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Determine capacitance by measuring the charging time using PIC16F688

When TEST botton is pressed, RA3 pin is set to "1". R2 and R3 are divide the voltage to 1/2 Vra3 which is connected to RA2 pin to be a Vref for comparator.

Circuit diagram
Tags: #capacitance#pic16f688
Ibrar Ayyub By Ibrar Ayyub
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At a glance

CategoryMeters & Test Instruments
PIC modelPIC16F688, PIC16F88
IncludesCircuit diagram
Reading time~2 min
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Summary of Determine capacitance by measuring the charging time using PIC16F688

Summary: This project measures an unknown capacitor by charging it and timing how long it takes to reach half the RA3 voltage (Vref) using a PIC16F88/688. RA3 is driven high by a TEST button; R2 and R3 create Vref at RA2. Timer2 interrupts count periods while the capacitor charges; the count times 10 gives capacitance in nF. The value is converted to a string and shown on a 1x16 LCD.

Parts used in the Capacitance Meter:

  • PIC16F88 (or PIC16F688) microcontroller
  • Resistors R2 and R3 (voltage divider)
  • Resistor R? or pull for TEST input (switch debounce/pull-down or pull-up as required)
  • Pushbutton labeled TEST
  • Capacitor under test (C under test)
  • 1x16 character LCD display
  • Oscillator or clock source (internal 8 MHz oscillator)
  • Decoupling capacitors and basic PCB wiring

When TEST botton is pressed, RA3 pin is set to "1". R2 and R3 are divide the voltage to 1/2 Vra3 which is connected to RA2 pin to be a Vref for comparator. The C undertest is charging and the timer is start. When the voltage of C undertest is more than 1/2 or above Vref, the timer is stop. and a number of periods that elapsed multiply by 10 is the C value in nF. Convert C number to string and display to 1x16 LCD.

Circuit

The code

/*
* Project name:
Capacitance Meter
* Copyright:
Nicholas Sirirak
* Description:

* Test configuration:
MCU: PIC16F88
Dev.Board: -
Oscillator: HS, 8.0000 MHz internal
Ext. Modules: -
SW: mikroC v8.1.0.0
* NOTES:

*/

#define Vappied PORTA.F3
#define TEST PORTA.F0
unsigned int gCap = 0;
char gOverTest = 0;
char gMessage[8];
char gCapstr[8];
void interrupt(){
if(PIR1.TMR2IF){
TMR2 = 0x87; // best value to create 69.3us
gCap++;
if(gCap > 65500) gOverTest = 1;
PIR1.TMR2IF =0; // Clear int bit
}
}

void main(){
char i,j;
char cap_size;
ANSEL = 0;
TRISB = 0;
PORTB = 0;
OSCCON = 0x7E; // 8Mhz, RC internal clock
OPTION_REG.T0CS = 0;
INTCON.GIE = 1; //Enable global interrupt
INTCON.PEIE = 1; //Enable peripheral interrupt
//------------ Set up Timer2 ------------
PIE1.TMR2IE = 1;
T2CON = 0; // timer2 off, prescaler 1:1
TMR2 = 0x87;
PIR1.TMR2IF =0; // Clear int bit
//----------------------------------------

 

For more detail: Determine capacitance by measuring the charging time using PIC16F688

 

  • How is Vref generated for the comparator?
    Vref is generated by R2 and R3 as a voltage divider creating half of Vra3 applied to RA2.
  • How is the capacitor value determined?
    The timer counts periods while the capacitor charges to Vref; the number of periods times 10 gives the capacitance in nF.
  • What triggers the start of the timing?
    Pressing the TEST button sets RA3 high and starts charging the capacitor and the timer.
  • What stops the timer?
    The timer stops when the capacitor voltage exceeds the Vref at RA2.
  • How is the measured value displayed?
    The measured capacitance number is converted to a string and displayed on a 1x16 LCD.
  • Which timer and interrupt are used for counting?
    Timer2 is used with its interrupt (PIR1.TMR2IF/PIE1.TMR2IE) to count timing periods.
  • What clock frequency is used in the code?
    The code configures the internal oscillator for 8 MHz (OSCCON = 0x7E).
  • How is overflow of the count handled in the code?
    gCap increments in the interrupt and if it exceeds 65500, gOverTest is set to 1.
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Ibrar Ayyub

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough...