Controlling a DAC with SPI Protocol Analyzer

[vinodcxlv]

Hello,

What is the difference between the "custom" and "sensor" tabs on the Protocol Analyzer in Waveforms? Are they used together? Where the custom tab gives the user the ability to write their own custom SPI Protocol and use it in the Sensor tab? And can I use them to develop a script that would control an SPI compatible 12-bit DAC. The goal is to read the 12 bit digital data from a file, with data ranging from 0x0000 to 0xFFFF (16 bits technically since the 2 MSB determine the DAC Power Modes and the 2 LSB are don't cares) and outputting that data from the Analog Discovery 2 to the 12-bit DAC

[vinodcxlv]

Hello @attila

If we use the Script tool to write to the DAC over SPI how would you initialize the Clock (polarity, phase, polarity) and Active signals. I see that in the examples in the Protocol Analyzer custom the user would initialize the Active signal low via "Select.Active.value = 0" is this the same for the Script Tool? Also how would you go about setting your DIO pins for your 3 signals? 

 

Also I noticed there's a delay between the time the select signal is pulled low and data & clock signals are outputted. Is there a way to output the clock and data signals, implement a delay then draw the select signal low?

[JColvin]

Hi @Leiwu,

No, it will not be compatible as it is an entirely different product with a different application.

Thanks,
JColvin

[Leiwu]

Hi, can u help me? I bought AudioQuest DragonFly Plug-in USB DAC, it has no controllers, can I use the same script as shown above?

[attila]

Hi @vinodcxlv

SPI Mode 0 :
rg.push(4) // select
   ...
   rg.push(f) // data
   rg.push(f | 2) // data & clock
   ...
rg.push(0) // all low
rg.push(4) // select

SPI Mode 1 :
rg.push(4) // select
rg.push(0) // all low
   ...
   rg.push(f | 2) // data & clock
   rg.push(f ) // data
   ...
rg.push(4) // select

SPI Mode 2 :
rg.push(4 | 2) // select & clock
   ...
   rg.push(f | 2) // data & clock
   rg.push(f ) // data
   ...
rg.push(2) // clock
rg.push(4 | 2) // select & clock

SPI Mode 3 :
rg.push(4 | 2) // select & clock
rg.push(2) // clock
   ...
   rg.push(f ) // data & clock
   rg.push(f | 2) // data
  ...
rg.push(4 | 2) // select & clock

[vinodcxlv]

Hi @attila

 

What change would we need to do if we'd like to clock data in on the falling edge of the clock?

 

 

Thanks

[attila]

Hi @vinodcxlv

Here you have a script to send array of data.

PatternsSPI.dwf3work

The 'insert code' is not working on the forum... better take the script from the workspace.

// bit 0 - data
// bit 1 - clk, sample on rising 
// bit 2 - select, active low
function setSPI(data, bits, hz){

   Patterns1.States.Repeat.value = 1
   Patterns1.States.RepeatTrigger.value = 0
   Patterns1.States.Run.value = (bits+1)/hz 
   // we need 2 samples for each SPI CLK
   Patterns1.Channels.Bus1.Frequency.value = 2*hz 

   var rg = new Array()
   rg.push(4) // select inactive high
   data.forEach(function(v){
       for(var i = 0; i < bits; i++, v>>=1){
          var f = v & 1
          rg.push(f) // set data 
          rg.push(f|2) // set clock
       }
   })
   rg.push(4) // select inactive high
   Patterns1.Channels.Bus1.custom = rg
}

var rgSend = []
if(1){
    var rgFile = (""+FileRead("~/Desktop/default.txt")).split(", "); // 1, 2, 3
    rgFile.forEach(function(v){rgSend.push(v<<2)})
}else{
    rgSend.push(1)
    rgSend.push(2)
    rgSend.push(3)
}

setSPI(rgSend, 8, 1000)
Patterns1.run()

[vinodcxlv]

Hello @attila

I think there's a slight misunderstanding. The issue I'm having is that the select signal is toggled low before the data/clock signal. I saw somewhere on the forums that the select signal can be synchronized with the data/clock signals by accessing the pattern generator through the script tool.

I am trying to do something similar to what you did in the project attached below: Only difference would be that the data signal would depend on this part of the code 

var rgFile = (""+FileRead("~/Desktop/default.txt")).split(", "); // 1, 2, 3

var rgSend = []

rgFile.forEach(function(v){rgSend.push(v<<2)})

 

Thank you in advanced!

 

 

[attila]

Hi @vinodcxlv

You can use the Ctrl+Space to see the available child nodes and properties.

 

You can use the wait function for delay.

Protocol.SPI.Write(8, [1,2,3,4])
wait(0.125) // 125 ms
Protocol.SPI.Stop()

[JColvin]

Hi @vinodcxlv,

I wanted to let you know that attila is out of the office this week, but will be in next week and will be able to address your question then.

Thanks,
JColvin

[attila]

Hi @vinodcxlv

If you want to access multiple instruments use the Script tool.

The mentioned voltmeters are dedicated input on the EE board.
On AD2 you can use the oscilloscope inputs through Scope, Voltmeter, Logger, Spectrum... instruments.

Protocol.SPI.Start()
Protocol.SPI.Write(...)
Protocol.SPI.Start()

if(1){
  Scope.single()
  Scope.wait()
  var v1 = Scope.Channel1.measure("Average")
}else{
  wait(1.1)
  var v1 = Voltmeter.Input.Channel1.DC.value
}

 

[vinodcxlv]

On 1/16/2020 at 12:45 AM, attila said:

Hi @vinodcxlv

var rgFile = (""+FileRead("~/Desktop/default.txt")).split(", "); // 1, 2, 3
var rgSend = []
rgFile.forEach(function(v){rgSend.push(v<<2)})
Start()
Write(16,rgSend)
Stop()
return("done "+rgSend.length+" bytes")

Hello @attila

I forgot to turn on my notifications for this post, I was able to implement my logic using two for loops but your example using the read and for each functions will simplify my code tremendously. Thank you so much!

I had another question, is there anyway of incorporating the voltmeter function (or is it just for the electronic explorer?) so that the instrument reads the analog voltage of each converted 16 bit word into a register or a file for post analysis?

 

You've been tremendous help, thanks again!

[attila]

Hi @vinodcxlv

var rgFile = (""+FileRead("~/Desktop/default.txt")).split(", "); // 1, 2, 3
var rgSend = []
rgFile.forEach(function(v){rgSend.push(v<<2)})
Start()
Write(16,rgSend)
Stop()
return("done "+rgSend.length+" bytes")

[vinodcxlv]

Hello @attila

I've provided a screenshot of the logic I want to implement and a screenshot of the script I have came up with. However, I am receiving "undefined." 

Am I implementing to code correctly or is there something I am missing?

If there was an issue with my syntax then the window would output something along the lines of "Syntax Error" correct?

[attila]

Hi @vinodcxlv

You have functions to read data from binary and text file, see the examples and Help tab.
The Script tool supports JSON if you want to use it, but it does not apply settings from such data.

[vinodcxlv]

18 hours ago, attila said:

Hi @vinodcxlv

The 'sensor' tab is for sensors, ADCs. The timing of the loop function is precise, given by the device and it is identical in each cycle. The software reads the response of the devices.

You can use the 'custom' tab or the Script tool to read the file and send it over SPI.
See the examples and Help tab.

Thank you for the feedback. To read the file in the custom tab would I just need to comment rgData variable and provide the path? Does the file need to be JSON or can I just have my configurations (clock, select and data) in a text file?

[attila]

Hi @vinodcxlv

The 'sensor' tab is for sensors, ADCs. The timing of the loop function is precise, given by the device and it is identical in each cycle. The software reads the response of the devices.

You can use the 'custom' tab or the Script tool to read the file and send it over SPI.
See the examples and Help tab.