From: Daniel O'Shea (dan_at_ozramp.net.au)
Date: 2007-04-07 04:26:19
...replying to quite an old message here, but it has given me an answer
I've been looking for and I'm hoping that someone will be able to
elaborate a little! I have a variable voltage of 0 to 5V, and I want to
translate this in to a current to simulate the variable resistance of a
potentiometer connected to the SID's ADC - Scott suggests using a
transistor, but I want to know what kind of transistor and what value
would work best to provide a variable current which duplicates the
potentiometer's variable current? and do I need any extra components
besides just a transistor? thanks!
> ----- Original Message -----
> Re: Commodore joystick ports
> From: Scott McDonnell (NetSamurai_at_comcast.net)
> Date: 2004-10-22 20:44:06
>
> Jim,
>
> As Hársfalvi mentioned, it is current that needs to be generated, not
> voltage. A resistor creates a voltage drop across it, which is a function of
> current. (Resistance=Current/Voltage) The voltage is 5V, the resitance is a
> range that you know from the potentiometer values, you simply need to create
> the corresponding current to emulate the resistance you need.
>
> A transistor in this mode (current source) should be thought of as a valve.
> The valve is completely shut off when no voltage is applied to the base.
> This allows the SID to discharge the capacitor (when it is shorting for 256
> cycles) without drawing in the 5V. By varying the voltage to the base, you
> are opening the valve by a varying degree, varying the amount of current
> which is allowed to flow.
>
> You are correct in assuming that you will need an analog voltage at the base
> (but not to bias it, that is for amplication - to carry an AC signal through
> the transistor - you are simply using it like a valve.) If your micro does
> not have a DAC built in, you can build an R-2R ladder DAC, like the one
> showing here: http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/r2r.html or a
> Summing DAC like here:
> http://www.phys.ualberta.ca/~gingrich/phys395/notes/node162.html (without
> the op-amp). Obviously, the values of the resistors in the circuit may need
> to be altered a bit to get the range of voltages you desire. This will be
> based on some calculations, which are not extremely difficult. Here's a page
> you can use for reference:
> http://www.williamson-labs.com/480_xtor.htm#voltage-current it describes and
> explains how a transistor is used to convert voltage to current. If you need
> some more help, drop me a line. I would be willing to design the circuit for
> you when I have a spare moment, but the true satisfaction comes from
> figuring it out yourself, so I won't deprive you of that!
>
> A FET might actually do a better job, but the calculations get a bit more
> complex, the cost increases, and is probably not necessary for the type of
> resolution you will need. An 8-bit R-2R ladder DAC would give you 256
> voltage values to feed into the base of your transistor, which would result
> in 256 different currents at each axis input. Probably way more resolution
> than a commodore mouse provides.
>
> Scott McDonnell
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