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Forum Index : Microcontroller and PC projects : Pico LC meter

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Volhout
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Posted: 11:38am 12 Jul 2024
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What is everybody working on... Well, this is my latest addition to the PicoMite family.

The PicoMite LC meter

This is not my own design, but a PicoMite implementation of a design that is published on the internet years and years ago. I breadboarded the design, and used the breadboard since. But I liked it so much, I got a more solid housing now.

The LC meter can measure capacitance between 1pF and 100nF, and inductors between 0.1uH and over 15mH. It is based on a a tuned oscillator, and addad capacitance and inductance off-tunes the oscillator. The frequency changes of the oscillator is measured, and from there, with simple electronics math, the values are calculated and displayed.

This is the (arduino) circuit diagram that is used as a basis:



And the breadboard version



To adapt the circuit to the Pico 3.3V levels the output (the 6.8k resistor) receives a 10k pulldown, and the relay output gets a NPN driver transistor with 10k base resistor.

The re-vamped circuit looks like this now



It is in a G738 box (same as the CMM2), and has a 4 euro phone charger as power supply. Since the charger outputs quite a lot of ripple, and old 4700uF cap came to the rescue. Not visible is the copper foil under the PCB, to shield the bottom from the outside world.

The Pico Zero uses the PIO to measure the oscillator frequencies up to 7 digits. It uses PIO 1 state machines 2 and 3, simply because the code is "borrowed" from my frequency counter that uses the other state machines from pulse and period measurements.

The "green" button switches between capacitance and inductance mode. The "blue" button acts as a push button, and zero's the reading to compensate for wires, or adaptor (note you can measure down to 0.01pF).

When there is interest I may draw up a complete schematic, but the circuit looks simple enough to do without.

If you are building, the 1000pF capacitor in the circuit diagram that is NOT identified as Ccal, needs to be a stable and accurate one. Try to find a 1% part.
The one identified as Ccal needs to be stable as well, but not accurate. Any film capacitor, or NP0 capacitor will do.

The code

 'capacitor and inductor meter on RP2040
 
 'capacitors and inductors are added to a resonant circuit, and the frequency
 'shift is used to calculate the component under test
 'a reference capacitor (Cref=1030pF) is used to calibrate the system dynamically
 'RP2040 PIO is used to measure the resonant frequency accurately.
 
 
 
 '--------------------------- version control -----------------------------------
 '
 ' V01     measures system components Cbase and Lbase
 ' V03     First working version, includes ZERO and IND/CAP
 ' V04     Adds LCD display SSD1306I2C32 (128x32 pixels)
 ' V05     Ranging optimized
 
 
 
 
 
 '------------------------- MMBASIC MAIN CODE ---------------------------------
 
 ' setup
 
 'analog CAL component value
 Cref=1030e-12                       '1030 pF = main calibration parameter
 Cbase=700e-12                       'default value
 Lbase=63e-6                         'default value
 VAR restore                         'restore previous Lbase Cbase
 
 
 'set the pin to switch in CAL relay
 SetPin gp4,dout
 Pin(gp4)=0
 
 
 'init the pin to detect L or C measurement mode
 SetPin gp5,din,pullup   'capacitor (=1) or inductor (=0)
 SetPin gp6,din,pullup   'calibrate (=1)
 
 
 'set up the frequency coounter on PIO
 setup_pio
 
 
 'variables and constants used in the frequency counter
 Dim r%(3),c%                     'define variables, r%() only used to empty fifo
 set_gate 0.2                     'default gate time in seconds
 
 
 ' main loop
 
 'measure frequency with GP4 low (base system) and GP4 high (base + Cref)
 'use this to determine Cbase and Lbase of the resonant system
 Do
   'measure f1% (base system)
   Pin(gp4)=0
   Pause 10
   frequency
   ff1%=c%
   
   'measure f2% (base + Cref)
   Pin(gp4)=1
   Pause 10
   frequency
   ff2%=c%
   
   'calculate cap and ind from these frequencies
   If ff1%<>ff2% And ff1%>0 And ff2%>0 Then  'prevent divide by zero
     
     if pin(gp6)<>oldkey then cls
     oldkey=pin(gp6)
     
     If oldkey=1 Then
       'calculate Cbase
       Cbase = Cref*(ff2%^2) / (ff1%^2 - ff2%^2)
       
       'calculate Lbase
       Lbase=1/(4*(Pi^2)*(ff1%^2)*Cbase)
       
       'debug print
       'Print "Cbase=";Str$(Cbase*1e12,4,2);" pF    Lbase=";Str$(Lbase*1e6,3,3);" uH"
       Text 64,8,"Cb = "+Str$(Cbase*1e12,4,2)+" pF",CM
       Text 64,24,"Lb = "+Str$(Lbase*1e6,3,3)+" uH",CM
       
       VAR save Lbase,Cbase      'keep for next power up
       
     Else
       
       If Pin(gp5)=1 Then
         
         'calculate C
         Cmeas = Cref*(ff2%^2) / (ff1%^2 - ff2%^2) - Cbase
         Cmeas=max(0,Cmeas) 'never negative
         
         select case Cmeas
           case <1e-9
             Text 64,16,right$("  "+Str$(Cmeas*1e12,3,2)+" pF",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 0.2
           case <1e-8
             Text 64,16,right$("  "+Str$(Cmeas*1e9,2,3)+" nF",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 0.2
           case <1e-7
             Text 64,16,right$("  "+Str$(Cmeas*1e9,3,2)+" nF",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 0.4
           case else
             Text 64,16,right$(" %"+Str$(Cmeas*1e9,4,1)+" nF",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 1
         end select
         
       Else
         
         'calculate L
         Lmeas=1/(4*(Pi^2)*(ff1%^2)*Cbase) - Lbase
         Lmeas=max(0,Lmeas)  'never negative
         
         select case Lmeas
           case <1e-5
             Text 64,16,right$("  "+Str$(Lmeas*1e6,2,3)+" uH",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 0.2
           case <1e-4
             Text 64,16,right$("  "+Str$(Lmeas*1e6,3,2)+" uH",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 0.2
           case <1e-3
             Text 64,16,right$("  "+Str$(Lmeas*1e6,4,1)+" uH",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 0.2
           case else
             Text 64,16,right$("  "+Str$(Lmeas*1e3,2,3)+" mH",10),CM,7,2
             set_gate 0.4
         end select
         
       End If
       
     End If
     
   End If
   
 Loop
 
 
 
 
 '------------------------------- SUBS ---------------------------------------
 
sub set_gate a
 'set the gate time, and associated counter for PIO
 
 gate_time = a                    'gate time in seconds
 gate_clocks% = gate_time*f2 - 1  'for 1MHz PIO clock as integer (n counts (n-1...0))
 
end sub
 
 
Sub setup_pio
 'PIO machine 1.2 generates a progr. gate signal on GP2 (side set pin GP2)
 'PIO machine 1.2 sets GP2 and GP3 output for both state machines 1.2 and 1.3
 'PIO machine 1.3 uses the GP2 gate signal to count GP0 pulses, GP3 is NO SIGNAL
 
 'PIO program -----------------------------------------------------------------
 
 'PIO 1.2 (gate)
 'adress    data   mnemonics                         comment
 '  &h10    E083   set pindir 00011     'set GP2,GP3 to output for both state machines
 '.wrap target
 '  &h11    90A0   pull block .side(1)  'pull data from FIFO into OSR when available
 '  &h12    B027   mov(x,osr) .side(1)   'load gate time (in clock pulses) from osr
 '  &h13    0053   jmp(x_dec, this line) .side(0)  '1 cycle count down + gate low
 '.wrap
 
 '  &h14    0000   not used
 
 'PIO 1.3 (count)
 '.wrap target
 '  &h15    A02B   mov(x,-1) .side(0)           'x = -1 (clear counter)
 '  &h16    2082   wait(1,gp2) .side(0)         'sync to GATE signal
 '  &h17    2002   wait(0,gp2) .side(0)         'detect falling edge of gate signal
 '  &h18    3000   wait(0,gp0) .side(1)         'wait for risig edge input signal
 '  &h19    3080   wait(1,gp0) .side(1)         'wait for falling edge input signal
 '  &h1A    00DC   jmp(gp2, to 0x1c) .side(0)   'continue counting (gateepuls ended ?)
 '  &h1B    0058   jmp(x_dec, to 0x18) .side(0) 'yes, count next pulse input
 '  &h1C    A0C9   mov(isr,-x) .side(0)         'copy counter to isr
 '  &h1D    8000   push noblock .side(0)        'get value to FIFO
 '.wrap
 
 '  &h1E    0000   not used
 '  &h1F    0000   not used
 
 'this is above program in data statements
 Dim a%(7)=(0,0,0,0,&h0053B02790A0E083,&h20022082A02B0000,&h005800DC30803000,&h8000A0C9)
 
 
 'SETUP code
 SetPin gp0,pio1          'frequency counter input
 SetPin gp2,pio1          'gate signal
 SetPin gp3,pio1          'no signal output used to display input signal missing
 
 'program above code in the chip in PIO 1
 PIO program 1,a%()
 
 
 'PIO configuration ------------------------------------------------------------
 
 'PIO 1.2
 f2=1e6                                '1 MHz frequency gate resolution
 e2=Pio(execctrl gp0,&h11,&h13)        'wrap target &h11, wrap &h13
 p2=Pio(pinctrl 1,2,,,gp2,gp2,)        'GP2 side set, GP2/GP3 SET (for pindirs)
 PIO init machine 1,2,f2,p2,e2,0,&h10  'start from 0x10
 
 'PIO 1.3
 f3=126e6                               '63 MHz frequency
 e3=Pio(execctrl gp2,&h15,&h1d)        'gp2 is PIN for cond jmp. wrap target &h15, wrap &h1D
 p3=Pio(pinctrl 1,,,gp0,gp3,,)         'GP0 base for inputs, GP3 out for SIDE SET
 PIO init machine 1,3,f3,p3,e3,0,&h15  'start from 0x14 -test. skip IO init, start at &h15
 
 
 'Start both PIO sequencers
 PIO start 1,2 'this will wait for data to arrive in FIFO, then generate 1 gate
 PIO start 1,3 'this will start counter, waiting on adress &h17 for GP2 gate to become low
End Sub
 
 
 
 
 'measure frequency at GP0, check GP3 for "no signal"
Sub frequency
 'first check if there is no input signal. PIO 1.3 will be stuck at instruction &h18 or &h19 and
 'side set pin GP3 will be high.
 If Pin(gp3)=1 Then
   
   'debug
   'Print "no input signal"
   Pause 200
   
 Else
   
   'put gate time in PIO 1.2 OSR (gate_ime is specified in PIO cycles: gate_clocks%)
   PIO read 1,3,4,r%()               'empty fifo from rubbish (only needed at start)
   PIO write 1,2,1,gate_clocks%      'this starts the gate pulse generator, single pulse
   
   'wait gate time + few ms for printing data
   Pause (1000*gate_time + 200)
   
   'get FIFO value
   PIO read 1,3,1,c%                 'read value from FIFO (there is only 1 value in it)
   c%=c%/gate_time                   'convert or Hz
   
   'debug
   'Print "GP0 frequency = ";c%;" Hz"
   
 EndIf
 
End Sub

Edited 2024-07-12 21:51 by Volhout
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v.lenzer
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Posted: 12:37pm 12 Jul 2024
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  Quote  When there is interest I may draw up a complete schematic, but the circuit looks simple enough to do without.


I'm very interested! I read through the source and identified the GPs. Which GPs are you using for I2C? I didn't find that in the source because I'm sure you've put it in the OPTIONS. If it's not too much work, a schematic would be nice.
Best wishes! Joachim
 
JohnS
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Posted: 12:42pm 12 Jul 2024
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Er... it doesn't use I2C does it?

John
 
Volhout
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Posted: 12:45pm 12 Jul 2024
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Hi Joachim, John,

The Pico ZERO uses:


OPTION SYSTEM I2C GP26,GP27
OPTION LCDPANEL SSD1306I2C32,RL


So YES, it is an I2C display....
It is this simple..... The circuit diagram.
It does not show the power supply and huge 4700uF capacitor, since that is not needed to make it work. Powering from the laptop USB works just as fine.




Volhout
.
Edited 2024-07-12 23:28 by Volhout
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v.lenzer
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Thank you very much!! Which circuit diagram software do you use? It looks like splan from ABACOM. If so, I would be happy to receive the file.
Best wishes! Joachim
 
Volhout
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Posted: 07:52pm 12 Jul 2024
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Hi Joachim,

This is MS Paint.

Volhout
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lizby
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Posted: 11:00pm 12 Jul 2024
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What component library is used to make this circuit diagram with MS Paint?
PicoMite, Armmite F4, SensorKits, MMBasic Hardware, Games, etc. on fruitoftheshed
 
phil99

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It looks like Volhout used, for most of it, C&P from the original then added lines, boxes and text from the drawing palette. The transistor could be from a library or C&P from another circuit diagram.
 
Mixtel90

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I can recommend TinyCAD for doing schematics on the PC. It's free. The component library isn't very big but it's not too bad to add your own parts. You do need to read the manual about that though. If you do it right it can export netlists but I don't. :)

EasyEDA Pro is even better as you get a full PCB designer package for the same cost. :)
Mick

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Volhout
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Posted: 07:16am 13 Jul 2024
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When I design a pcb for private use I use Kicad. But that is not often, most my projects are one of. So I use veroboard or similar.

There are many here on the forum that design pcb's. Each has its own preference.

In the past I used sprint 5.

Volhout.
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lizby
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Ah, cut/copy and paste. That makes sense.

I use EasyEDA. Great program.  I've even taken advantage of their option to have them make a new component. It took a number of emails and several iterations,  but they got it right.
PicoMite, Armmite F4, SensorKits, MMBasic Hardware, Games, etc. on fruitoftheshed
 
v.lenzer
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Hello Volhout!
At the moment I can only find 1% capacitors with a value of 816 pF for the 1000 pF capacitors at a reasonable price. Shipping is usually more expensive than the item itself. Can I use it if I change Cref? If so, what value should Cref have?
Best wishes! Joachim
 
Volhout
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Posted: 05:51pm 13 Jul 2024
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Hi Joachim,

Yes, you can use 816pF as long as you put that valuing the program. But you can also do what I did. I used 470pF 1% parallel to 560pF 1%. Since these where the values I could purchase. It is all math, so if you just use thisvalue for Cref in the basic program, it is fine.

Volhout

Technical: Cref is switched parallel to the total capacitance. When trying to measure a 100nF capacitor, the 1000 pf makes 1% difference(101 versus 100). Since frequency depends on the square root of the capacitance, the frequency difference is only 0.01%. When your target is measuring larger capacitors, 2000pF may work even better than 1000pF.
Edited 2024-07-14 03:59 by Volhout
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Mixtel90

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You might find one labelled as 1nF or 0.001uF.
Mick

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Preliminary MMBasic docs & my PCB designs
 
Volhout
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The LC meter has shown it's use.

Today I repaired my old Grundig Yacht Boy 1100 transistor radio, I bought when I was 16 years old. It was amazing the plastics are still not brittle, so I could get it appart. I found the adjustment procedure (in French language, note this is a radio designed by Grundig France), and found one capacitor in the tuning circuit for FM to be bad (value less than 10% of the value).

All in all it took a whole day to go through the test and adjustment procedure, but it was satisfying the radio performs again close to new. almost 50 years old.
I am very satisfied seeing this radio working again, it was with me in so many adventures, trips, house renovations, paint jobs.

I cleaned the thing, and it is ready for another 50 years.

Volhout
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palcal

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Our everyday listen is a 60 year old Ferris transistor radio, they actually had parts in them back then, not just a block of black plastic.
"It is better to be ignorant and ask a stupid question than to be plain Stupid and not ask at all"
 
Volhout
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Posted: 09:33pm 13 Jul 2024
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Honestly, it will be for 3 years only. Starting 2027 all FM broadcast is converted to DAB. Then the radio is useless..

1 month ago they converted the cable distribution, Both TV and radio.


Sad..

.
Edited 2024-07-14 07:39 by Volhout
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Volhout
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Appart from the lettering on the front panel, it is complete,,,

Inside the unit




When you zero the unit, it shows what the corrections are (inductor and capacitor inside).




The unit in operation, measuring a 47pF ceramic capacitor, using a long coax cable with alligator clips, that is zero'ed out. Running from the 230V charger power suppy inside the box.




The display is small, but reading is clear enough to be readable. But I think the frequency counter (next project) needs a bigger display (more digits, so the font would become very small).
The current display is "hot-glued"  in it's frame. I did not bother to make a special glass for it (with my tools that always is uglier than the display itself).

Volhout
Edited 2024-07-16 05:49 by Volhout
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v.lenzer
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Hello Volhout!
I have recreated your LC meter. Unfortunately, it doesn't want to work properly. Before I start measuring all the cables and components, I would first like to ask you if you can give me a hint.
I changed Cref to 816e-12 in the program because I am using an 816 pF capacitor. I have also activated the debug messages in your program. So that I know whether the program has started, I display a message on the OLED for 2 seconds. The OLED is controlled correctly.
For the test, I connected a capacitor with 816 pF to the terminals. After starting, the relay switches on and off regularly in time. However, no measured values ​​appear on the display. The message on the console appears: "GP0 frequency = 555746560 Hz" and then the constant message: "no input signal". It doesn't matter if I switch SW2 to L or C and if I set SW1 to calibrate or not calibrate. It doesn't change anything if I don't have a capacitor on the terminals.
Any ideas?
Edited 2024-07-22 07:04 by v.lenzer
Best wishes! Joachim
 
Volhout
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Hi Joachim,

The circuit consists of 2 blocks: 1 the oscillator using the LM311. 2 the frequency counter using the pico.
First see if the oscillator works.

Switch to capacitor test.

If you disconnect the 6.8k resistor, there should be a nice square wave at the LM311 output (pin 7). It should be 5Vpp, some 500kHz…1MHz depending the capacitors and inductors used.

If you do not have a scope to monitor this, but you have a voltmeter, then re-connect the 6.8 k resistor, and measure at pico pin1, gp0. There should be 1.4v to 1.8v dc at that pin ( 3.3v with 50% duty cycle.

Volhout
Edited 2024-07-22 15:27 by Volhout
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