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Application NoteNxp

AN1309: Compensated Sensor Bar Graph Pressure Gauge

Design a pressure gauge using the MPX2100 sensor and LM3914 driver. Provides a 10-segment LED bar graph and 0.5V to 4.5V analog output compatible with MCU A/D inputs.

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Overview

This application note details the design of a bar graph pressure gauge utilizing the Freescale MPX2100DP compensated semiconductor pressure sensor. The system converts differential pressure into a 0.5V to 4.5V analog output range, specifically designed for compatibility with microcontroller A/D inputs such as the MC68HC11. The circuit features an MC33274 quad op amp for signal conditioning, amplification, and level shifting, alongside an LM3914 driver for a 10-segment LED bar graph display. The document provides technical specifications for a 100 kPa full-scale measurement system, including a complete bill of materials, schematics, and calibration instructions for zero and full-scale adjustments.

Use Cases

  • Differential pressure monitoring
  • Vacuum gauge design
  • Microcontroller-based pressure sensing
  • Industrial pressure indicators
  • Electronic bar graph displays

Topics

MPX2100DP
LM3914N
MC33274P
MC78L05ACP
Pressure Sensor
Bar Graph
Signal Conditioning
Differential Pressure
Analog-to-Digital Interfacing
Vacuum Measurement

Referenced Parts

MPX2100DP

Freescale Semiconductor

The evaluation board shown in Figure 1 is supplied with an MPX2100DP sensor

3386P-1-102

Bourns

200 | Bourns | Bourns | 3386P-1-102 | 3386P-1-201

MC33274P

Freescale Semiconductor

U3 Op Amp Freescale MC33274P

MC78L05ACP

Freescale Semiconductor

U1 5.0 V Regulator Freescale MC78L05ACP

MV57124A

General Instrument

D11 LED GI MV57124A

MV57164

General Instrument

D1-D10 Bar Graph LED GI MV57164

12SDP2

NKK Switches

S1 Switch NKK 12SDP2

LM3914N

National Semiconductor

U2 Bar Graph IC National LM3914N

2SV03

Augat

Terminal Block Augat 2SV03

TP1040100

Components Corporation

Test Point Terminal (Black) Components Corp. TP1040100

TP1040102

Components Corporation

Test Point Terminal (Red) Components Corp. TP1040102

TP1040104

Components Corporation

Test Point Terminal (Yellow) Components Corp. TP1040104

MC68HC11

Freescale Semiconductor

directly connected to a microcomputer A/D channel, such as one of the E ports on an MC68HC11.

AN1309: Compensated Sensor Bar Graph Pressure Gauge | Design Resources