- Name:
-
calibadc
- Syntax:
-
CALIBADC variable
CALIBADC10 wordvariable
Variable - receives the adc reading
- Description:
-
Calibrate the microcontrollers internal ADC by measuring a fixed internal fixed voltage reference.
0.6V |
20M, 28X1, 40X1 |
1.2V |
28X2-3V, 28X2-3V |
1.024V |
All other parts that support this command |
Note that this command is not available on 28X2-5V/40X2-5V.
The reference voltage used by the PICAXE microcontrollers ADC reading (readadc/ readadc10) commands is the supply voltage. In the case of a battery powered system, this supply voltage can change over time (as the battery runs down), resulting in a varying ADC reading for the same voltage input.
The calibadc/calibadc10 commands can help overcome this issue by providing the ADC reading of a nominal internal reference. Therefore by periodically using the calibadc command you can mathematically calibrate/compensate the readadc command for changes in supply voltage.
calibadc can be considered as 'carry out a readadc on a fixed reference'.
Note that the reference voltage specified is a nominal voltage only and will vary with each part. Microchip datasheet AN1072 provides further details on how to software calibrate and use this advanced feature.
At clock speeds >= 32MHz it is necessary to use two consecutive 'calibadc' commands together to ensure the Vref has time to settle.
Theory of operation
Calibadc10 will give a result (Nref) which will depend on the reference voltage (Vref) and the PICAXE power supply vltage (Vpsu) as follows -
Nref = Vref * 255 / Vpsu
This can be rearranged to determine the power supply voltage (Vpsu) from the calibadc result (Nref) -
Vpsu = Vref * 255 / Nref
If the Vref were 1.024 volts then this will be -
Vpsu = 1.024 * 255 / Nref
Vpsu = 261.12 / Nref
Rounded to the nearest whole number -
Vpsu = 261 / Nref