In Module 3.3, we learn about how analog to digital conversion (ADC) works and what the terminology actually means. We learn about ADC resolution and bit-depth, sampling rates, and things that can increase or decrease the accuracy of our ADC. Finally we use the internal ADC on the WildLogger board to measure our battery voltage which will eventually allow us to track our battery levels on the data logger. By the end of this submodule, you’ll know the difference between a 10-bit ADC and a 16-bit ADC, how to interface sensors to them, and how to write software to read and process their data.
- 3:3: Measuing Battery Status
- 3.3.1: Checking Battery Status – Lab 1
- 3.3.2: Give Me Your Voltage, I Command You – Lab 2
- Module 3.3 Discussion (forum thread)
Click here for video slides, terminology, downloads and additional references
3.3 Measuring Battery Status
In this video we cover:
- what an analogue to digital converter (ADC) is
- how ADCs convert physical / analogue inputs from the sensor into a voltage
- sampling frequencies
- quantisation levels
- resolution
- potentiometers
- oscilloscopes
- resolution differences between 1 bit, 2 bit, 8 bit and 10 bit ADCs
3.3.1: Checking Battery Status – Lab 1
In this video we cover:
- dealing with differences between the ADC and battery voltage ranges
- battery discharge curves
- nominal voltages
- discharge currents
- discharge rates
- output voltage accuracy / tolerance
In the Lab we’ll read the ADC and calculate the voltage to determine the battery levels on the WildLogger. Then we’ll output the raw ADC value and battery voltage to the serial monitor.
3.3.2: Give Me Your Voltage, I Command You – Lab 2
In this video we dive straight into Lab 2. We’ll write a command that allows us to access the raw ADC and battery voltage via the serial monitor.
Supporting Materials
Terminology Sheet
Module 3.3 Terminology Cheatsheet (PDF)
Video Slides
3:3: Measuring Battery Status – Complete Slides(PDF)
Conversations & Troubleshooting
Module 3.3 Discussion (forum thread)
Useful References