References (e.g, libraries and tutorials) for connecting the 24-bit ADS1256 ADC to arduino

Question

The ADS1256 chip is a high precision 24bit, 8 channel, analog digital converter based on SPI communication that is suitable for biomedical applications and perfect for sensing ECG and EEG signals. I want to hook it up to an arduino, e.g., an arduino mega or an arduino due.

Similar ADCs from analog devices are: ADS1248, ADS1251, ADS1252, ADS1252U, ADS1253, ADS1255, ADS1259, ADS1278, ADS1298, ADS1299, etc.

It’s nice that there are [tiny, coin sized breakout boards] available for the ADS1256 that include basic components like an 8mhz quartz crystal and cost only around 25 USD.

Several people have in the past struggled to get ADC readings using Arduino. Working only with the data sheet it took them several days or even weeks. I have a logic analyzer, multi channel oscilloscope and bus pirate ready, but I still would prefer adapting an existing library or working with a good tutorial as a starting point.

I searched for code and tutorial not only for the ADS1256 but also for similar analog devices ADC chips.

Here are the tutorials, libraries and information I found so far:

Main Links (working solution):

-- ADS1213 Arduino library (seems to be working!!!)

-- ADS1213 Arduino tutorial (includes above library)

Further Information:

• Arduino due ADS129X tools(ADS1299, ADS1298, ADS1294, ADS1296)

• ADS1252 Arduino Tutorial

• ADS1252 Troubleshooting information

• ADS1255 Troubleshooting information

• ADS 1298 Troubleshooting information

• ADS 1248 and arduino (german)

Q:
Is there a working library for the ADS1256 (or similar chip) and is there a current, up-to-date tutorial available for arduino?

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(Update with my notes.)

Next steps (to get a working library that should be put on github):

1. Search for more relevant Information online (existing libraries, etc.)
2. Ask in AVR specific forum, if question is unanswered here. Possibly contact people via e-mail that could know more
3. Get familiar with Chip and Datasheet
4. Decide on available codebase as the starting point
5. Define the minimalistic testcase (This would check that some for of communication works with the chip, i.e., write register that changes the logic level of a bin of the ADC chip)
6. Implement the minimalistic testcase (i.e., possibly use different codebase as starting point if it fails to implement)
7. Expand and test the code to get a full implementation

Risks: Eittle experience with electronic design the microcontroller at hand, might miss important details that costs a lot of time. Can't be sure that my chip/PCB actually works, can be faulty hardware.

Time Estimate: 3 days of work doing 8 hours a day (total 24 hours). Exremly high variance (could be a matter of a few hours in the best case to a few weeks worst case).

Answer 1

You are lucky. Looks like there is an Arduino library available for the ADS1256. You should give it a shot: https://github.com/Flydroid/ADS12xx-Library .

I haven't tested it but checked the registers and functions from the datasheet and it does look good.