8-Bit Conversion
Layout
www.ti.com ........................................................................................................................................................................................... SBAS454 – DECEMBER 2008
The TSC2003 provides an 8-bit conversion mode (M = 1) that can be used when faster throughput is needed,
and the digital result is not as critical (for example, measuring pressure). By switching to the 8-bit mode, a
conversion result can be read by transferring only one data byte.
This shortens each conversion by four bits and reduces data transfer time which results in fewer clock cycles and
provides lower power consumption.
The following layout suggestions should provide optimum performance from the TSC2003. However, many
portable applications have conflicting requirements concerning power, cost, size, and weight. In general, most
portable devices have fairly "clean" power and grounds because most of the internal components are very low
power. This situation would mean less bypassing for the converter's power, and less concern regarding
grounding. Still, each situation is unique, and the following suggestions should be reviewed carefully.
For optimum performance, care should be taken with the physical layout of the TSC2003 circuitry. The basic
SAR architecture is sensitive to glitches or sudden changes on the power supply, reference, ground connections,
and digital inputs that occur just prior to latching the output of the analog comparator. Therefore, during any
single conversion for an n-bit SAR converter, there are n "windows" in which large external transient voltages can
easily affect the conversion result. Such glitches might originate from switching power supplies, nearby digital
logic, and high-power devices. The degree of error in the digital output depends on the reference voltage, layout,
and the exact timing of the external event. The error can change if the external event changes in time with
respect to the SCL input.
With this in mind, power to the TSC2003 should be clean and well bypassed. A 0.1-
F ceramic bypass capacitor
should be placed as close to the device as possible. In addition, a 1-
F to 10-F capacitor may also be needed if
the impedance of the connection between VDD and the power supply is high.
A bypass capacitor is generally not needed on the VREF pin because the internal reference is buffered by an
internal op amp. If an external reference voltage originates from an operational amplifier, ensure that it can drive
any bypass capacitor that is used without oscillation.
The TSC2003 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 GND pin should be connected to a clean ground point. In many cases, this is the "analog" ground. 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 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 should be taken with the connection between the
converter and the touch screen. Because resistive touch screens have fairly low resistance, the interconnection
should be as short and robust as possible. Longer connections can be a source of error, much like the
on-resistance of the internal switches. Likewise, 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 backlit 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.
Copyright 2008, Texas Instruments Incorporated
23