USB D/A interface for SATSAGEN

A USB D/A interface for SATSAGEN to output analog sweep ramp (0-10Vpp)

USBDAALBFER is a multi-purpose interface SATSAGEN compatible to drive external systems, like an SNA that accepts horizontal input with ~ 10Vpp for sweep operations. Moreover, with this interface, analog inputs are available to enable triggers or connect Log Detectors. Can be connected to an ADF5355 board from Arduino code version 4.1 and SATSAGEN v. 0.6.0.3.

Some basics about the multi-purpose interface for SATSAGEN (Video)

AD8317/AD8318 Log Detector devices interface for SATSAGEN (Video)

ADF5355 Synthesizer board interface for SATSAGEN (Video)

Arduino code

Schematics

ADF5355 interface

Components

  • Microcontroller board like Arduino Nano
  • ADF5355 board
  • 5k trimmer
  • 100NF capacitor
  • 6 X 1K resistors
  • 3 X 560 resistors
  • Momentary switch NO
  • LED

Schematic

LOG DETECTOR devices interface

Components

  • Microcontroller board like Arduino Nano
  • AD831x LOG DETECTOR module (AD8317 and AD8318 supported)
  • 5k trimmer
  • 100NF capacitor
  • 3 X 1K resistors
  • Momentary switch NO
  • LED

Schematic

Triggers input interface

Components

  • Microcontroller board like Arduino Nano
  • 5k trimmer
  • 100NF capacitor
  • 3 X 1K resistors
  • Momentary switch NO
  • LED

Schematic

PWM D/A converter

Components

  • Microcontroller board like Arduino Nano
  • Step-up module 5V to 15V
  • LM358 or equivalent
  • 1uF capacitor
  • 1K, 4K7, 33K and 47K resistors
  • Momentary switch NO
  • LED

Schematic

D/A converter MCP4725 based

Components

  • Microcontroller board like Arduino Nano
  • Step-up module 5V to 15V
  • MCP4725 module
  • LM358 or equivalent
  • 10NF capacitor
  • 1K, 4K7, 33K and 91K resistors
  • Momentary switch NO
  • LED

Schematic

All schematics can be mixed into one interface (except PWM and MCP4725 D/A).

The below Arduino’s code latest release is suitable for all schematics.

Arduino Code

Latest release:

usbdaalbfer4.2.zip  v.4.2

   -ADF5355 The library code was rewritten
   -ADF5355 Resolution by 1Hz steps, XO correction

The MCP4725 library is required.

Older versions:

usbdaalbfer4.1.zip  v.4.1

   -ADF5355 support

The MCP4725 library is required.
usbdaalbfer31.ino  v.3.1

Allows these SATSAGEN operations:

   -Analog trigger inputs
   -Analog ramp output with PWM or a dedicated D/A chip if available
   -Analog log detectors input
   -And for future development: RF switches driving

The MCP4725 library is required.
usbdaalbfer2.ino  v.2.0

This version can be used for the real-time triggers feature of SATSAGEN v.0.5.0.2!
usbdaalbfer.ino   v.1.0