I'm searching for a chip that can "read" the voltage on a line (like, the voltage given to a FAN) and can convert that into digital information...I think they are called analog to digital converters? Anyway, I need one (or some) that can "read" voltages ranging from 0V to +12V, like the max V of a fan of course . The question is what IC do I need? I've searched maxim-ic.com a bit, but I can't figure out what I exactly need, there're so many of them, and how can I see what voltage-range they support? Also more than 1 "reader" in 1 IC is preferred PS: I'd prefer maxim chips
I think you'll have to reduce the voltage to suit with an accurate potential divider. Like a digital voltmeter - the meter may have a 2v or 200mV FSD, but it can measure several hundred volts. Once it's in digital, software can do any re-conversion.
/me senses some sort of DIY digital rheobus coming from relixes direction Edit: especially as motorized pots were asked for in an earlier post What ya planning relix eh eh u gunna spill the beans?
Chambochae, what I'm planning is officially secret, but I've spread some hints around the forums, you'll just have to search them (also in the past I've posted something which could be useful) Hehehe, just wait till the end of march cpemma: okay, now let's say I can get it down to some level, what should I use then?
Depends on many things. What accuracy you want for starters, 8-bit, 12-bit? I'd start googling and downloading datasheets.
Changing the signal's voltage level is a simple use of a voltage divider. You could even use a Pot for this. Code: . +5volts-------/\/\/-----+ . | . Signal------------------+--------------Input . | . Ground------/\/\/-----+
Hopefully not off topic......to take this a bit further.... If I want a different LED light dependent on the current voltage, how could this be done. Example, red LED light when using 5v green lit when using 7v blue lit when using 12v........ Seen this done with manual methods (rheostats..so on), but not auto.... thx
compmaniac: I'm sorry I can't help you with that, maybe it's better if you start a new topic, more people will come and see then to continue on the voltage divider, I've rent a book from the library about electronics, and found out that, to get 5v from a 12v supply, I need a R1 of 7(.x)Ohm, and a R2 of 5(.x)Ohm (with x being any number). So I downloaded a demoprogram and drew this: Is this correct? I figured I should use parallell so the fan won't adjust the voltage level before it reaches the A2D, or the other way around. I found A2D's that can work with 5v so the divider outputs 5v. I hope it's correct, my first very own circuit-image, I'm so proud PS: I used the formula: Uout = R2/(R1+R2)*Uin
