Embedded Controller Modules

Embedded Controller Modules
Domino
Frequently Asked Questions APPLICATION NOTES: Using a back-up battery for DOMINO-2’s RTClock/calendar Taking advantage of DOMINO's period input utility to measure distance using the sonar ranging module. Adding a DAC to the Domino – Connecting an LTC1257 2-channel, 12-bit DAC Interfacing a MAX232 Transceiver to theDomino Modules	The mighty Domino packs an 80C52 processor with a full floating-point BASIC, 32-KB SRAM, 32-KB EEPROM, 12 parallel I/O bits, and a 2-channel 12-bit ADC in a 0.8-cubic-inch encapsulated package that consumes only 75 mW. Domino is fully RS-232A, RS-422, and RS-485 compatible without extra components. Besides the two interrupts and three timers provided in the hardware, Domino is further enhanced by firmware which delivers an I²C bus, two PWM outputs, and direct period and frequency measurement. Domino 2 has all the features of a Domino 1 plus an I/O coprocessor which adds 16 more bits of high-current parallel I/O, a hardware clock/calendar, wide-range power operation, and a hardware PWM output. Dominos can be programmed directly from a serial terminal without special development tools. They can be programmed in either BASIC, a mixture of BASIC and assembly language, or mostly assembly language with just an initial BASIC CALL statement. Programs are initially developed in RAM and then transferred to the EEPROM for autostarting and permanent storage.
	Data Sheets	On-line	PDF
	Domino 1
	Domino 2
PicStic
PicStic Workshops: Simple Digital Output Digital Input and Output Program Flow Data Stroage and Retrieval Analog to Digital Conversion Stepper Motor Control Data Storting and LCD Output Read and Writing to PC Pulse Input Memory Buffer	PicStic is a low-cost, industrially oriented controller on a 0.85-square-inch SIP (PicStics 1-3) or a DIP (PicStic4). Including options, PicStic incorporates digital inputs and outputs, analog inputs, real-time monitoring, power-input regulation, and serial communication (provided through software) in a single module. PicStics can be used independently or networked together. The basic PicStic offers both compatibility and improved performance. It comes in four versions: PS1, PS2, PS3, and PS4. The PS1, PS2, and PS3 are all pin-compatible with the Parallax BASIC Stamp I. The PicStic1 is a straight one-for-one programmable replacement for the BS1. The PicStic2 has all the features of the PicStic1 plus a real-time clock/calendar that keeps time in terms of the year, month, day of the month, day of the week, hour, minute, and seconds. The clock always runs while the PicStic2 is powered. An optional 3-V lithium battery maintains the clock when power is off. The battery, which is approximately 0.6 inches in diameter, can be mounted on the front or back of the PicStic2. The PicStic3 has all the features of the PicStic1 plus a 2-channel, 12-bit ADC. The compiler contains library routines for reading the ADC and real-time clock. PicStic4 consists of a user-programmable controller, similar in most respects to our original PicStic1, enhanced with an intelligent I/O coprocessor. The coprocessor provides extended data memory, automatically reads and sets 12-bit analog I/O, reads or sets the real-time clock, and supports up to 24 bits of additional parallel I/O. Beyond the physical attributes, the coprocessor also provides numerous processing and data management functions which can be accessed from the controller side. Complicated program tasks like scanning keypads, driving an LCD display, recording Vmin, Vpeak, and Vavg analog readings, reading and setting the real-time clock, recording important data in extended nonvolatile memory, totaling events, reading frequency, generating a constant PWM output, or reading Dallas Semiconductor iButton serial numbers, are all provided as simple callable functions from the I/O coprocessor. PicStic4 is designed to provide the user with a cost-effective and easily programmable control device without requiring the user to eat up valuable controller-side programming space with all the low-level code typically necessary to perform useful monitoring and control activities. While PicStics 1-3 are BASIC Stamp I pin-compatible, you can program all PicStics in more than BASIC. Unlike the customized hardware of the BASIC Stamp, PicStic uses a generic reprogrammable PIC16F84 processor and customized compiler. Additional features and improvements typically involve recompiling your program, not buying new hardware. The single major advantage of the PicStic is that you get additional I/O lines and access to the four PIC16F84 interrupt sources when using assembly language (or an assembly-language call appended to PBASIC or C). With an ADC, interrupts, and 10 I/O lines, the PS3 provides a powerful little controller for cost-conscious applications. Using the PBASIC compiler, PicStic is 100% Stamp I compatible. As a bonus, it's also at least 15 times faster for the same crystal speed.
	Data Sheets	On-Line	PDF Update: part 16C84 has been replaced by 16F84
	PicStic 1-3
	PicStic 4
Answer MAN
	Answer MAN is a low-cost stand-alone or network-based data-acquisition and control module. As a small 0.8-cubic-inch standard 28-pin package, it can be used directly with a sensor or control device. It adds an analog/digital-to-serial data interface or supplements the control intelligence of sensors. Answer MAN provides the practical multipurpose interface between sensors and the computer. Answer MAN communicates via serial ASCII protocol at speeds as high as 57.6 kbps. Answer MAN's simple Query or Set command language reduces costly programming. The tiny Answer MAN DIP packs together eight high-current parallel I/O lines, a 4-channel 8-bit ADC, a 2-channel 12-bit ADC, and a 2-channel 12-bit DAC (these are internal or external, depending on version) along with a set of powerful firmware functions. These functions include keypad scanning, 4 x 20 LCD control, analog limit monitoring, data averaging, frequency and event counting, PWM output, and reading Dallas iButton serial numbers. Making a remote keypad/LCD terminal is as simple as connecting the LCD and keypad to an Answer MAN. Making a remote analog and digital control node is as simple as connecting the sensors and actuators to Answer MAN. Making a dedicated I/O expander for an existing controller is as simple as connecting Answer MAN to the serial lines of the controller. Answer MAN comes in Junior and Senior versions. Junior lets you add your own line driver and 12-bit ADC/DAC chips, whereas the Senior version has all the chips built-in. New Answer MAN Network Software enables you to integrate Answer MAN directly into your PC application. Details coming soon.
	Data Sheets	On-line	PDF
	Answer MAN