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HX711–24 Bit ADC

HX711 is an ADC chip with preamplifier included. The chip is specifically designed for weight scales applications. The load cells which usually measure weight provide voltage outputs in millivolts. These outputs are difficult to handle directly by controllers, so we can use HX711 IC which takes these voltage signals and provide standard digital values which can be used by a microcontroller. The chip has integrated preamplifier specifically to handle these low voltages.

 

HX711 Pin Configuration

HX711 is a16 pin device.The chip is available in various packages choose one based on your requirement. The description for each pin is given below.

Pin No.

Pin Name

Function

Description

1

VSUP

Power

Regulator supply: 2.7to 5.5V

2

BASE

Analog Output

Regulator control output (NC when not used)

3

AVDD

Power

Analog supply: 2.6 to 5.5V

4

VFB

Analog Input

Regulator control input (connect to AGND when not used)

5

AGND

Ground

Analog Ground

6

VBG

Analog Output

Reference bypass output

7

INA-

Analog Input

Channel A negative input

8

INA+

Analog Input

Channel A positive input

9

INB-

Analog Input

Channel B negative input

10

INB+

Analog Input

Channel B positive input

11

PD_SCK

Digital Input

Power down control (high active) and serial clock input

12

DOUT

Digital Output

Serial data output

13

XO

Digital I/O

Crystal I/O (NC when not used)

14

XI

Digital Input

Crystal I/O or external clock input, PIN is LOW: use on-chip oscillator

15

RATE

Digital Input

Output data rate control, PIN is LOW: 10Hz; PIN is HIGH: 80Hz

16

DVDD

Power

Digital supply: 2.6 to 5.5V

 

HX711 Features and Specifications

  • Two selectable differential input channels
  • On-chip active low noise PGA with selectable gain of 32, 64 and 128
  • On-chip power supply regulator for load-cell andADC analog power supply
  • On-chip oscillator requiring no externalcomponent with optional external crystal
  • On-chip power-on-reset
  • Simple digital control and serial interface: pin-driven controls, no programming needed
  • Selectable 10SPS or 80SPS output data rate
  • Simultaneous 50 and 60Hz supply rejection
  • Current consumption:normal operation < 1.5mA, power down < 1uA
  • Operation supply voltage range: 2.6V to 5.5V
  • Operation temperature range: -40℃ to +85℃

 

Note: More technical details can be found in the HX711 Datasheet linked at the bottom of this page.

 

Where to use HX711?

To measure weight using load cell, we usually need-regulated power source, output amplifier (noise reduced), ADC converter. All three features need three separate circuits and components adding to cost and complexity. So we can use HX711 IC which has all the above features simply removing complex circuitry.

 

How to use HX711?

For understanding the usage of HX711 chip let us consider the application circuit shown below.

HX711 Application circuit

As shown in circuit, for connecting the load cell to a microcontroller using HX711, we need a few more components. These components perform various functions and are compulsory.

As shown in circuit above, the weight sensor (load cell) draws power from HX711 chip so no other separate power source is needed. The load cell produces analog voltage signal at the output depending the weight applied on its surface (for further understanding study working of load cell).This analog signal is given to PGA (amplifier) through multiplexer. The PGA amplifies the signal and provides output to digital interface. The digital interface converts analog signal to digital value and provides serial data at the output. The controller is connected to the HX711 through I2C interface. The controller gets the serial data which directly relates to the weight sensed by load cell.

Communicating to HX711 chip is difficult for beginners as we need to follow specific steps. And any error will lead to major value deviation. So for beginners using pre written libraries for HX711 will make communication easy.

With conversion of LOAD CELL analog signal to SERIAL DIGITAL DATA, the function on ‘HX711 IC’ is done.

 

Applications

  • Weigh scales
  • Industrial process control
  • Automatic Doors
  • Smart elevators

 

2D-Model and Dimensions

HX711 2D Model

Component Datasheet

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