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TSC2301
SLAS371D – SEPTEMBER 2002 – REVISED AUGUST 2004
As described earlier, the audio common-mode voltage VCM is derived directly through an internal resistor divider
between AVDD and AGND. Therefore, noise that couples onto AVDD/AGND is translated onto VCM and can
adversely impact audio performance. The reference pins for the audio data converters, VREF+/VREF-, should
also be kept as clean and noise-free as possible, since noise here affects audio DAC/ADC quality. Decoupling
capacitors are recommended between VREF+ and VREF-, in addition to a series resistance between VREF+
and the source of the voltage (such as connecting to the source providing AVDD).
With this in mind, power to the TSC2301 must be clean and well bypassed. A 0.1-F ceramic bypass capacitor
should be placed as close to the device as possible on each supply pin to its respective ground pin. A 1-F to
10-F capacitor may also be needed if the impedance of the connection between a supply and the power supply
is high.
A bypass capacitor on the SAR Vref pin may not be absolutely necessary because this reference is buffered by
an internal op amp, but a 0.1uF bypass capacitor may reduce noise on this reference. If an external reference
voltage originates from an op amp, make sure that it can drive any bypass capacitor that is used without
oscillation.
The TSC2301 SAR converter architecture offers no inherent rejection of noise or voltage variation in regards to
using an external reference input. This is of particular concern when the reference input is tied to the power
supply. Any noise and ripple from the supply appears directly in the digital results. While high frequency noise
can be filtered out, voltage variation due to line frequency (50 Hz or 60 Hz) can be difficult to remove.
The HPGND pin must be connected to a clean ground point. In many cases, this is the analog ground for the
SAR converter. Avoid connections which are too near the grounding point of a microcontroller or digital signal
processor. If needed, run a ground trace directly from the converter to the power supply entry or battery
connection point. The ideal layout includes an analog ground plane dedicated to the converter and associated
analog circuitry.
In the specific case of use with a resistive touch screen, care must be taken with the connection between the
converter and the touch screen. Since resistive touch screens have fairly low resistance, the interconnection
should be as short and robust as possible. Loose connections can be a source of error when the contact
resistance changes with flexing or vibrations.
As indicated previously, noise can be a major source of error in touch screen applications (e.g., applications that
require a back-lit LCD panel). This EMI noise can be coupled through the LCD panel to the touch screen and
cause flickering of the converted data. Several things can be done to reduce this error, such as utilizing a touch
screen with a bottom-side metal layer connected to ground. This couples the majority of noise to ground.
Additionally, filtering capacitors, from Y+, Y-, X+, and X- to ground, can also help. Note, however, that the use of
these capacitors increases screen settling time and requires longer panel voltage stabilization times, as well as
increased precharge and sense times for the touch screen control circuitry of the TSC2301.
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