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CHESTER-X5

The CHESTER-X5 is a 2-channel isolated voltage-input extension module for the CHESTER platform.

Module Overview

CHESTER-X5 provides two isolated voltage inputs, each measuring −50 V to +50 V. Each channel uses a reinforced isolated amplifier (AMC3330) with an integrated isolated DC-DC converter, so the input is galvanically isolated from the CHESTER electronics and from the other channel. A precision 0.1% resistor divider scales the ±50 V input to the amplifier, and its differential output is digitized by a shared 24-bit ADS122C04 I²C ADC, channel 1 on AIN0/AIN1 and channel 2 on AIN2/AIN3.

Each channel's isolated amplifier is powered through its own load switch (TPS22917), so firmware can enable the channels independently and keep them off when idle to save energy. The ADC signals new samples on its data-ready line, which is routed to the slot's GP0 pin.

Key Features

  • Two Isolated Inputs: Two independent voltage channels, each with reinforced galvanic isolation.
  • ±50 V Range: Each channel measures −50 V to +50 V.
  • Precision Acquisition: AMC3330 isolated amplifiers with 0.1% input dividers and a 24-bit ADS122C04 ADC.
  • I²C Interface: The ADC is read over I²C; data-ready is signalled on GP0/A0.
  • Per-Channel Power Switching: Each channel is powered through its own load switch (enabled via GP2 for channel 1, GP1 for channel 2) for low-power operation.

Typical Applications

  • Isolated Voltage Measurement: Measuring voltages that must be galvanically separated from the logic.
  • Floating / High-Side Voltages: Measuring signals that are not referenced to the system ground.
  • Battery & Cell Monitoring: Monitoring battery, cell, or module voltages.
  • Industrial Signal Measurement: Industrial voltages where isolation is required for safety or accuracy.
  • Ground-Loop-Free Measurement: Avoiding ground loops between the measured circuit and the CHESTER node.

Technical Specifications

ParameterValue
Module Type2-channel isolated voltage input
Channels2 (independent), reinforced galvanic isolation
Input Range−50 V to +50 V per channel
Isolated AmplifierAMC3330DWE (integrated isolated DC-DC), one per channel
ADCADS122C04 (24-bit, 4-channel, I²C)
Channel MappingCh1 → AIN0/AIN1, Ch2 → AIN2/AIN3
Host InterfaceI²C; data-ready (DRDY) on GP0/A0
I²C Address0x40 (default); 0x41 via solder bridge S1
Channel Power EnableGP2/A2 (channel 1), GP1/A1 (channel 2)
Logic Supply (VDD)3.0 V
Board InterfaceCastellated holes on two opposite edges, soldered to the CHESTER mainboard
Hardware RevisionR2.1

Key Components

ComponentPart NumberDescription
Isolated Amplifier (×2)AMC3330DWEReinforced isolated amplifier with integrated isolated DC-DC; one per channel
ADCADS122C04IPW24-bit 4-channel I²C ADC digitizing both channels
Load Switch (×2)TPS22917DBVPer-channel power switch for the isolated amplifiers

Pin Configuration

The module uses a standardized header layout compatible with CHESTER extension slots.

note

The pin configuration shown is for the CHESTER-M CGLS mainboard.

CHESTER-X5 Connector Pinout

CHESTER-X5 terminal block pinout: INP1 on pin 2, INM1 on pin 3, INM2 on pin 6, INP2 on pin 7; pins 1, 4, 5, 8 do not connect

PinSignalTypeDescription
1DNCDo not connect (isolation spacing)
2INP1Isolated InputChannel 1 positive input
3INM1Isolated InputChannel 1 negative input
4DNCDo not connect (isolation spacing)
5DNCDo not connect (isolation spacing)
6INM2Isolated InputChannel 2 negative input
7INP2Isolated InputChannel 2 positive input
8DNCDo not connect (isolation spacing)
info

Each channel measures −50 V to +50 V and is galvanically isolated from the CHESTER electronics and from the other channel. The DNC pins (1, 4, 5, 8) have nothing connected. Leave them unconnected; they provide spacing that preserves the isolation between the channels and the logic side.

Host Interface (I²C)

CHESTER-X5 is read over the standard I²C bus through the on-board ADS122C04 ADC, which digitizes both isolated channels (channel 1 on AIN0/AIN1, channel 2 on AIN2/AIN3). The slot pins are used as follows:

CHESTER-X pinDirectionFunction
SDA / SCLI²CADS122C04 communication
GP0 / A0InputADS122C04 data-ready (DRDY)
GP1 / A1OutputEnables channel 2 power (load switch)
GP2 / A2OutputEnables channel 1 power (load switch)

The ADC's I²C address is 0x40 by default; setting solder bridge S1 changes it to 0x41, so two CHESTER-X5 modules can be used on one CHESTER without a conflict. GP3/A3 is not used.

Input Connection

Connect the voltage source for channel 1 to INP1 (pin 2) and INM1 (pin 3), and for channel 2 to INP2 (pin 7) and INM2 (pin 6).

Because the inputs are galvanically isolated, the measured circuit does not need to share a ground with the CHESTER node, and the two channels are isolated from each other. Leave the DNC pins (1, 4, 5, 8) unconnected. Enable the channel's power from firmware (channel 1 via GP2, channel 2 via GP1) before taking a measurement.

warning

Do not exceed the −50 V to +50 V input range on either channel.

Enclosure Feed-Through

Two options bring the input wiring into the enclosure:

  • Cable gland (default): route the conductors through a cable gland in the enclosure wall and wire them to the terminal block.
  • Panel-mount connector (on request): an external connector in the enclosure wall lets the user plug in the cable, with no loose wiring inside. Available on request.

Compatible CHESTER Configurations

The CHESTER-X5 module can be used with various CHESTER mainboard configurations. Below are examples of compatible setups:

CHESTER-M (CGLS)

CHESTER-M CGLS mainboard with D-cell battery, supercapacitors, and A/B terminal blocks

CHESTER-C4

CHESTER-C4 carrier board, a blue PCB with dual D-cell battery holder and terminal blocks

Schematic Diagrams

The complete schematic (the two AMC3330 isolated input channels, their TPS22917 load switches, and the ADS122C04 ADC) is available as a PDF:

Module Drawing

CHESTER-X5 R2.1 board layout drawing with slot signals on top and the isolated input terminals on the bottom