AS3935 Datasheet EN V2

2017-09-29

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Datashee t
AS3935
Franklin Lightning Sensor IC

1 General Description

Distance estimation to the head of the storm down to 1km in 14

The AS3935 is a programmable fully integrated Lightning Sensor IC
that detects the presence and approach of potentially hazardous
lightning activity in the vicinity and provides an estimation on the
distance to the head of the storm. The embedded lightning algorithm
checks the incoming signal pattern to reject the potential man-made
disturbers.

Detects both cloud-to-ground and intra-cloud (cloud-to-cloud)

The AS3935 can also provide information on the noise level and
inform the external unit (e.g. microcontroller) in case of high noise
conditions, with the noise floor generator and noise floor evaluation
blocks.

SPI and I²C interface is used for control and register reading

steps
flashes
Embedded man-made disturber rejection algorithm
Programmable detection levels enable threshold setting for

optimal controls
Antenna Tuning to compensate variations of the external

components
Supply voltage range 2.4V to 5.5V

The AS3935 can be programmed via a 4-wire standard SPI or an
I²C. Also, in case the latter is chosen, it is possible to choose among
four different addresses. Two clocks are internally generated by two
different RC-Oscillators: TRCO and SRCO. An automatic procedure
can increase the precision of those oscillators. The AS3935 can be
either supplied by an internal voltage regulator or directly by VDD.

Power-down, listening, and active mode
Package: 16LD MLPQ (4x4mm)

3 Applications
AS3935 is ideal for Weather Stations, Clocks, Sports Equipment,
Portables, Pool Safety, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), Global
Positioning System (GPS), Cellular phones, Watches, and Golf
Equipment.

2 Key Features
Lightning sensor warns of lightning storm activity within a radius

of 40km
Figure 1. AS3935 Block Diagram

CS

I2CL/
I2CD/
SCL MISO MOSI

SINT

SPI

I2C

ADD0 ADD1

VDD VREG

I2C_ADD

Voltage
Regulator

EN_VREG

ACG
Register
Noise Floor
Level
Generation

POR

INP

Noise Floor
Evaluation

TEST

AFE

INN
LC-Oscillator

Watchdog

AS3935

Calibration

TRCO

SRCO

Bias
Block

Clock Generators

Signal Validation

IRQ

Energy Calculation

Statistical Distance Estimation
Lightning Algorithm

GND

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AS3935
Datasheet - C o n t e n t s

Contents
1 General Description ..................................................................................................................................................................

1

2 Key Features.............................................................................................................................................................................

1

3 Applications...............................................................................................................................................................................

1

4 Pin Assignments .......................................................................................................................................................................

3

4.1 Pin Descriptions....................................................................................................................................................................................

3

5 Absolute Maximum Ratings ......................................................................................................................................................

4

6 Electrical Characteristics...........................................................................................................................................................

5

6.1 Operating Conditions............................................................................................................................................................................

5

6.2 DC/AC Characteristics for Digital Inputs and Outputs ..........................................................................................................................

5

6.3 Detailed System and Block Specification .............................................................................................................................................

5

7 Typical Operating Characteristics .............................................................................................................................................

7

8 Detailed Description..................................................................................................................................................................

8

8.1 Circuit .................................................................................................................................................................................................

11

8.2 Operating Modes ................................................................................................................................................................................

11

8.3 System and Block Specification .........................................................................................................................................................

11

8.3.1 Register Table ........................................................................................................................................................................... 11
8.3.2 Register Table Description and Default Value........................................................................................................................... 12
8.4 Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI).........................................................................................................................................................
8.4.1
8.4.2
8.4.3
8.4.4

SPI Command Structure............................................................................................................................................................
Writing of Register Data.............................................................................................................................................................
Reading of Data from Addressable Registers (READ Mode) ....................................................................................................
Send Direct Command Byte ......................................................................................................................................................

8.5 I²C.......................................................................................................................................................................................................

14
14
15
15
16
16

8.5.1 I²C Byte Write ............................................................................................................................................................................ 17
8.5.2 I²C Register Read ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18
8.5.3 Direct Command........................................................................................................................................................................ 18
8.6 Voltage Regulator ...............................................................................................................................................................................

18

8.7 Analog Front-end (AFE) and Watchdog .............................................................................................................................................

19

8.8 Noise Floor Generator and Evaluation ...............................................................................................................................................

20

8.9 Lightning Algorithm ............................................................................................................................................................................

20

8.9.1
8.9.2
8.9.3
8.9.4

Signal Validation ........................................................................................................................................................................
Energy Calculation.....................................................................................................................................................................
Statistical Distance Estimation...................................................................................................................................................
Interrupt Management ...............................................................................................................................................................

20
21
21
22

8.10 Antenna Tuning ................................................................................................................................................................................

23

8.11 Clock Generation ..............................................................................................................................................................................

23

9 Package Drawings and Markings ...........................................................................................................................................

24

10 Ordering Information.............................................................................................................................................................

26

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AS3935
Datasheet - P i n A s s i g n m e n t s

4 Pin Assignments

INP

3

GND

4

ADD0

NC

I2CD / MOSI
13

AS3935
Exposed pad

5

6

7

8

CS

2

14

EN_VREG

INN

15

VREG

1

16

VDD

ACG

ADD1

Figure 2. Pin Assignments (Top View)

12

MISO

11

I2CL / SCL

10

IRQ

9

SI

4.1 Pin Descriptions
Table 1. Pin Descriptions
Pin Number

Pin Name

1

ACG

2

INN

3

INP

Antenna positive input

4

GND

Ground

5

VDD

6

VREG

Positive supply voltage / Regulated voltage

7

EN_VREG

Voltage Regulator Enable

8

CS

9

SI

10

IRQ

Digital output

Interrupt

11

I2CL/SCL

Digital input

I²C clock bus or SPI clock bus
(according to SI setting)

12

MISO

Digital output

SPI data output bus

13

I2CD/MOSI

Digital I/O with pull-up / Digital input

I²C data bus or SPI data input bus
(according to SI setting)

14

NC

15

ADD0

16

ADD1
Exposed pad

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Pin Type

Description
AC-Ground

Analog I/O

Supply pad

Digital input

Antenna ground

Positive supply voltage

Chip Select (active low)
Select Interface (GND  SPI or VDD I²C)

Not connected
Digital input
Supply pad

Revision 1.0

I²C address selection LSB
I²C address selection MSB
Connect to Ground

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AS3935
Datasheet - A b s o l u t e M a x i m u m R a t i n g s

5 Absolute Maximum Ratings
Stresses beyond those listed in Table 2 may cause permanent damage to the device. These are stress ratings only, and functional operation of
the device at these or any other conditions beyond those indicated in Electrical Characteristics on page 5 is not implied. Exposure to absolute
maximum rating conditions for extended periods may affect device reliability.
Table 2. Absolute Maximum Ratings
Parameter

Min

Max

Units

Comments

DC supply voltage (VDD)

-0.5

7

V

Input pin voltage (VIN)

-0.5

5

V

Input current (latch up immunity), (Iscr)

-100

100

mA

Norm: Jedec 78

kV

Norm: MIL 883 E method
3015 (Human Body Model)

Electrical Parameters

Electrostatic Discharge
Electrostatic discharge (ESD)

±2

Continuous Power Dissipation
Total power dissipation
(all supplies and outputs), (Pt)

0.1

mW

150

ºC

Temperature Ranges and Storage Conditions
Storage temperature (Tstrg)

-65

Package body temperature (Tbody)

Humidity non-condensing
Moisture Sensitivity Level (MSL)

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5

260

ºC

85

%

3

Norm: IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020
The reflow peak soldering temperature (body
temperature) is specified according IPC/JEDEC JSTD-020 “Moisture/Reflow Sensitivity Classification for
Non-hermetic Solid State Surface Mount Devices”.
Represents a maximum floor life time of 168h

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AS3935
Datasheet - E l e c t r i c a l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

6 Electrical Characteristics
6.1 Operating Conditions
In this specification, all the defined tolerances for external components need to be assured over the whole operation conditions range and also
over lifetime.
Table 3. Operating Conditions
Symbol

Parameter

VDD

Positive supply voltage

TAMB

Ambient temperature

Conditions

Min

In case the voltage regulator is ON
In case the voltage regulator is OFF

Typ

Max

Units

2.4

5.5

V

2.4

3.6

V

-40

85

ºC

6.2 DC/AC Characteristics for Digital Inputs and Outputs
Table 4. CMOS Input
Symbol

Parameter

VIH
VIL

Conditions

Min

Typ

Max

Units

High level input voltage

0.6*VDD

0.7*VDD

0.9*VDD

V

Low level input voltage

0.125*VDD

0.2*VDD

0.3*VDD

V

Note: On ALL outputs, use the cells with the smallest drive capability which will do the job, in order to prevent current/spikes problems.
Table 5. CMOS Output
Symbol

Parameter

VOH

High level output voltage

VOL

Low level output voltage

CL

Capacitive load

Conditions

Min

Typ

Max

VDD-0.4

With a load current of 1mA

Units
V

For a clock frequency of 1MHz

VSS+0.4

V

400

pF

Max

Units

Table 6. Tristate CMOS Output
Symbol

Parameter

VOH

High level output voltage

VOL

Low level output voltage

IOZ

Tristate leakage current

Conditions

Min

Typ

VDD-0.4

With a load current of 1mA
To VDD and VSS

V
VSS+0.4

V

400

nA

6.3 Detailed System and Block Specification
Table 7. Electrical System Specifications
Symbol

Parameter

Min

Typ

Max

Units

Note

Input Characteristic
Input AC impedance

200

IPWDROFF

Power-down current when VREG is OFF

1

2

µA

IPWDRON

Power-down current when VREG is ON

8

15

µA

ILSMROFF

Current consumption in listening mode
when VREG is OFF

60

80

µA

ISVM

Current Consumption in signal
verification mode

350

LCOSUT

LCO Start-up Time

RIN

k

Current Consumption

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µA
2

Revision 1.0

ms

Time needed by the LCO to
start-up

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AS3935
Datasheet - E l e c t r i c a l C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

Table 7. Electrical System Specifications
Symbol

Parameter

Min

Typ

Max

Units

TSRCO

SRCO frequency after calibration

1.065

1.125

1.19

kHz

TTRCO

TRCO frequency after calibration

30.5

32.26

34.0

kHz

TRCOCAL

Calibration time for the RC oscillators

2

ms

VROUT

Voltage regulator output voltage

3.3

V

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2.7

3.0

Revision 1.0

Note
Assuming FLCO = 500 kHz
The calibration of the RC
oscillators starts after the LCO
settles

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AS3935
Datasheet - Ty p i c a l O p e r a t i n g C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s

7 Typical Operating Characteristics
Figure 3. Power-down current if Voltage Regulator is OFF over
Supply Voltage (VREG)

Figure 4. Power-down Current if Voltage Regulator is OFF @3V
over Temperature

Figure 5. Current Consumption in Listening Mode if Voltage
Regulator is OFF over Supply Voltage (VREG)

Figure 6. Current Consumption in Listening Mode if Voltage
Regulator is OFF over Temperature (@ VREG=3V)

Figure 7. Output Regulated Voltage (VREG) @VDD=5V over
Temperature

Figure 8. Output Regulated Voltage (VREG) @ Room
Temperature over Supply Voltage

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8 Detailed Description
The AS3935 can detect the presence of an approaching storm with lightning activities and provide an estimation of the distance to the leading
edge of the storm, where the leading edge of the storm is defined as the minimum distance from the sensor to the closest edge of the storm. The
embedded hardwired distance estimation algorithm of the AS3935 issues an interrupt on the IRQ pin (see Interrupt Management on page 22)
every time a lightning is detected. The estimated distance which is displayed in the distance estimation register does not represent the distance
to the single lightning but the estimated distance to the leading edge of the storm. A graphical representation is shown in the Figure 9.

Estimated Distance [km]

Figure 9. Storm

Time
Single lightning events
Distance estimation of the AS3935

As shown in Figure 10, Figure 11, Figure 12, and Figure 13, the system integration consists mainly of the AS3935 and an external control unit
(e.g. MCU) for the IC initialization and interrupt management (IRQ).
The choice of interface type (SPI vs. I²C) is accomplished using pin 9, SI (Select Interface). When the SI is connected to GND, the SPI is
selected. When the SI is connected to VDD, the I²C is selected. Pins ADD0 and ADD1 are used to select among 4 different I²C address.
The internal voltage regulator can be enabled by connecting EN_VREG to VDD. If the internal regulator is not used, capacitor C3 is not needed
and VREG must be connected to VDD. In this case, the AS3935 can be directly supplied by VREG and VDD (EN_VREG to GND).
AS3935 needs the following external components:
Power supply capacitor – CBAT – 1µF
Load capacitor on the ACG and VREG pins; the latter is needed only in case the voltage regulator is enabled
One, RLC resonators for the antenna
One resistor on the I2CL pin to VDD, if I²C is active

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(R2 > 10k)

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

Figure 10. AS3935 Application Diagram (Voltage Regulator OFF, SPI Active)

EN_VREG

VREG

I2CL/SCL

ACG

I2CD/MOSI

ADD1
ADD0
INP

L1

C1

R1

CS

AS3935

C2
10µF

VDD

Control Unit
(MCU)

CBAT

2.4V - 3.6V

MISO
SI
IRQ

INN
GND

TEST

Figure 11. AS3935 Application Diagram (Voltage Regulator OFF, I²C Active)

CBAT

2.4V - 3.6V

EN_VREG

VREG

I2CL/SCL

ACG

I2CD/MOSI

ADD1
ADD0
INP

L1

C1

R1

MISO
SI

To VDD

IRQ

INN
GND

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CS

Control Unit
(MCU)

VDD

AS3935

C2
10µF

VDD or GND,
according to
I2C address

R2

TEST

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

Figure 12. AS3935 Application Diagram (Voltage Regulator ON, SPI Active)

C2
10µF

EN_VREG

VREG

I2CL/SCL

ACG

I2CD/MOSI

ADD1
ADD0
INP

L1

C1

R1

CS

AS3935

C3
1µF

VDD

Control Unit
(MCU)

CBAT

2.4V – 5.5V

MISO
SI
IRQ

INN
GND

TEST

Figure 13. AS3935 Application Diagram (Voltage Regulator ON, I²C Active)

CBAT

2.4V – 5.5V

EN_VREG

VREG

I2CL/SCL

ACG

I2CD/MOSI

ADD1
ADD0
INP

L1

C1

R1

MISO
SI

To VDD

IRQ

INN
GND

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CS

Control Unit
(MCU)

C2
10µF

VDD

AS3935

C3
1µF

VDD or GND,
according to
I2C address

R2

TEST

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.1 Circuit
Figure 1 shows a block diagram of the AS3935. The external antenna is directly connected to the Analog Front-end (AFE), which amplifies and
demodulates the received signal. The watchdog continuously monitors the output of the AFE and alerts the integrated lightning algorithm block in
the event of an incoming signal. The lightning algorithm block validates the signal by checking the incoming signal pattern, calculates the energy
and then the AS3935 provides the MCU with an estimate of the distance to the head of the storm. The lightning algorithm block, processing the
demodulated signal, can distinguish between lightning signal and man-made disturbers. If the received signal is classified as a man-made
disturber, then the event is rejected and the system automatically goes back into listening mode to minimize current consumption. If the incoming
signal identifies a lightning event, then the statistical distance estimation block performs an estimation of the distance to the head of the storm.
The LC oscillator together with the calibration block can calibrate both the TRCO and the SRCO clock generator to compensate process
variations.

8.2 Operating Modes
Power-down Mode.
In Power-down Mode, the entire AS3935 is switched off to reduce the current consumption to minimum.

Listening Mode.
In listening mode the AFE, the watchdog, the noise floor level generation, the bias block, the TRCO, and the voltage regulator (in case it is
enabled) are running. In this mode the system can push down the power consumption to a minimum (typ 60µA). In case the maximum voltage
supply does not exceed 3.6V, it is possible to switch off the voltage regulator to save power.

Signal Verification.
The AS3935 enters in this mode every time the watchdog detects dynamic activity picked up by the antenna (the incoming signal crosses a
certain threshold). The IC will leave this mode either if the incoming signal is classified as disturber or if the analysis of the single event (lightning)
is finished. If the received signal is classified as a disturber, then the AS3935 will automatically go back to listening mode without any needed
action from outside and an interrupt will be generated (with option bit this interrupt can be masked). If the received pattern matches all
requirements, the energy calculation is performed and the AS3935 provides distance estimation.

8.3 System and Block Specification
8.3.1

Register Table

Table 8. Register Table
Register #

7

6

0x00

4

Reserved

0x01

Reserved

0x02

Reserved

0x03

5

CL_STAT

LCO_FDIV

MIN_NUM_LIGH
MASK_DIST

SREJ

Reserved
S_LIG_M

INT

Reserved

S_LIG_MM

Reserved
DISP_LCO

DISP_SRCO

0

WDTH

0x05
0x06

1

PWD

NF_LEV

S_LIG_L

0x08

2

AFE_GB

0x04

0x07

3

DISTANCE
DISP_TRCO

Reserved

TUN_CAP

0x09
...
...
...

Lightning Detection Look-up Table

...
0x32

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.3.2

Register Table Description and Default Value

Table 9. Detailed Register Map
Default
Value

Description

0

reserved

10010

AFE Gain Boost

0

Power-down

010

Noise Floor Level

0001

Watchdog threshold

1

reserved

1

Clear statistics

00

Minimum number of lightning

[3:0]

0010

Spike rejection

LCO_FDIV

[7:6]

00

Frequency division ration for antenna tuning

MASK_DIST

[5]

0

Mask Disturber

Reserved

[4]

0

reserved

INT

[3:0]

R

0000

Interrupt (see Table 18)

0x04

S_LIG_L

[7:0]

R

00000000

Energy of the Single Lightning LSBYTE

0x05

S_LIG_M

[7:0]

R

00000000

Energy of the Single Lightning MSBYTE

Reserved

[7:5]

S_LIG_MM

[4:0]

Reserved

[7:6]

DISTANCE

[5:0]

DISP_LCO

[7]

DISP_SRCO

[6]

DISP_TRCO

[5]

TUN_CAP

[3:0]

0x09

LDLUT1

[7:0]

R/W

10101101

0x0A

LDLUT2

[7:0]

R/W

00000000

0x0B

LDLUT3

[7:0]

R/W

00100101

0x0C

LDLUT4

[7:0]

R/W

00000011

0x0D

LDLUT5

[7:0]

R/W

00000001

0x0E

LDLUT6

[7:0]

R/W

00100010

0x0F

LDLUT7

[7:0]

R/W

10000011

0x10

LDLUT8

[7:0]

R/W

00000001

0x11

LDLUT9

[7:0]

R/W

00011111

0x12

LDLUT10

[7:0]

R/W

01000011

0x13

LDLUT11

[7:0]

R/W

00000010

0x14

LDLUT12

[7:0]

R/W

00011011

0x15

LDLUT13

[7:0]

R/W

01100011

Address

0x00

0x01

0x02

0x03

0x06
0x07

0x08

Register Name

Bit

Reserved

[7:6]

AFE_GB

[5:1]

PWD

[0]

NF_LEV

[6:4]

WDTH

[3:0]

Reserved

[7]

CL_STAT

[6]

MIN_NUM_LIGH

[5:4]

SREJ

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Type

R/W

R/W

R/W

R/W

reserved
R

00000

Energy of the Single Lightning MMSBYTE
reserved

R

R/W

000000

Distance estimation

0

Display LCO on IRQ pin

0

Display SRCO on IRQ pin

0

Display TRCO on IRQ pin

0000

Internal Tuning Capacitors (from 0 to 120pF in steps of 8pf)

Revision 1.0

Lightning Detection Look-up table

12 - 27

AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

Table 9. Detailed Register Map
Address

Register Name

Bit

Type

Default
Value

0x16

LDLUT14

[7:0]

R/W

00000011

0x17

LDLUT15

[7:0]

R/W

00011000

0x18

LDLUT16

[7:0]

R/W

00010100

0x19

LDLUT17

[7:0]

R/W

00000101

0x1A

LDLUT18

[7:0]

R/W

00010100

0x1B

LDLUT19

[7:0]

R/W

10011101

0x1C

LDLUT20

[7:0]

R/W

00000111

0x1D

LDLUT21

[7:0]

R/W

00010001

0x1E

LDLUT22

[7:0]

R/W

01101010

0x1F

LDLUT23

[7:0]

R/W

00001011

0x20

LDLUT24

[7:0]

R/W

00001110

0x21

LDLUT25

[7:0]

R/W

00011101

0x22

LDLUT26

[7:0]

R/W

00010001

0x23

LDLUT27

[7:0]

R/W

00001100

0x24

LDLUT28

[7:0]

R/W

10101011

0x25

LDLUT29

[7:0]

R/W

00011001

0x26

LDLUT30

[7:0]

R/W

00001010

0x27

LDLUT31

[7:0]

R/W

01111111

0x28

LDLUT32

[7:0]

R/W

00100110

0x29

LDLUT33

[7:0]

R/W

00001000

0x2A

LDLUT34

[7:0]

R/W

10111101

0x2B

LDLUT35

[7:0]

R/W

00111001

0x2C

LDLUT36

[7:0]

R/W

00000110

0x2D

LDLUT37

[7:0]

R/W

10011011

0x2E

LDLUT38

[7:0]

R/W

01010110

0x2F

LDLUT39

[7:0]

R/W

00000101

0x30

LDLUT40

[7:0]

R/W

11100111

0x31

LDLUT41

[7:0]

R/W

10000001

0x32

LDLUT42

[7:0]

R/W

00000001

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Description

Lightning Detection Look-up table

13 - 27

AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.4 Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)
This 4-wire standard SPI interface (Mode 1) can be used by the Microcontroller (µC) to program the AS3935. To enable the SPI as data
interface, the Select Interface (SI) has to be set to low (GND).
The maximum clock operation frequency of the SPI is 2MHz.
Note: The clock operation frequency of the SPI should NOT be identical to the resonance frequency of the antenna (500kHz), in order to
minimize the on board 500kHz noise.
Table 10. Serial Data Interface (SDI) Pins
Name

Signal

Signal Level

Description

CS

Digital Input

CMOS

Chip Select (Active Low)

MOSI

Digital Input

CMOS

Serial data input from the external unit to the AS3935

MISO

Digital Output

CMOS

Serial data output from the AS3935 to the external unit

SCLK

Digital Input

CMOS

Clock for serial data read and write

Note: MISO is set to tristate if CS is high. In this way more than one device can communicate on the same MISO bus.

8.4.1

SPI Command Structure

To activate this SPI, the CS has to be set to low. A SPI command consists of two bytes serial command and the data are sampled on the falling
edge of SCLK (CPHA=1). The next table shows command structure, from the MSB (B15) to LSB (B0). The command stream has to be sent to
the SPI from the MSB (B15) to the LSB (B0).
MODE
B15

Register Address / Direct Command

B14

B13

B12

B11

B10

B9

Register Data
B8

B7

B6

B5

B4

B3

B2

B1

B0

The first two bits (B15 and B14) define the operating mode. There are two modes available – Read and Write/Direct command.
Table 11. Bits B15, B14
B15

B14

Mode

0

0

WRITE / DIRECT COMMAND

0

1

READ

In case a write or read command happens, then the next 5 bits (B13 to B9) define the register address, which has to be written respectively read,
as shown in the table below. The direct command is performed with a write operation (see Send Direct Command Byte on page 16).
Table 12. Bits B13 to B9
B13

B12

B11

B10

B9

B8

Read / Write Register

0

0

0

0

0

0

0x00

0

0

0

0

0

1

0x01

0

0

0

0

1

0

0x02

0

0

0

0

1

1

0x03

0

0

0

1

0

0

0x04

0

0

0

1

0

1

0x05

0

0

0

1

1

0

0x06

0

0

0

1

1

1

0x07

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

1

1

0

0

0

1

0x31

1

1

0

0

1

0

0x32

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.4.2

Writing of Register Data

Figure 14. SPI Page Write

CS

SCLK

MOSI

X 0 0

A A A A A A D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D
5 4 3 2 1 0 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 7 6

Two leading
Zeros indicate
WRITE Mode

8.4.3

X

CS falling
edge signals
end of
WRITE Mode

Data is moved
to Address
 + n

Data is moved
to Address
 + (n-1)

Data is moved
to Address
 + 1

Data is moved
to Address


D D D D D D D D D D
1 0 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Reading of Data from Addressable Registers (READ Mode)

Once the address has been sent via SPI, the data can be fed through the MISO pin out to the microcontroller.
A CS high toggling high-low-high has to be performed after finishing the read mode session, in order to indicate the end of the READ command
and prepare the Interface to the next command control Byte.
To transfer bytes from consecutive addresses, SPI master has to keep the CS signal low and the SCLK clock has to be active as long as data
need to be read.
Figure 15. SPI Read Byte

CS

SCLK

MOSI

X

0

1

MISO

A5

A4

A3

A2

A1

X

01 pattern
indicates
READ Mode

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SCLK rising
edge Data is
transferred from
µC

X

A0

D7

SCLK
falling edge
Data is
sampled

D6

SCLK rising
edge Data is
moved from
Address


Revision 1.0

D5

D4

SCLK falling
edge Data is
transferred to
µC

D3

D2

D1

D0

X

CS falling
edge signals
end of READ
Mode

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.4.4

Send Direct Command Byte

It is possible to send direct commands by writing 0x96 in the registers REG0x3C and REG0x3D, as shown in the table below:
Table 13. Registers 0x3C, 0x3D
Direct Command

Register

Description

PRESET_DEFAULT

0x3C

Sets all registers in default mode

CALIB_RCO

0x3D

Calibrates automatically the internal RC Oscillators

8.5 I²C
An I²C slave interface is implemented for read/write access to the internal registers and to send direct commands. To enable the I²C as interface,
the Select Interface pin has to be set to the positive voltage supply (SI=VDD). The I2CL is the clock bus, while the I2CD is the data bus. An
external pull-up resistor on the I2CL pin is needed.
The device addresses for the AS3935 in read or write mode are defined by:
0-0-0-0-0-a1-a0-0: write mode device address (DW)
0-0-0-0-0-a1-a0-1: read mode device address (DR)
Where a0 and a1 are defined by the pins 5 (ADD0) and 6 (ADD1).
Figure 16. I²C Timing Diagram

start

stop

sr

I2CD
TF

TLO
I2CL
TR

THD;STA

THI

TSU;DAT

TSU;STA

TSU;STO

TSP

Table 14. I²C Parameters
Symbol

Parameter

TSP

Spike intensity

THI

High Clock Time

TLO

Low Clock Time

Conditions

400 kHz Clock speed

Min

Typ

50

100

Max

Units
ns

330

ns

660

ns

TSU

I2CD has to change Tsetup before rising
edge I2CL

30

ns

THD

No hold time needed for I2CD relative to
rising edge of I2CL

-40

ns

THD;STA

Within start condition, after low going I2CD, I2CL has to stay constant for
specified hold time

300

ns

TSU;STO

After high going edge of I2CL, I2CD has to stay constant for the specified setup
time before STOP or repeated start condition is applied

100

ns

100

ns

TSU;STA

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.5.1

I²C Byte Write

The transmission begins with a START condition (S), which consists of a high-to-low transition of the I2CD bus when I2CL is high. The START
condition is followed by the Device Write mode (DW), word address (WA: register address to write into) and the register data (reg_dat). Until the
stop condition (P) the word address is automatically incremented at any register data.
Figure 17. I²C Byte Write

S

DW

A

WA

A

reg_data

A P

Slave (AS3935) as receiver
Slave (AS3935) as transmitter

Figure 18. I²C Page Write

S

DW

A

WA

A

Slave (AS3935) as receiver

reg_data 1

A

reg_data
reg_data2

WA++

A
WA++

….

A

reg_data n

A P

WA++

Slave (AS3935) as transmitter

Symbol

Description

S

START condition after STOP

Sr

Repeated START

DW

Device Address for write

DR

Device Address for read

WA

Word address

A

Acknowledge

N

No acknowledge

P

STOP condition

WA++

Internal address increment

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.5.2

I²C Register Read

To read data from the slave device, the master has to change the transfer direction. This can be done either with a repeated START condition
followed by the device-read address, or simply with a new transmission START followed by the device-read address, when the bus is in IDLE
state. The device-read address is always followed by the 1st register byte transmitted from the slave. In Read Mode, any number of subsequent
register bytes can be read from the slave. The word address is incremented internally.
Figure 19. I²C Page Read

S

DW

A

WA

Slave (AS3935) as receiver
Slave (AS3935) as transmitter

A Sr

DR

A

Data 1

WA++

A
WA++

Data 2

A

…...

A

Data n

A P

WA++

Random Read and Sequential Read are combined formats. The repeated START condition is used to change the direction after the data transfer
from the master.
The word address transfer is initiated with a START condition issued by the master while the bus is idle. The START condition is followed by the
device-write address and the word address.
In order to change the data direction, a repeated START condition is issued on the 1st CLK pulse after the ACKNOWLEDGE bit of the word
address transfer. After the reception of the device-read address, the slave becomes the transmitter. In this state, the slave transmits register data
located by the previous received word address vector. The master responds to the data byte with a NOT ACKNOWLEDGE, and issues a STOP
condition on the bus.
In contrast to the Random Read, in a sequential read the transferred register-data bytes are responded by an acknowledge from the master. The
number of data bytes transferred in one sequence is unlimited (consider the behavior of the word-address counter). To terminate the
transmission, the master has to send a NOT ACKNOWLEDGE following the last data byte and subsequently generate the STOP condition.

8.5.3

Direct Command

It is possible to send direct commands writing 0x96 in the registers REG0x3C and REG0x3D, as shown in the table below:
Direct Command

Register

PRESET_DEFAULT

0x3C

CALIB_RCO

0x3D

8.6 Voltage Regulator
The AS3935 can be either supplied by a voltage regulator or directly.
If the voltage regulator is used, an additional current consumption (around 5µA) will have to be considered. In this case the pin EN_VREG must
be connected to VDD and the AS3935 is supplied by the pin VDD, while the regulated voltage is at the pin VREG (output of the voltage
regulator). In order to fulfil the stability requirements of the voltage regulator a capacitance greater than 1µF on the pin VREG to ground is
needed. The nominal output regulated voltage is 3V.
If the voltage regulator is not used, the pin EN_VREG must be connected to ground and the pins VDD and VREG must be connected together to
the supply voltage (e.g. battery).

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.7 Analog Front-end (AFE) and Watchdog
The AFE amplifies and demodulates the AC-signal picked up by the antenna. Since the AS3935 is a lightning sensor based on narrowband
receiving technique, the AFE bandwidth is meant to be greater than the antenna bandwidth. In this way, it is possible to consider that the gain
within the antenna bandwidth as constant.
The gain of the AFE by default is optimized to operate indoor (e.g. inside a building). If the AS3935 operates outdoor, then the AFE gain setting
has to be set to a lower value, as shown in the Table 15.
Table 15. AFE Setting, Outdoor vs. Indoor
AFE Setting

REG0x00[5:1]

Indoor

10010

Outdoor

01110

The output signal of the AFE is monitored by the watchdog, which enables the signal validation (see Signal Verification on page 11) in case the
input signal crosses a certain threshold. The AS3935 is automatically set back to Listening Mode once the Signal Validation block has made an
assessment on the nature of the received signal (lighting or disturber). With register REG0x01[3:0] it is possible to change the level of this
threshold to increase the robustness to disturbers. If higher thresholds are used, the AS3935 would loose sensitivity for very far lightning events,
with an improvement of the man-made disturber rejection as benefit.
Figure 20 shows the degradation of the detection efficiency (sensitivity of lightning detection) over the distance for different threshold settings.
Figure 20. Detection Efficiencies vs. Distance for Different Settings for WDTH, if SREJ=0000

60%

Detection Efficiency [%]

WDTH
0000
0001
0010
0011
0100
0101
0110
0111
1000
1001
1010

40%

20%

0.0
0

10

20

30

40

Radius [km]

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.8 Noise Floor Generator and Evaluation
The output signal of the AFE is also used to generate the noise floor level. The noise floor is continuously compared to a reference voltage (noise
threshold). Whenever the noise floor level crosses the noise threshold, the AS3935 issues an interrupt (INT_NH) to inform the external unit (e.g.
MCU) that the AS3935 cannot operate properly due to the high input noise received by the antenna (e.g. blocker). It is possible to set the
threshold for the noise floor limit with the bits REG0x01[6:4], as defined in the table below.
Table 16. Settings for the Noise Floor Threshold
Continuous Input Noise Level
[µVrms] (outdoor)

Continuous Input Noise Level
[µVrms] (indoor)

REG0x01[6]

REG0x01[5]

REG0x01[4]

390

28

0

0

0

630

45

0

0

1

860

62

0

1

0

1100

78

0

1

1

1140

95

1

0

0

1570

112

1

0

1

1800

130

1

1

0

2000

146

1

1

1

INT_NH is displayed as long as the input noise level (blocker) is higher than the noise floor threshold. By default the setting REG0x01[6:4] =010
is used.

8.9 Lightning Algorithm
The lightning algorithm consists of hardwired logic. False events (man-made disturbers) which might trigger the AS3935 are rejected, while
lightning events initiate calculations to estimate the distance to the head of the storm.
The Lightning algorithm is broken up into three sub blocks:
1. Signal validation: Verification that the incoming signal can be classified as lightning.
2. Energy calculation: Calculation of the energy of the single event.
3. Statistical distance estimation: According to the number of stored events (lightning), a distance estimate is calculated.
If the signal validation fails (the incoming signal does not have the characteristics of lightning), the energy calculation and statistical distance
estimation do not happen and the event is classified as disturber.

8.9.1

Signal Validation

The watchdog enables the lightning algorithm block in the event any activities are detected at the antenna. As this happens the output signal of
the AFE is evaluated by the Signal Validation block, which checks the pattern of the received signal. The signal validation checks the shape of
the received signal. In particular, the AS3935 can reject the impulse signals, like spikes, picked up by the antenna. The AS3935 has the ability to
improve the spike rejection with the register REG0x02[3:0]. By default, register REG0x02[3:0] =0010. Larger values in REG0x02[3:0]
correspond to more robust disturber rejection, with a decrease of the detection efficiency, as shown in the Figure 21.

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

Figure 21. Detection Efficiencies vs. Distance for Different Setting of SREJ, if WDTH=0001

60%

Detection Efficiency [%]

SREJ

0000
0001
0010
0011
0100
0101
0110
0111
1000
1001
1010
1011

40%

20%

0.0
0

10

20

30

40

Radius [km]

At the end of the signal verification, the AS3935 automatically returns to listening mode.

8.9.2

Energy Calculation

If the received signal is classified as lightning, the energy is calculated. The result of the energy calculation is then stored in the registers
REG0x06[4:0], REG0x05[7:0] and REG0x04[7:0]. This value is just a pure number and has no physical meaning.

8.9.3

Statistical Distance Estimation

The AS3935 generates an assessment of the estimated distance to the head of an approaching storm. This assessment is done based on
statistical calculation. The energy of the single event (lightning) provided by the Energy Calculation block is stored in an internal memory,
together with timing information, in the AS3935. The events stored in the memory are then correlated with a look-up table by the statistical
distance estimation block, which provides a final estimation of the distance to the head of the storm. The algorithm automatically deletes events,
which are older than a certain time. R7=0x01 means that the storm is right overhead, while R7=0x3F is displayed when the storm is out of range.
This algorithm is hardwired and not accessible from outside.
The estimated distance is directly represented in km in the register REG0x07[5:0] (binary encoded). The distance estimation can change also if
no new event triggers the AS3935, as older events can be purged.
Table 17. Distance Estimation
REG0x07[5:0]

Distance [km]

111111

Out of range

101000

40

100101

37

100010

34

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

Table 17. Distance Estimation
REG0x07[5:0]

Distance [km]

011111

31

011011

27

011000

24

010100

20

010001

17

001110

14

001100

12

001010

10

001000

8

000110

6

000101

5

000001

Storm is Overhead

The calculated energy is stored in registers REG0x04[7:0], REG0x05[7:0] and REG0x06[4:0].

8.9.4

Interrupt Management

Whenever events happen, the AS3935 pulls the IRQ high and displays the interrupt in the REG0x03[3:0]. Table 18 shows the interrupt register.
Table 18. Interrupts
Interrupt Name

REG0x03[3:0]

Description

INT_NH

0001

Noise level too high

INT_D

0100

Disturber detected

INT_L

1000

Lightning interrupt

The INT_NH is issued if the received noise exceeds the maximum acceptable noise. INT_NH persists until the noise is again back to low.
In case the signal validation block assesses the received signal as disturber, the INT_D is displayed. It is possible to mask the disturber
interrupts INT_D with MASK_DIST (REG0x03[5] =1).
If the MASK_DIST option is enabled, the signal on the pin IRQ never goes high if a disturber is detected.
The interrupt bus IRQ is set back to low whenever the interrupt register is read out.
The AS3935 issues a lightning interrupt (INT_L) if a new event is detected. All new events are stored in the internal memory and build up a
lightning statistic used by the distance estimation algorithm. If the AS3935 issues an interrupt and the Interrupt register is REG0x03[3:0] =000
the distance estimation has changed due to purging of old events in the statistics, based on the lightning distance estimation algorithm.
Whenever an interrupt is issued, the external unit should wait 2ms before reading the Interrupt register.
In addition, it is possible to allow the AS3935 to issue lightning interrupts only if a minimum number of events (lightning) have been detected in
the last 15 minutes. The minimum number of lightning events can be set with register REG0x02[5:4].
Table 19. Minimum Number of Lightning Detection
Minimum Number of Lightning

REG0x02[5]

REG0x02[4]

1

0

0

5

0

1

9

1

0

16

1

1

When this feature is utilized, a minimum number of events must occur to trigger a valid lightning event. This eliminates false triggers by manmade disturbers that may pass the validation algorithm. It is possible to clear the statistics built up by the lightning distance estimation algorithm
block by just toggling the bit REG0x02[6] (high-low-high).

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AS3935
Datasheet - D e t a i l e d D e s c r i p t i o n

8.10 Antenna Tuning
The AS3935 uses a loop antenna based on a parallel LC resonator. The antenna has to be designed to have its resonance frequency at 500kHz
and a quality factor of around 15. With a register setting it is possible to display on the IRQ pin the resonance frequency of the antenna as a
digital signal with the register REG0x08[7] =1. The external unit can measure this frequency and tune the antenna adding or removing the
internal capacitors with the register REG0x08[3:0]. It is necessary to tune the antenna with an accuracy of ±3.5% to optimize the performance of
the signal validation and distance estimation. The resonance frequency is internally divided by a factor, which is programmable with the register
REG0x03[7:6]. Table 20 shows the division ratio.
Table 20. Frequency Division Ratio for the Antenna Tuning
Division Ratio

REG0x03[7]

REG0x03[6]

16

0

0

32

0

1

64

1

0

128

1

1

8.11 Clock Generation
The clock generation is based on two different RC oscillators: a system RCO (SRCO) and a timer RCO (TRCO). The SRCO will run at about
1.1MHz and provides the main clock for the whole digital part. The TRCO is a low power low frequency oscillator and runs at 32.768 kHz.
Frequency variations in these two oscillators, due to temperature change, are automatically compensated.
The output frequency of those oscillators can be displayed on the IRQ pin with register setting (REG0x08[5] =1 TRCO, while REG0x08[6] =1
SRCO). Due to process variations, the frequency of both oscillators can be different from the nominal frequency. Therefore, it is possible to
calibrate both with a direct command. The precision of the calibration will depend on the accuracy of the resonance frequency of the antenna. It
is recommended to first trim the receiver antenna before the calibration of both oscillators is done.
The result of calibration of the 3 oscillators is stored in a volatile memory and needs to be done every time after POR (e.g. battery change) but all
oscillators are internally compensated in temperature and voltage supply variations.
If the AS3935 is set in power-down mode, the TRCO needs to be recalibrated using the following procedure:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Send Direct command CALIB_RCO
Modify REG0x08[5] = 1
Wait 2ms
Modify REG0x08[5] = 0

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AS3935
Datasheet - P a c k a g e D r a w i n g s a n d M a r k i n g s

9 Package Drawings and Markings
The device is available in a 16LD MLPQ (4x4mm) package.
Figure 22. Drawings and Dimensions

AS3935 @
YYWWQZZ

Notes:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Dimensions & tolerancing conform to ASME Y14.5M-1994.
All dimensions are in millimeters. Angles are in degrees.
Coplanarity applies to the exposed heat slug as well as the terminal.
Radius on terminal is optional.
N is the total number of terminals.

Symbol
A
A1
A3
L
b
D
E
e
D2
E2
aaa
bbb
ccc
ddd
eee
fff
N

Min
0.70
0
0.30
0.25

2.55
2.55
-

Nom
0.75
0.02
0.20 REF
0.40
0.30
4.00 BSC
4.00 BSC
0.65 BSC
2.70
2.70
0.15
0.10
0.10
0.05
0.08
0.10
16

Max
0.80
0.05
0.05
0.35

2.80
2.80
-

Marking: AYWWXZZ.
YY

WW

Q

ZZ

@

Pb-free, Year

Manufacturing Week

Plant identification letter

Traceability code

Sublot identifier

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AS3935
Datasheet - R e v i s i o n H i s t o r y

Revision History
Revision

Date

Owner

Description

1.0

30 Apr, 2012

rlc

Initial release

Note: Typos may not be explicitly mentioned under revision history.

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AS3935
Datasheet - O r d e r i n g I n f o r m a t i o n

10 Ordering Information
Table 21. Ordering Information
Ordering Code

Package Type

Marking

Delivery Form

Quantity

AS3935-BQFT

MLPQ 4x4 16LD

AS3935

7 inches Tape & Reel

1000 pcs

Note: All products are RoHS compliant and austriamicrosystems green.
Buy our products or get free samples online at ICdirect: http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/ICdirect
Technical Support is available at http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/Technical-Support
For further information and requests, please contact us mailto: sales@austriamicrosystems.com
or find your local distributor at http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/distributor

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AS3935
Datasheet - C o p y r i g h t s

Copyrights
Copyright © 1997-2012, austriamicrosystems AG, Tobelbaderstrasse 30, 8141 Unterpremstaetten, Austria-Europe. Trademarks Registered ®.
All rights reserved. The material herein may not be reproduced, adapted, merged, translated, stored, or used without the prior written consent of
the copyright owner.
All products and companies mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Disclaimer
Devices sold by austriamicrosystems AG are covered by the warranty and patent indemnification provisions appearing in its Term of Sale.
austriamicrosystems AG makes no warranty, express, statutory, implied, or by description regarding the information set forth herein or regarding
the freedom of the described devices from patent infringement. austriamicrosystems AG reserves the right to change specifications and prices at
any time and without notice. Therefore, prior to designing this product into a system, it is necessary to check with austriamicrosystems AG for
current information. This product is intended for use in normal commercial applications. Applications requiring extended temperature range,
unusual environmental requirements, or high reliability applications, such as military, medical life-support or life-sustaining equipment are
specifically not recommended without additional processing by austriamicrosystems AG for each application. For shipments of less than 100
parts the manufacturing flow might show deviations from the standard production flow, such as test flow or test location.
The information furnished here by austriamicrosystems AG is believed to be correct and accurate. However, austriamicrosystems AG shall not
be liable to recipient or any third party for any damages, including but not limited to personal injury, property damage, loss of profits, loss of use,
interruption of business or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, of any kind, in connection with or arising out of the furnishing,
performance or use of the technical data herein. No obligation or liability to recipient or any third party shall arise or flow out of
austriamicrosystems AG rendering of technical or other services.
This product is intended to be used as an early warning indicator for lightning related storms. It does not guarantee accuracy or predict exact
strike locations. By using the part, the user shall be aware that s/he cannot just rely on the indication in order to prevent accidents caused by
lightning strikes. austriamicrosystems explicitly states that the user must follow the generally known and recommended instructions on how to
behave in the event of lightning strikes. In no event shall austriamicrosystems or its suppliers be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special,
exemplary or consequential damages (including, but not limited to procurement of substitute goods or services, loss of use, data or profits, or
business interruption) arising out of user’s disregard to such warnings and instructions.

Contact Information
Headquarters
austriamicrosystems AG
Tobelbaderstrasse 30
A-8141 Unterpremstaetten, Austria
Tel: +43 (0) 3136 500 0
Fax: +43 (0) 3136 525 01
For Sales Offices, Distributors and Representatives, please visit:
http://www.austriamicrosystems.com/contact

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Source Exif Data:
File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.4
Linearized                      : Yes
Author                          : austriamicrosystems AG
Copyright                       : Copyright ? 1997-2012, austriamicrosystems AG
Create Date                     : 2007:08:03 15:44:40Z
Job Ref                         : AS3935
Keywords                        : 16LD, MLPQ
Marked                          : True
Modify Date                     : 2012:11:23 09:18:38-05:00
Subject                         : Programmable Lightning Detector IC
XMP Toolkit                     : Adobe XMP Core 5.2-c001 63.139439, 2010/09/27-13:37:26
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 10.0.1 (Windows)
Creator Tool                    : FrameMaker 10.0
Metadata Date                   : 2012:11:23 09:18:38-05:00
Format                          : application/pdf
Title                           : AS3935 Datasheet
Creator                         : austriamicrosystems AG
Description                     : Programmable Lightning Detector IC
Document ID                     : uuid:18cb0137-e7fb-46fe-a48d-2a7831131c5f
Instance ID                     : uuid:fab0b162-1b93-4666-9479-72b9e7b80693
Page Mode                       : UseOutlines
Page Count                      : 27
EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools

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