The current boards are prototypes. The purpose of these are to firstly give our home the automation system we want (see pages on sample installation) and secondly as a proving ground for future production boards.
There are 5 prototype boards at present providing functionality and connectivity according to their location. The intended function of the board and the actual board spec are loosely coupled and alternative functions can be configured through different firmware builds. The board specs below are the hardware specs and the primary functions are also given (intended for … text). For functional item descriptions see the items page which will given a table of applicable boards. (survey to be expanded to allow feedback on choices).
The home automation system for a home consists of any number of these cost effective boards (boxed or unboxed?). The set of boards, when interconnected, forms a self discovering network of devices with a single host control access point. The system can work autonomously without the need of a control host (PC) as each board/device has it’s own general input control so can be controlled by keypad/buttons or from other boards/devices on the network.
Network is currently point to point between boards using RS232/422. Boards can be locally connected using SPI/I2C to form more complex devices.
Prototype board specifications
Each board contains a number of hardware elements intended to facilitate functional items these are detailed further on another page (in progress). A comparison of the board hardware is tabulated here. Please be aware that board specs are changing as development continues.
Communications Board
Purpose: To provide additional ports to another board but can also be used standalone for limited tasks. Requires seperate regulated suppy usually by coupling to another board.
Functional Items:
- 2 device communication ports (any combination of RS232 or RS422, jumper configurable)
- 1 MOSFET driver output 12v or 5v (intended for general output)
- 1 opto-isolated open collector output (intended for trigger out)
- 1 general output (intended for IR driver)
- 3 PWM control, MOSFET driven 12v or 5v (intended for RGB LED control)
- 1-wire protocol interface (intended for thermometer sensor)
- 1 opto-isolated 12v input (intended for trigger in)
- 2 analogue sensor inputs (intended for light sensor and PIR)
- 1 SPI port for board expansion
- 3 general purpose IO (5v low current)
- 2 switch inputs with pull-ups (intended for general use)
- LED on board
Main Board
Purpose: Mains lighting control.
Functional Items:
- 2 device communication ports (any combination of RS232 or RS422, fixed configuration)
- On board regulated supply 12v to 5v
- 1 MOSFET driver output 5v (intended for general output)
- 4 mains solid state switches (intended for lighting dimmer control)
- 1 general output (intended for IR driver)
- 1-wire protocol interface (intended for thermometer sensor)
- 1 opto-isolated 12v input (intended for trigger in)
- 1 analogue sensor input (intended for light sensor)
- 2 SPI ports for board expansion
- 4 switch inputs with pull-ups (intended for general use / dimmer control)
- LED on board
Shortened Main Board
Purpose: Single mains control.
Functional Items:
- As above but with 1 mains switch instead of 4
Driver Board
Purpose: To provide power drivers.
Functional Items:
- 2 device communication ports (any combination of RS232 or RS422, jumper configurable)
- On board regulated supply 12v to 5v
- 2 relays (240v) (intended for screen control)
- 2 mains solid state switches (intended for screen control and standby operation)
- 1 MOSFET motor driver 12v or 5v, PWM push-pull operation, with current sensing (intended for curtain / lift control)
- 1 opto-isolated open collector output (intended for trigger out)
- 1 general output (intended for IR driver)
- 3 PWM control, MOSFET driven 12v or 5v (intended for RGB LED control)
- 1-wire protocol interface (intended for thermometer sensor)
- 1 opto-isolated 12v input (intended for trigger in)
- 2 analogue sensor input
- 1 SPI port for board expansion
- 3 general purpose IO (5v low current)
- 2 switch inputs with pull-ups (intended for motor travel limit switches)
- LED on board
Motorless Driver Board
Purpose: Similar to the above Driver Board but without the motor control function and slightly reduced functionality.
Functional Items:
- 2 device communication ports (RS232 only)
- On board regulated supply 12v to 5v
- 1 MOSFET driver output 12v or 5v (intended for lift triggering)
- 2 mains solid state switches (intended for power control and standby operation)
- 1 opto-isolated open collector output (Trigger out)
- 1 general output (intended for IR driver)
- 3 PWM control, MOSFET driven 12v or 5v (intended for RGB LED control)
- 1-wire protocol interface (intended for thermometer sensor)
- 1 opto-isolated 12v input (Trigger in)
- 2 analogue sensor input
- 1 SPI port for board expansion
- 1 general purpose IO (5v low current)
- 2 switch inputs with pull-ups (intended for general use)
- LED on board
Lift Board
Purpose: This is a single function board to provide motor control. Control is triggered by powering the board, which then provides motor power until either a limit switch is activated or a maximum run time expires. The limit switch state determines motor direction. This module can be used to power motors for projector lifts, curtains or anything that requires similar control.
This module has zero standby current and only powers itself for the duration of the motor activity.
Summary table of board hardware capabilities.
| Hardware | Comms | Main | Driver | Motorless Driver |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Device communication ports (any combination of RS232 or RS422, jumper configurable) | 2 (jumpered) | 2 (fixed) | 2 (jumpered) | 2 (RS232 only) |
| SPI port for board expansion | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| On board regulated supply 12v to 5v | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Mains solid state switches (intended for lighting dimmer control, power control) | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| PWM control, MOSFET driven 12v or 5v (intended for RGB LED control) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 3 |
| 1-wire protocol interface (intended for thermometer sensor) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Analogue sensor inputs (intended for light sensor and PIR) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Relays (240v) (intended for screen control) | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| General output (intended for IR driver) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Opto-isolated open collector output (intended for trigger out) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| MOSFET driver output 12v or 5v (intended for general output) | 1 | 1 (5v only) | 0 | 1 |
| MOSFET motor driver 12v or 5v, PWM push-pull operation, with current sensing (intended for curtain / lift control) | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| General purpose IO (5v low current) | 3 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Opto-isolated 12v input (intended for trigger in) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Switch inputs with pull-ups (intended for general use, limit switches) | 2 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| LED on board | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |