quick-access buttons, Amplifier Output (unfiltered) and Datapath Output (filtered), are available. The signal is viewable on the DACO pin. Only one mode can be selected at a time.
XDCR Connector	J1	Input/Output	The transducer (XDCR) connector is used to drive and listen for ultrasonic signals with an external transducer sensor element.

(1) The TI GER (Texas Instruments general equipment resource) USB interface board is included with the purchase of the PGA450Q1EVM, and cannot be purchased separately. Purchase the PGA450Q1EVM or develop a custom USB interface tool to program or evaluate the PGA450-Q1 device on the PGA450Q1EVM-S platform.