interfacing MCP3204 to monitor solar pane

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petrollina said:
Hi,
I am interested in interfacing MCP3204 to monitor solar panel. Can you elaborate more on this?
Click to expand...

hi,
The MCP3204 is a 4 channel SPI controlled 12 bit A2D converter IC, you require a PIC or other type of MCU in order to drive it.

It is possible to build a small interface for the MCP to connect it to the parallel port of a PC.

This is the circuit, if you are interested, I will post the Visual Basic 5 code.
 

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petrollina said:
Actually I need something that can be build in a short time,since my main project is about energy harvesting.
Click to expand...

The two options I have posted are the only way I know how to use a MCP3204, define ' a short time'.
 
The MCP3204 is a 4 channel SPI controlled 12 bit A2D converter IC, you require a PIC or other type of MCU in order to drive it.
Click to expand...
please reread this again also the MCP3204 data sheet
 
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Can I have the coding for Visual Basic 5?
 
petrollina said:
Can I have the coding for Visual Basic 5?
Click to expand...

hi,
This zip is the complete VB5 folder for the MCP3204.

Its not fully commented, so if you have a problem please ask.

The mcp3204a.exe in the zip will run, ensure that you have the free Visual Basic 5 Runtime files installed in your Widows/System folder.

The runtime files are a free web download.

E.
 

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Thanks.
 
Hi,

I would guess that the 10 bit ADC on a mid range PIC chip like the 12F675 would be good enough. Who said you needed 12 bit accuracy or resolution?
 
petrollina said:
For the op amp, other than CAL20 can I use other op amp?
Click to expand...

hi,
Its not a CAL20, the printed text is not very clear. its a CA3240

What OPA's do you have already.?

E.

EDIT: I have edited the old drawing to make the CA3240 clear.
 
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petrollina said:
LM741. What is the function of the op amp? Is it to amplify the voltage?
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hi,
The OPA's are to amplify any low level signal to a maximum of +5V for the MCP input.
If your signals are from 0v thru +5V then you do not require amplification.

A 741 OPA has a very poor specification and will not give the same results as a more 'modern' OPA.

For voltage signals greater than +5V, you will have to attenuate the signal.

For example if your solar panel is a nominal 12V, you will need a resistive potential divider.
 
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