Active Lowpass Filter for PWM to DC to control a Photomultiplier

Projects General Guidance
1

Dear all,

I need a lowpass filter to turn an Arduino PWM output into a proper DC with MINIMUM ripple and drift.

I have to control a photomultiplier-tube (PMT) via a 0-5V DC control voltage that generates the high voltage (HV) needed to drive the PMT.
As the HV follows the 0-5V DC control voltage (CV) according to the equation HV = CV * 250 any fluctuations are scaled up by a factor of 250 and hence are introducing noise and variability in the PMT output.
As the voltage - once set - is not changed frequently, settling time of the DC/filter is uncritical (maybe in the order of 0.5 sec or so).

I was considering an active 2-3 pole filter employing a LM358 OpAmp (I do not have symmetrical power available in the present circuitry hence this consideration).

Has anyone done this already and can help me with a schematic or other hints, dos, donts?

Many thanks
Holger

2

How about using a digital pot or a digital to analog converter.

Mark

3

Thanks Mark, I have no experience with a digital poti, can you pls expand a bit on this?

Regards
Holger

4

Does this solution help?
here

This IIC version of the pot may be nicer, with a 10bit resolution

5

Thanks, these pot solutions definitely look very interesting, I'll have a closer look.

Cheers
Holger

6

If you want to be able to design good active (op-amp) filters, download TI's Filter Pro software. It's great software and it's free.

You kinda need to be more specific on ripple numbers as to what is acceptable. Is 1mV too much or is 1uV too much?

7

Why bother with the op amps and passive components you need to make a good low-pass filter, when a DAC is much simpler? For example, http://uk.farnell.com/microchip/mcp4921-e-p/12bit-dac-singl-spi-i-f-mcp4921/dp/1332112 if you want a through=hole part.

8

Thanks afremont and dc42,

I would like to keep the ripple below 1 mV, as said, settling time is not critical, so I think Rs in the range of 100k and Cs at about 0,47 to 1 µF should work, I'll check out the filter calculator!

I don't know how to add a DAC to the arduino, so I think I go for an OpAmp active 2-pole lopass.
Again, many thanks.

Holger

9

hgadm:
I don't know how to add a DAC to the arduino, so I think I go for an OpAmp active 2-pole lopass.

http://hacking.majenko.co.uk/MCPDAC

10

Thanks 8)