Texas Instruments PGA460-Q1 User manual

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PGA460-Q1 Ultrasonic Signal Conditioner EVM With Transducer User's
Guide
User's Guide
SLAU659B–February 2017–Revised March 2018
PGA460-Q1 Ultrasonic Signal Conditioner EVM With
Transducer User's Guide
The PGA460-Q1 EVM evaluation module (EVM) allows users to evaluate the functionality of Texas
Instrument's PGA460-Q1 ultrasonic sensor-signal conditioner IC. The PGA460-Q1 is a fully integrated
system-on-chip, analog front-end (AFE) device for ultrasonic sensing. This user’s guide describes both the
hardware platform containing a sample PGA460-Q1 device and the graphical user interface (GUI)
software used to configure the functionality and diagnostics. In addition to evaluating the PGA460-Q1
device, the other objective of this board is to display the ultrasonic echo profile and measurement results
of either a transformer driven closed-top transducer or direct-driven open-top transducer when using the
GUI.
NOTE: Texas Instruments recommends using the PGA460-Q1 EVM user's guide (this document)
after reading and following the steps listed in the PGA460-Q1 EVM Quick Start Guide. To
download this guide, go to the product folder: www.ti.com/product/PGA460-Q1.
Contents
1 Introduction ................................................................................................................... 3
2 Setup and Operation ........................................................................................................ 4
3 Software ..................................................................................................................... 10
4 External PGA460-Q1 Evaluation......................................................................................... 47
5 Schematic, Bill of Materials, and Layout ................................................................................ 51
6 References.................................................................................................................. 56
List of Figures
1 PGA460-Q1 EVM Block Diagram ......................................................................................... 4
2 EVM Boards Separated..................................................................................................... 5
3 EVM Boards – Assembled.................................................................................................. 6
4 BOOSTXL-PGA460 Functional Blocks ................................................................................... 7
5 Automatic Prompt to Flash Program MSP-EXP430F5529LP ........................................................ 10
6 Manually Flash Program MSP-EXP430F5529LP...................................................................... 10
7 PGA460-Q1 EVM GUI Starting Screen With Successful EVM Connection Status................................ 12
8 Tree View Page Listing.................................................................................................... 13
9 EVM Status – Success.................................................................................................... 14
10 General Settings Configuration Page.................................................................................... 15
11 Block Diagram.............................................................................................................. 17
12 Time Varying Gain Page .................................................................................................. 18
13 Threshold Page............................................................................................................. 20
14 Diagnostic Page............................................................................................................ 22
15 Test Modes Page .......................................................................................................... 24
16 Data Monitor Page—Working Example ................................................................................. 26
17 Data Monitor—Run Options .............................................................................................. 27
18 Data Monitor—Measurement Tab........................................................................................ 27
19 Data Monitor—Graph Tab................................................................................................. 28
20 Data Monitor—Export Tab ................................................................................................ 28

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21 Data Monitor—Legend .................................................................................................... 29
22 Interface - UART Page .................................................................................................... 30
23 Interface - TCI Page ....................................................................................................... 32
24 Memory Map Page......................................................................................................... 34
25 Faults and Errors Tab ..................................................................................................... 36
26 Utilities Tab.................................................................................................................. 39
27 Register Tab ................................................................................................................ 41
28 Power Budget Calculator for PGA460-Q1 .............................................................................. 42
29 Echo Data Dump Plotter for PGA460-Q1............................................................................... 43
30 Scripting for PGA460-Q1.................................................................................................. 44
31 Matching Daugthercard.................................................................................................... 45
32 External OWI Evaluation Setup for PGA460Q1USFF-XF Module With Software Modification.................. 48
33 OWI Evaluation Page Preparation....................................................................................... 49
34 One-Wire Evaluation Page—Working Example........................................................................ 49
35 PGA460-Q1 EVM Schematic – USSC ................................................................................. 51
36 PGA460-Q1 EVM Schematic – Driver and Transducer............................................................... 52
37 PGA460-Q1 EVM Schematic - Power................................................................................... 53
38 Component Placement – Top Overview ................................................................................ 56
39 Component Placement – Bottom Overview ............................................................................ 56
40 Layout – Top................................................................................................................ 56
41 Layout – Bottom............................................................................................................ 56
List of Tables
1 Power Mode Jumper Position.............................................................................................. 8
2 EVM Status Possibilities .................................................................................................. 13
3 EVM Status Field Definitions ............................................................................................. 13
4 Test Mux Signals........................................................................................................... 24
5 Memory Map Interactive Features ....................................................................................... 34
6 Device Error Status Descriptions......................................................................................... 37
7 PGA460-Q1 UART Diagnostic Data Description....................................................................... 38
8 Bill of Materials ............................................................................................................. 54
Trademarks
LaunchPad, BoosterPack, Code Composer Studio, MSP430 are trademarks of Texas Instruments.
SIMPLE SWITCHER is a registered trademark of Texas Instruments.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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1 Introduction
The PGA460-Q1 EVM is a fully assembled evaluation module (EVM) designed for the combined
evaluation of the PGA460-Q1 ultrasonic-sensor signal conditioner IC, an ultrasonic transducer, and center-
tap transformer or half-bridge driver. Because of the two driver options, the user can evaluate any two pin,
open or closed top ultrasonic transducer in the operating frequency range of 30 to 80 kHz, or 180 to 480
kHz.
The accompanying MSP430F5529 LaunchPad™ Development Kit (MSP-EXP430F5529LP) is used as the
USB-to-PC GUI communication bridge as an example on how to implement a master MCU to
communicate with the PGA460-Q1 through USART or IO interfaces.
NOTE: The BOOSTXL-PGA460 requires an external master controller to evaluate the PGA460-Q1.
The PGA460-Q1 is a slave device.
The MSP-EXP430F5529LP is controlled by commands received from the PGA460-Q1 EVM GUI, and
returns data to the GUI for display and further analysis. If the MSP-EXP430F5529LP is not used, the
BoosterPack™ plug-in module format of the PGA460-Q1 EVM allows alternative external master
communication to the PGA460-Q1.
The BOOSTXL-PGA460 incorporates all required circuitry and components with the following features:
• PGA460-Q1 ultrasonic sensor signal conditioner IC
• Optional integrated-switch buck converter, TI’s TPS62175, to generate a 5-V output to power the MSP-
EXP430F5529LP when only using a battery or external supply
• Optional integrated-switch boost converter, TI’s LMR62421, to generate a 7.2-V output to power the
PGA460-Q1 when only using USB for power
• Discrete two-wire to one-wire interface (OWI) transceiver circuit using TI’s LM2903 to enable TCI and
one-wire UART communication
• 8-channel SPDT multiplexer and demultiplexer, TI’s TS3L501E, to switch between asynchronous
UART, synchronous UART (SPI equivalent without chip select), TCI, or one-wire UART interface
communication modes available on the PGA460-Q1
• Onboard external 512 kBytes of SRAM to store synchronous output data from PGA460-Q1
• Daughter card for selection between transformer-driven closed-top transducer evaluation or direct-
driven open-top transducer evaluation
• Multiple test points for key analog, digital, and test signals

Copyright © 2017, Texas Instruments Incorporated
BOOSTXL-PGA460 GUI
MSP-EXP430F5529LP
Integrated USB
Hub and Power
Supply eZ-FET Emulator
Push-buttons and LEDs
RESET and USB
BTSP Buttons Isolation Jumper Block
40-pin BoosterPack
Header
MSP430F5529
Microcontroller
5V
3.3V
UART
<2>
SPI1
<3>
SPI1
<4>
LED
<3>
TEST
<4>
GPO
<4> Daughter-Card
Connector
BOOSTXL-PGA460
(Mother-Board)
BOOSTXL-PGA460
(Daughter-Card)
Mother-Board
Connector
Mother-Board
Connector
Bridge
Open-Top
Transformer
Closed-Top
Center-Tap
Transformer
Closed-Top
Transducer
Open-Top
Transducer
Full or Half
Bridge Driver
PGA460-Q1
OWI
Discrete
TRX
External
SRAM
Memory
8-Ch SPDT
Comm.
Interface
Mux/
Demux
External
Power Mode
Input
Connectors
5 to 7.5
Boost
Circuit
EXT to 5V
Buck
Circuit
IC Powered
LED Diagnostic LEDs
Power
Jumper
Block
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Figure 1 shows the PGA460-Q1 EVM architecture, identifying the key components and blocks previously
listed.
Figure 1. PGA460-Q1 EVM Block Diagram
2 Setup and Operation
2.1 Required Equipment for Device Evaluation
The following elements are required for proper operation and to receive consistent results as described in
the user’s guide:
• BOOSTXL-PGA460 BoosterPack (included with the purchase of the PGA460-F5529-BNDL)
• MSP-EXP430F5529LP (included with the purchase of the bundled PGA460-Q1 EVM)
• PGA460-Q1 EVM GUI (download from PGA460-Q1 product page)
• A computer with Windows 7 or later, and .NET Framework 4.5
• Micro-USB to USB cable (included with the purchase of the PGA460-F5529-BNDL)
• (Optional) A single power supply unit, battery, or AC/DC adapter to provide a voltage output from 6 V
to 28 V, and a current output up to 500 mA.

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2.2 Initial EVM Setup
2.2.1 Installing the Graphical User Interface Software
Before the PGA460-Q1 device can be evaluated, the GUI software must be available on a host computer.
Run the GUI installer and save the executable (.exe) file in a convenient location (such as the computer
Desktop or the C:\Program Files (x86)\Texas Instruments\ folder). Double click the executable file or
desktop shortcut to run the application.
To download the PGA460-Q1 EVM GUI, go to www.ti.com/product/PGA460-Q1.
2.2.2 Setup Instructions
The user should receive three separate boards from Texas Instruments as shown in Figure 2.
Figure 2. EVM Boards Separated
To properly evaluate the PGA460-Q1 EVM solution, connect and assemble all three boards as described
in the steps that follow:
Step 1. Stack the BOOSTXL-PGA460 motherboard on top of the MSP-EXP430F5529LP. Pin 1 of the
MSP-EXP430F5529LP must align with pin 1 of the PGA460-Q1 EVM.
Step 2. Connect the PGA460-Q1 EVM daughtercard perpendicularly to the motherboard at J8
depending on which transducer driver-mode and top type. The transformer driven closed-top
configuration is accessible at J13 of the daughtercard, while the bridge driven open-top
configuration is accessible at J10 of the daughtercard. For details on the difference between
the two daughtercard configuration options, see Section 2.3.
Step 3. Position the power mode jumper for the intended use-case (see Table 1).
Step 4. Connect the micro-USB cable to a PC (see Section 2.2.2.2).
Step 5. If using an external power supply, turn on the supply (see Section 2.2.2.2).

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Figure 3 shows the assembled solution in the transformer-driven closed-top daughtercard configuration.
To use the bridge-driven open-top configuration, connect the opposite end of the daughtercard to the
motherboard.
Figure 3. EVM Boards – Assembled
WARNING
This EVM contains components that are sensitive to electrostatic
discharge (ESD). Use proper laboratory techniques and equipment
to minimize the chance of an ESD or electrical overstress (EOS)
event.

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Figure 4 shows the functional blocks of the BOOSTXL-PGA460.
Figure 4. BOOSTXL-PGA460 Functional Blocks

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2.2.2.1 Power Mode Jumper Settings
The BOOSTXL-PGA460 has an alternative power-mode-selector jumper block (J7). Depending on the
use-case, the assembled EVM can be powered from a variety of single or multiple power sources. Table 1
lists each power mode with the jumper position of the power mode selector block.
Table 1. Power Mode Jumper Position
Power Mode Jumper Position Description Visual Reference
Standard
(Default) All Open
or
Pin2-4 Short
The MSP-EXP430F5529LP is powered by USB, and the BOOSTXL-
PGA460 is powered by an external source at J5 or J6. TI recommends
full evaluation and development of the PGA460-Q1 be performed in the
standard power mode for best results.
USB Only
(Out-of-Box ) Pin1-2 Short
The MSP-EXP430F5529LP and BOOSTXL-PGA460 are powered by
USB.
This power mode uses the boost circuit to step-up the 5-V USB supply
to a 7.2-V MAIN rail at a maximum current of 250 mA. The boost circuit
will continuously sink 90 mA from the USB port (or other 5-V source).
The center-tap voltage of the transformer and the high-side voltage of
the direct driver will be referenced to 7.2 V. Only a single PGA460 can
be powered by the USB Only mode.
Refer to the LMR62421 device for information on changing the
supporting passive components to change the output voltage.
External Only
(No USB
Cable) Pin3-4 Short
The MSP-EXP430F5529LP and BOOSTXL-PGA460 are powered by an
external supply. The MSP-EXP430F5529LP is typically powered by
USB.
This power mode is intended for non-USB or battery powered
applications that use a local LED/LCD display, a wireless data
transmitter and receiver, or no indicators.
The buck circuit is used to step down the external supply of 6 V to 28 V
down to 5 V at a maximum current output of 100 mA. Do not attempt to
power the MSP-EXP430F5529LP by both USB and this buck circuit.
2.2.2.2 Power-On the EVM
When the EVM is fully assembled and the correct power-mode jumper setting is set, the EVM is ready for
power and communication with the GUI.
The complete EVM has successfully powered when the green LED (LED2) of the MSP-
EXP430F5529LPilluminates, and the orange VPWR-LED (D6) of the PGA460-Q1 EVM illuminates.
2.3 Daughtercard Configurations
The PGA460-Q1 EVM offers evaluation of two ultrasonic sensor configurations.

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2.3.1 Transformer Driven
The transformer-driven configuration uses a center-tap transformer to boost the DC VPWR voltage to a
high-voltage sinusoidal driving signal at the secondary. The transformer installed on the daughtercard is a
fixed-type EPCOS B78416A2232A003. The transformer driven configuration is typically reserved for
closed-top transducers, which require higher driving voltages than open-top transducers. For this reason,
the closed-top 58.5-kHz muRata MA58MF14-7N is paired with the transformer.
To use the temperate or time decouple features, desolder the R40 resistor, which shorts the coupling
capacitor to GND by default.
To use separate transmitter and receiver sense elements, desolder the R36 resistor, which shorts the
return path of the transmitting net to the INP path of the PGA460-Q1. Install the receiver sense transducer
element to J14.
WARNING
The typical use case of the PGA460-Q1 EVM is intended to limit
and drive the transducer below 50 VRMS. The transformer may
generate a driving voltage of 50 VRMS or more at the transducer if
any of the following conditions or
modifications are applied:
• The supplied transformer is replaced with a high voltage transformer with an
increased turns ratio.
• The center-tap of the transformer is supplied with a voltage beyond typical
or recommended conditions.
• The PGA460-Q1 device is not current limited in software.
Use appropriate high voltage safety measures if operating the EVM
beyond 50 VRMS at the transducer.
2.3.2 Direct (Bridge) Driven
The direct driven configuration uses either a half-bridge or full-bridge to generate an alternating square
wave to drive the transducer. By default, the half-bridge driver configuration is enabled to allow the use of
single transducer for transmit and receive. The PGA460-Q1 cannot drive a single transducer in the full-
bridge configuration without the support of additional circuitry. Refer to the Application Note PGA460 Full-
Bridge Driver Solutions for Ultrasonic Transducers (SLAA780) for details on a full-bridge solutions. Given
that low-side drivers are integrated into the PGA460-Q1, an external 2-channel p-channel MOSFET
(FDC6506P) is required. In half-bridge configuration, only one channel is used.
The peak-to-peak drive voltage is referenced to VPWR and GND in half-bridge, and VPWR to –VPWR in
full-bridge. Because of the lower voltage generated at the transducer, the open-top 40-kHz muRata
MA40H1S-R is paired with the direct driver.
To enable the full-bridge driver for a bi-static transducer pair:
Step 1. Desolder the R35 resistor, which typically shorts the minus terminal of the transducer to
ground.
Step 2. Solder a 0-Ωshort at R34, which shorts the minus terminal of the transducer to the OUTB
driver.
Step 3. Solder a 1-kΩ0603 resistor at R30, which creates an OUTA based pulldown for the gate of
the second channel of the p-channel MOSFET.
Step 4. Desolder the R32 resistor, which typically shorts the plus terminal of the transmitting
transducer to the INP return path.
Step 5. Install the receiver sense transducer element to J11.
The decoupling feature is not available on the direct driven circuit of the daughtercard.

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3 Software
3.1 Installation
Download and install the GUI from www.ti.com. Navigate to the default installation path of the executable
file by clicking on the Windows Start button. Click on All Programs and then navigate to the Texas
Instruments folder to find the PGA460Q1GUI application. Run the latest version of the PGA460Q1GUI.exe
file. If the user must move the .exe file from the original install location, the USB2ANY.dll and
Microsoft.VisualBasic.PowerPacks.Vs.dll files must be moved with the .exe to the same directory,
otherwise, the GUI will fail to load.
3.2 Flash Program MSP-EXP430F5529LP
If the MSP-EXP430F5529LP has not been flash programmed with the required PGA460-Q1 EVM batch
(.bat) firmware, the GUI will automatically prompt the user to do this at start-up, or after the MSP-
EXP430F5529LP is plugged-in to the USB port.
Figure 5. Automatic Prompt to Flash Program MSP-EXP430F5529LP
The GUI installs the boostxlpga460-firmware.bat file to the My Documents folder under the PGA460-Q1
EVM folder. The GUI runs through the command prompt to flash program the MSP-EXP430F5529LP. The
MSP-EXP430F5529LP can be flash programmed manually from the GUI under the File menu by selecting
Flash Program and then MSP-EXP430F5529LP. The file named boostxlpga460-firmware.bat in the default
installation location must then be selected and run.
Figure 6. Manually Flash Program MSP-EXP430F5529LP

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The MSP-EXP430F5529LP must be flash programmed only once, typically the first instance of connecting
the MSP-EXP430F5529LP and running the GUI. The GUI does not prompt the user to reprogram the
MSP-EXP430F5529LP until the flash memory is erased, programmed with different firmware, becomes
corrupt, or does not allow the MSP-EXP430F5529LP to enumerate the USB2ANY host interface.
If the firmware batch file fails to install, ensure it is being run from the same directory containing the
supporting folders, ccs_base and user_files. To ensure the Code Composer Studio™ software drivers are
installed for the MSP430™ library, run the one_time_setup.bat file located in the My Documents under
PGA460-Q1 EVM (although these drivers should have been previously installed by the PGA460-Q1 EVM
install wizard).
The boostxlpga460-firmware.bat in My Documents is only compatible with a 64-bit operating system. For a
32-bit version of the boostxlpga460-firmware.bat file, navigate to the install path of the PGA460-Q1 EVM
GUI, and unzip pga460_fw_installer_32bit.zip. When running the firmware installer in the PGA460-Q1
EVM GUI, select this version of the boostxlpga460-firmware.bat file instead.
3.3 PGA460-Q1 GUI Start-Up Screen
The PGA460-Q1 GUI enables users to quickly assess whether the EVM hardware is operational, explore
the PGA460-Q1 device features, and modify the register configuration for optimal performance.
Figure 7 shows the default starting screen of the PGA460-Q1 GUI. If the EVM is connected properly, the
screen should display the following EVM Status indicators in the bottom left corner of the GUI:
• USB controller: USB2ANY I/F Found
• USB firmware: 2.7.0.0
• Connection status: Connected
• PGA460-Q1 status: Ready

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Figure 7. PGA460-Q1 EVM GUI Starting Screen With Successful EVM Connection Status
The default start-up GUI view is of the block diagram page, which provides a high-level perspective of the
internal blocks and configurable features of the device. This perspective is intended to present which user-
controlled settings are most important for proper device operation. A more detailed settings perspective
can be found on the General page. When the settings have been properly adjusted for the specific driver
mode and transducer combination, navigate to the Data Monitor page. The Data Monitor page displays
the ultrasonic echo data dump and measurement results the user must optimize for a particular sensor
configuration, environment, and target combination. The user can immediately click the START button
from the Run Options group box to determine if the entire EVM is working. All pages and tabs of the GUI
features are described in the sections that follow.
The GUI is partitioned into three panels: left, center, and right. The left and right panels are secondary
panels for utilities, supporting tools, calculators, and background functions. The center panel displays and
allows the user to update all device related pages.
3.4 PGA460-Q1 GUI Left Panel
The left panel of the GUI contains the listing of pages in a tree view format, and the current status of
connectivity for the USB, motherboard, and daughtercard of the EVM.

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3.4.1 Tree View Page Listing
To navigate between the various pages available on the GUI, the user must click on the corresponding
node on the tree-view page listing. A total of twelve nodes are listed, and each loads a different page (see
Figure 8 for an example).
Figure 8. Tree View Page Listing
3.4.2 EVM Status
The GUI can automatically detect the presence of the MSP-EXP430F5529LP when flash programmed
with the boostxlpga460-firmware.bat file. In the event of a successful, partially successful, or failed
connection between the PC, MSP-EXP430F5529LP, and PGA460-Q1 EVM, the EVM status fields are
updated according to Table 2.
Table 2. EVM Status Possibilities
EVM Status Success Partial Success Failure
USB Controller USB2ANY I/F Found USB2ANY I/F Found Not Detected
USB Firmware 2.7.0.0 2.7.0.0 (blank)
Connection Status Connected Connected Error or (blank)
PGA460-Q1 Status Ready N/A or Wrong Addr N/A or Wrong Addr
Table 3 lists a definition for each EVM Status field.
Table 3. EVM Status Field Definitions
EVM Status Definition
USB Controller The MSP-EXP430F5529LP is programmed with TI’s USB2ANY host interface (I/F) controller firmware. The
GUI calls API functions for the USB2ANY to execute. The USB2ANY I/F is the only compatible USB
controller for the PGA460-Q1 EVM GUI.
USB Firmware The USB2ANY firmware can be updated for improvements or bug fixes. Version 2.7.0.0 is the only
firmware version tested and known to be working for the PGA460-Q1 EVM GUI.
Connection Status Typically, only one USB2ANY is connected to a PC, though the USB2ANY APIs are able to distinguish
multiple USB2ANY devices on the same USB bus. For a single USB2ANY I/F, the status will read
Connected, but for multiple, the status will read Multiple Found. Using n. TI advises that a single USB2ANY
I/F be connected to your PC during the evaluation of the PGA460-Q1 EVM.
PGA460-Q1 Status When a UART read command is successfully executed on the PGA460-Q1, the status will updated to
Ready. At the GUI’s start-up, a read command is attempted on all eight UART devices address options the
PGA460-Q1 can be programmed to. The address of the detected PGA460-Q1 will be displayed in this
status field. If the status reads back N/A or Wrong Addr, use the following checklist to troubleshoot:
• Is the BoosterPack correctly stacked on the LaunchPad?
• Is the PGA460-Q1 EVM powered with a voltage of 6 to 28 V?
• Is the power supply unit able to source at least 20 mA?
• Is the Disable PGA460-Q1 EVM Communication state set (Menu Bar →Edit)? This should be enabled
to allow the GUI to operate correctly with the EVM.
• If the device was powered after the GUI was first initialized, click the Check for PGA460-Q1 to retry
the PGA460-Q1 check.

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In the event the GUI does not automatically detect the presence of the EVM, the Reinitialize USB Control
button is available to manually check for the USB controller. When the USB controller is manually
detected and successfully connected, the Check for PGA460-Q1 button can be used to manually scan for
a connected PGA460-Q1 device by issuing the aforementioned read command loop for every possible
address.
Figure 9. EVM Status – Success
In the event that no PGA460-Q1 EVM is connected, but the user is still interested in an example of the
GUI configuration for a working device, the Simulation button will populate all controls with default values
and allow the user to run the GUI with simulated results. The PGA460-Q1 Status field displays Ready
(Simulation) when in simulation mode. When an actual PGA460-Q1 device is connected, the status
updates automatically.
3.5 PGA460-Q1 GUI Center Panel
The center panel is the primary interface for the user to configure the PGA460-Q1 device settings, read,
write, and program device memory, and monitor the ultrasonic time-of-flight performance.
3.5.1 Device Settings
The device settings give the user access to the PGA460-Q1 user EEPROM and RAM, which includes
driver strength, receiver sensitivity, time varying gain, time varying threshold, system diagnostics, and
digital-signal processing controls. The device EEPROM is preprogrammed with generic settings for out-of-
box performance, but requires optimization by adjusting the device settings.

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3.5.1.1 General
The General page is the most critical page for the initial configuration of the PGA460-Q1 device. The
General page must be updated according to the specific driver mode, transducer specifications, and
maximum distance to detect (see Figure 10).
Figure 10. General Settings Configuration Page
The different sections on the General page are described as follows:
Transmit — Every transducer has a center frequency specification, and the driving frequency of the
PGA460 must be set to the same value to effectively excite the transducer to generate the
maximum sound pressure level. The PGA460-Q1 is compatible with transducers operating at a
center frequency between 30-80kHz. The Burst Frequency Range Shift checkbox gives the user
access to the high frequency range of 180 to 480 kHz. The dead time can be used for fine-tuning of
the driver stage, and is only recommended for direct driven modes. The bandpass filter coefficients
of the digital signal processing (DSP) are automatically calculated and updated when the frequency
register is updated for the low-frequency range of 30 to 80 kHz. However, the high-frequency range
will require the user to manually update the coefficients. The Utilities tab of the right panel includes
a calculator to generate the coefficients.

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Receive — The signal chain sequence of the analog front end (AFE) to the digital signal processor is
represented from top-down selections of the Receive group. When the AFE Gain Range is shifted
on the General page, the options on the Time Varying Gain page are also updated. The initial gain
is set on the General page, but to set the entire Time Varying Gain range, go to the Time Varying
Gain page. The band-pass filter bandwidth and low-pass filter cutoff frequencies are set in the
Receive group. The threshold deglitch time is only applicable to the UART object timer and TCI-IO
pin control, and is used to ignore any transients, minor noise, or small echoes that cross the
threshold within the set deglitch time.
Presets — Two preset configurations can be saved to switch between two different use-cases for the
same hardware configuration. A typical best practice is to allocate Preset 1 for short distance
(between 30 cm to 1 m), and allocate Preset 2 for long distance (between 1 m to 7 m). The number
of burst pulses and the driver current limit determines the drive strength of the transmitting signal.
The driver current limit can be disabled, but is only recommended for high-frequency transducers or
experimentation. The record time length determines how long the listen mode is active to capture
and compute the ultrasonic data up to an equivalent distance.
Non-Linear Scaling — These settings are only recommended for applications where the noise floor is
stable or repetitive. Nonlinear scaling can aid in setting the threshold for objects with weak echo
amplitudes. The noise level determines which portion of the 8-bit data is truncated for each echo
data point, the scaling exponent determines how large of a factor to multiply the existing data points
by, and the time offset determines at which point on the record window the scaling is applied.
Decouple — Time decouple mode is intended to isolate the transducer from noise that potentially couples
onto the primary windings of the transformer, which would be amplified on the secondary windings
or transducer. Because the characteristics of a transducer can change across temperature,
temperature decouple mode is intended to apply parallel capacitance to the transducer at a given
temperature to retune the resonant frequency between the secondary transformer and transducer.
Time and temperature decouple are only effective for the transformer driven mode. By default, the
decouple feature is disabled when in time decouple mode and set to the maximum time delay.
Digital Gain — Digital gain is applied after the digital filtering stages of the DSP to determine which 8-bit
segment of the 12-bit ADC output will be saved to the echo data dump registers or used for
calculating the ultrasonic measurement results. Short range (SR) and long range (LR) controls are
available in the event that a single preset is to be used to detect both short and long range objects
(30 cm to 7 m). The short range gain applied as soon as the PGA460-Q1 begins recording data,
and the long range gain is applied at the time equivalent of the starting threshold point 9-12.
The Default All General Registers button sets all general settings to TI recommended values, and can be
used as a reference point when tuning these settings for a specific transducer.

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3.5.1.2 Block Diagram
The block diagram representation of the PGA460-Q1 is a simplified view of the settings on the General
page superimposed onto a visual equivalent of each device function. The block diagram perspective offers
three control groups as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11. Block Diagram
These control groups are defined as follows:
Driver — The driving frequency, pulse count, and driving current limit are set with this group. This group
is specific to the generation and transmission of an ultrasonic echo.
AFE — The gain selected on the block diagram view sets all levels of the time varying gain to the same
gain level. This group is specific to amplifying the raw ultrasonic echo received.
DSP — The bandpass filter bandwidth, low-pass filter cutoff, short and long range digital gain, and record
length are able to process the digitized ultrasonic echo received from the AFE.
Although the PGA460-Q1 has two presets, only Preset 1 is updated when configuring the device from the
block-diagram control perspective. Preset 2 must be configured using the General page.

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3.5.1.3 Time Varying Gain
The Time Varying Gain (TVG) page allows the user to configure the six gain timing deltas and levels that
the programmable AFE applies to the received ultrasonic echo. Because the time varying gain is applied
in the AFE and not the DSP block, both presets use the same TVG profile.
Figure 12. Time Varying Gain Page
The controls available on the Time Varying Gain page are as follows:
T0 Start Time — Expressed in terms of absolute time from the start of the record period.
Tn/Tn+1 Delta — Expressed as a delta time between the absolute time of the previous TVG point and the
absolute time value of the current TVG point.
Initial Gain and Gainn—Expressed in an absolute gain value in dB, and are unrelated from each other.
The final gain assignment determined by the gain setting 5 will be kept constant until the end of the
echo record time.

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Write Immediately — Writes the updated time, level values, or both immediately after selection when
checked.
Write Values — Manually writes all timing and level values.
Read Values — Manually reads all timing and level values. Updates the chart with the read values.
Clear Chart — Erases all data points on the TVG chart.
To suggest default or typical values, the Predefined Settings group allows the user to update the TVG with
the best suited profile for initial testing, and as a reference to customize. This group is as follows:
Short— Writes generic TI recommended profile for object detection up to 1 m.
Long— Writes generic TI recommended profile for object detection beyond 1 m.
All Init & T0— Writes all timing values to T0 Start Time, and all level values to Initial Gain.
All Mid-Code— Write all timing and level values to the mid-code time and mid-code level for the selected
AFE Gain Range.
Load Chart—A previously saved echo data dump plot can be loaded into the TVG page for offline or post
time varying gain time and level configuration.
Clear Chart — Erases all data points on the TVG chart.

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3.5.1.4 Threshold
The PGA460-Q1 threshold assignments are organized in two presets, Preset1 and Preset2. Both of these
presets have an independent volatile SRAM memory map for threshold segment allocation. The PGA460-
Q1 supports up to 12 threshold segments per preset defined by the threshold segment points (TSP). The
threshold must be written to at least once after start-up to clear the threshold CRC error that is always
flagged high on initialization. The threshold CRC error must be cleared before the PGA460-Q1 is allowed
to execute a Burst & Listen or Listen-Only command.
Figure 13. Threshold Page
The controls available on the threshold page are as follows:
Time Tn—Only the Initial Segment Time (T1) parameter value is expressed in terms of absolute time,
while all following TSP times are expressed as a delta time between the absolute time value of the
previous TSP and the absolute time value of the current TSP.
Level Ln—The level values of each threshold segment point are all expressed in an absolute LSB level
value and are unrelated from each other.
Level Offset — Because the resolution on the threshold level parameters is 8 LSBs, a threshold offset is
defined to fine-adjust the threshold map. This threshold offset the 5-bit threshold parameters (1
through 8). Parameters 9 through 12 do not need an offset as they are already 8 bits.