STMicroelectronics AN3248 Installation and operating instructions

January 2011 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 1/19
AN3248
Application note
STM32L15xxx analog comparators
Introduction
This document describes six application cases of the two analog comparators embedded in
the ultra low power product line STM32L15xxx. The application cases are:
●Analog voltage monitoring
●Analog watchdog during Stop mode
●Pulse width measurement
●Pulse width modulation (PWM) signal control
●Capacitance measurement
●Brightness control using a light dependent resistor (LDR)
The six application cases demonstrate the usefulness of analog comparators and show how
they are integrated with other peripherals, for example, the digital-to-analog-converter (DAC)
and timers.
To ensure a quick start, four application cases presented in this document are implemented
in C language and are available in Project\STM32L1xx_StdPeriph_Examples\COMP within
the STM32L1xx_StdPeriph_Lib package.
Please note that this document is not intended to replace the routing interface (RI) and
comparator sections in the product reference manual RM0038.
The peripheral power consumption should be consulted in the device datasheets.
www.st.com

Contents AN3248
2/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1 Analog voltage monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2 Analog watchdog during Stop mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3 Pulse width measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4 PWM signal control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
5 Capacitance measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
6 Brightness control using a light dependent resistor
(LDR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
7 Revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

AN3248 List of tables
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 3/19
List of tables
Table 1. Document revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

List of figures AN3248
4/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
List of figures
Figure 1. Sensor output connection to COMP2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Figure 2. Sensor output connection to COMP1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 3. Power consumption in an analog voltage monitoring application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Figure 4. COMP2 configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Figure 5. Analog comparators combined in window mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Figure 6. Analog watchdog during stop mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Figure 7. COMP2 with output redirection feature. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Figure 8. Pulse width measurement: COMP2 output redirection to timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Figure 9. PWM signal control: COMP2 output redirection to timer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Figure 10. RC network connection for capacitance measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Figure 11. Capacitance measurement using COMP2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Figure 12. Connecting an LDR resistor to an STM32L15xxx device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Figure 13. Comparator output behavior versus light intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

AN3248 Analog voltage monitoring
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 5/19
1 Analog voltage monitoring
The STM32L15xxx embeds a 12-bit analog-to-digital converter (ADC) which is very fast with
a sampling rate of 1 Msample/s. However, with a 1.45 mA typical consumption, it can
jeopardize battery life time if left powered-on continuously. It is therefore recommended to
use analog comparators in application cases when analog input voltage (sensor output)
needs to be measured as soon as a pre-defined threshold is exceeded. In STM32L15xxx
devices, analog comparators are useful for monitoring the analog input voltage and
powering on the ADC when it is required. While monitoring the analog voltage, the device
can enter Stop mode at the same time that both comparators are still powered on.
Consequently, better consumption is achieved and power is saved.
Note: Analog comparators are powered by the internal reference voltage, VREFINT
, which is still
powered on in Stop mode, and can be disabled by configuration. Once VREFINT is disabled,
the comparators can no longer be used.
In an analog voltage monitoring application, where the sensor output voltage is lower than
the threshold, the MCU remains in Stop mode thereby saving power. As soon as the sensor
output exceeds the threshold, the MCU is woken up, the ADC is powered on, and the analog
input voltage is measured. When the sensor output is under the threshold, the MCU re-
enters Stop mode.
Average power consumption is dramatically reduced when compared with an application
that continuously measures the analog voltage whatever the input value.
Figure 1 shows how to connect a sensor output (temperature sensor, pressure sensor,
pyroelectric infrared detector, photodiode sensor) to an STM32L15xxx device in an analog
voltage monitoring application using comparator 2 (COMP2). COMP2 monitors the analog
voltage in Stop mode while the ADC measures it in Run mode.
Figure 1. Sensor output connection to COMP2
1. Legend for Figure 1
ADC_CHx: AC channel x
COMP2_INP: comparator 2 non-inverting input
2. Only if required.
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Analog voltage monitoring AN3248
6/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
Figure 2 shows how to connect a sensor output to an STM32L15xxx device using
comparator 1 (COMP1). COMP1 shares the same inputs as the ADC which reduces the
number of required pins. Nevertheless, the threshold is fixed to VREFINT
.
Figure 2. Sensor output connection to COMP1
1. Legend for Figure 2
COMP1_INP/ADC CHx: comparator 1 non-inverting input shared with ADC channel x
2. Only if required.
Figure 3 shows the gain in power consumption in an analog monitoring application.
Figure 3. Power consumption in an analog voltage monitoring application
1. Legend for Figure 3
S: Stop mode
R: Run mode
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AN3248 Analog voltage monitoring
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 7/19
The input analog voltage can be connected either to PB4 or PB5. The analog threshold can
be provided internally through VREFINT and its submultiples or via an external pin through
PB3. DAC channel 1 and channel 2 (DAC_OUT1 and DAC_OUT2 respectively) cannot be
used in such application cases since the DAC channels are powered off in Stop mode.
COMP2 wakes up the device from Stop mode through external interrupt line 22 (EXTI line
22).
Figure 4 shows the available configurations for inverting and non inverting inputs.
Figure 4. COMP2 configuration
1. Legend for Figure 4
DAC_OUT1: DAC channel 1 output
DAC_OUT2: DAC channel 2 output
VREFINT: Internal reference voltage
CMP2OUT: Comparator 2 output (internal output)
When the device enters Stop mode, only COMP2 and the internal reference voltage,
VREFINT
, remain powered on.
Note: Refer to the device datasheet for power consumption values.
Note: If the analog threshold corresponds to the internal reference voltage, VREFINT (1.22 V),
COMP1 can be used instead of COMP2 since it consumes much less power. In this case,
the input analog voltage can be connected to any channel among the 24 ADC channels.
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Analog watchdog during Stop mode AN3248
8/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
2 Analog watchdog during Stop mode
The ADC in the STM32L family can be used as an analog watchdog with programmable
high and low thresholds. Nevertheless, the MCU must be kept in Run mode to be able to
watch analog voltage on input since the ADC is powered off in Stop mode. For ultra low
power STM32L15xxx devices, two analog comparators, COMP1 and COMP2, can be
combined in window mode and used as an analog watchdog that remains powered on while
the MCU is stopped. Consequently, lower consumption is achieved and power is saved.
Figure 5 displays the configuration of two such analog comparators in window mode.
Threshold1 is set to the internal reference voltage, VREFINT
, and threshold2 is configurable
among VREFINT
, 3/4 VREFINT , 1/2 VREFINT , 3/4 VREFINT , DAC_OUT1, DAC_OUT2, or the
external pin PB3. The analog input voltage can be applied on group 6 of the analog switches
(PB4 or PB5).
Figure 5. Analog comparators combined in window mode
Note: DAC_OUT1 and DAC_OUT2 cannot be used in Stop mode since the DAC peripheral is
powered off.
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AN3248 Analog watchdog during Stop mode
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 9/19
In an analog watchdog application, COMP1 is configured through external interrupt line 21
(EXTI line 21) to exit the MCU from Stop mode when the analog input voltage exceeds
VREFINT
. COMP2 is set, through EXTI line 22, to exit the MCU from Stop mode when the
analog voltage goes below the lower threshold. Throughout the time the analog voltage is
within the defined thresholds, the MCU is in Stop mode and power consumption is reduced.
When the analog voltage exceeds the defined thresholds, average power consumption can
be reduced by switching to Run mode.
Figure 6 gives an overview of an analog watchdog application with threshold1 higher than
threshold2.
Figure 6. Analog watchdog during stop mode
1. While the MCU is in Stop mode, the input voltage exceeds threshold1 and the MCU exits Stop mode.
2. While the MCU is in Run mode, the input voltage goes downthreshold1 and the MCU enters Stop mode.
3. While the MCU is in Stop mode, the input voltage goes down threshold2 and the MCU exits Stop mode.
Note: In Stop mode, only COMP1, COMP2 and VREFINT continue to consume power. Please refer
to the specific device datasheet for power consumption values.
Note: No hysteresis is implemented on either comparator inputs.
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Pulse width measurement AN3248
10/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
3 Pulse width measurement
In STM32L15xxx devices, the COMP2 output can be redirected to the input capture of the
embedded timers: TIM2, TIM3, TIM4, and TIM10. Redirecting the COMP2 output allows a
signal width or frequency with specific low and high levels (for example, a shifted signal) to
be measured. Figure 7 displays all the possible output redirections of the COMP2 output.
The input signal, whose signal width should be measured, is connected to any I/O of analog
switches group 6 (PB4 or PB5). The reference signal can be powered by:
●an internal reference (VREFINT , 3/4 VREFINT , 1/2 VREFINT , or 1/4 VREFINT)
●the built-in DAC (channel 1 or channel 2)
●an external pin through PB3
The COMP2 output redirection is achieved through the OUTSEL[2:0] bits.
The timer input capture channel is configured to save the timer counter at both rising and
falling edges. When the input signal goes above the reference voltage, COMP2 output is at
a high level generating a rising edge on the timer input capture. When the input signal goes
under the reference voltage, COMP2 output is at low level generating a falling edge. The
elapsed time between the two consecutive events (falling then rising edge or rising then
falling edge) represents the pulse width. Hence, the pulse width measurement is performed
by simple subtraction of the counter values. Figure 8 gives an overview of the pulse width
measurement as measured by COMP2.
Figure 7. COMP2 with output redirection feature
1. Legend for Figure 7
DAC_OUT1: DAC channel 1 output
DAC_OUT2: DAC channel 2 output
VREFINT: Internal reference voltage
CMP2OUT: Comparator 2 output (internal output)
TIMx ICy: Timer x input capture channel y
TIMx OCREFCLR: Timer x output compare reference clear
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AN3248 Pulse width measurement
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 11/19
Figure 8. Pulse width measurement: COMP2 output redirection to timer
1. The duration that should be measured
2. In the pulse width measurement application, COMP1 cannot be used since its output CMP1OUT (internal
output) is not connected to the embedded timers.
Note: Signal frequency can be achieved by configuring the timer input capture channel to save the
counter value on only a rising or falling edge.
Note: DAC outputs (DAC_OUT1 or DAC_OUT2) can be used as inverting inputs to allow the
reference voltage level (threshold) to be internally provided and programmable by software
from 0 V to VDD.
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PWM signal control AN3248
12/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
4 PWM signal control
In STM32L15xxx devices, the COMP2 output can be redirected to the output compare
reference clear signal (OCREFCLR) of the embedded timers: TIM2, TIM3, and TIM4 (refer
to Figure 7: COMP2 with output redirection feature). The possibility of redirecting the
COMP2 output can be used to provide a fast response time that is independent from the
system frequency when an analog event occurs. This application case controls a PWM
signal for motor control when the current sensor output is connected to the COMP2 non-
inverting input. In this situation, the reference voltage is connected to the COMP2 inverting
input. When the current sensor output exceeds the selected threshold, the COMP2 output
goes high and the PWM signals switch to safe state.
Figure 9. PWM signal control: COMP2 output redirection to timer
1. In the pulse width measurement application, COMP1 cannot be used since its output CMP1OUT (internal
output) is not connected to the embedded timers.
Note: When the current sensor voltage reaches the reference voltage, the COMP2 output goes
high. Consequently, the PWM and output compare reference signals go low (to safe state).
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AN3248 Capacitance measurement
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 13/19
5 Capacitance measurement
The ability to connect the COMP2 output to the input capture channels of the timers allows
the capacitance value to be measured. The principle is based on measuring the charge time
of a resistor-capacitor (RC) network as follows:
●the charge time is measured
●the charge resistor (R) is already known
●the unknown capacitance (C) can be computed
Figure 10 shows the hardware connection of the RC network to an STM32L15xxx device.
Figure 10. RC network connection for capacitance measurement
The capacitance measurement procedure consists of charging and discharging the
capacitor through the resistor. The charge/discharge function follows an exponential curve.
The charge function is given by Example 1.
Example 1
where:
●VDD is the positive supply voltage
●t is the time
●T is the RC constant
Charging and discharging the RC network is ensured by the timer output compare channel
(TIMx OC) configured in PWM mode. The timer channel is connected to the resistor.
The input voltage is connected to the COMP2 non-inverting input while the threshold is
connected to the COMP2 inverting input. When the input voltage crosses the threshold, the
COMP2 output switches to high level and a capture event occurs saving the counter value.
Figure 11 shows the capacitance measurement.
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Capacitance measurement AN3248
14/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
Figure 11. Capacitance measurement using COMP2
At the moment where the input voltage crosses the threshold and the COMP2 output
switches to high level, the charge function is given by Equation 1.
Equation 1
where “tc” is the time when the input voltage crosses the threshold
Using Equation 1 the capacitance value can be computed by Equation 2.
Equation 2
Usually R, the threshold, and VDD are constant, so, measuring the capacitance is reduced
to solving for Equation 3.
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AN3248 Capacitance measurement
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 15/19
Equation 3
where K is solved using Equation 4
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Brightness control using a light dependent resistor (LDR) AN3248
16/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
6 Brightness control using a light dependent resistor
(LDR)
In some battery operated applications, the microcontroller needs to be powered if the
environment is lit otherwise, it must be kept powered-off. For such applications, a light
dependent resistor (LDR), whose resistance depends on light intensity, is useful to control
the microcontroller state. Using an LDR sensor, the microcontroller can switch to/from Low-
power mode depending on the voltage provided by the LDR resistor. Figure 12 shows how
to connect an LDR resistor to an STM32L15xxx device COMP2 non inverting input, can be
connected to an LDR resistor through a voltage divider (VIN). The threshold can be set
externally to PB3 or set internally to VREFINT
, 3/4 VREFINT , 1/2 VREFINT , or 1/4 VREFINT . The
COMP2 output (CMP2OUT) can be internally connected to EXTI line 22 which, when
configured to detect both rising and falling edges on CMP2OUT, can be used as an interrupt
source to switch to/from Low power mode.
Figure 12. Connecting an LDR resistor to an STM32L15xxx device
1. PB4 or PB5 can be used as COMP2 non-inverting input. Thus, VIN can be connected to PB4 or PB5.
The voltage VIN can be computed using Equation 5.
Equation 5
As the LDR resistance decreases with increasing light intensity, the voltage VIN decreases
as more light shines on the LDR.
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AN3248 Brightness control using a light dependent resistor (LDR)
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 17/19
The top part of Figure 13 shows the evolution of VIN as a function of light variation. The
selected threshold (COMP2 inverting input) defines the limit of dark/light. The bottom part of
Figure 13 shows that COMP2 output (CMP2OUT) level depends on VIN and consequently
on light intensity. Using EXTI line 22 (which is internally connected to CMP2OUT), the
microcontroller can detect the CMP2OUT level switch (from a high level to a low level or vice
versa).
Figure 13. Comparator output behavior versus light intensity
The LDR resistor can be used in other microcontroller based applications rather than
darkness control (for example: DC relay control and AutoFocus).
For other uses of analog comparators using LDR resistors, refer to the STM32L152-EVAL
demonstration firmware. In this demonstration, the LCD glass contrast is adjusted according
to the luminosity detected using the LDR resistor.
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Revision history AN3248
18/19 Doc ID 17758 Rev 1
7 Revision history
Table 1. Document revision history
Date Revision Changes
10-Jan-2011 1 Initial release.

AN3248
Doc ID 17758 Rev 1 19/19
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