Pymate-Core-Tour
Abstract
The Core board is the heart beating your automation.
It fits a microcontroller running the user script written in Python.
The user script can interacts with the inputs and outputs (named IOs) and exchange data over the various buses.
The Core is delivered with the libraries facilitating its use.
Programming
The USB-C connector is used to program and monitor the Pymate.IO Core in Python. This connection is also used read and store files.
The USB connector fits an USB-to-Serial connection used to display the messages printed by the running script.
Like any Python script, the error description and call stack is printed out on the standard output (so the USB-to-Serial line) when it occurs.
Powering via USB-C:
The Core board can be powered via the USB-C. This make the microcontroller running without the high power features.
This is quite convenient for programming the board without getting it fully powered (9-28V DC).
Note: the board can be connected via USB while powered via the VIN connector.
User Interface
The Core expose a User switch available to the user script.
The Reset button is used to quickly restarts the board.
The Core also expose two User LEDs free for use in the user code.
Some place have been made available for custom labels.
Powering
The Core must be powered through VIN.
VIN can receives from 9 to 28V DC.
High power function (like Input/Output) relies on that power supply.
The connector is doubled to ease wiring (only one of the Vin and GND must be powered).
Input/Output
Inputs
The Core offers 8 digital inputs, each being 24V tolerant.
The digital inputs uses a Schmitt Trigger circuitry to enforce state stability.
The input detects a HIGH state from 8V DC then the voltage must drop below 5V to activates the LOW state.
Each input is fitted with an indicator LED reflecting the actual state of the digital input.
Outputs
The digital outputs are PNP transistors connecting supply voltage (VIN) to the positive lead of the LOAD.
The maximum current is 250mA per channel, quite enough for activating most of the devices (like relay).
Each output is fitted with an indicator LED, a convenient indicator of the output state.
Examples
See the example section for more details about wiring and scripting such features.
Analog Inputs
Each of the digital input can by reconfigured user script to act like a analog input.
When activated as analog, the input can read the DC voltage level between 0 to 10V.
10 is the absolute maximum for analog input, applying higher voltage may degrade or destroy the board.
Examples
See the example section for more details about wiring and scripting such feature.
Buses
RS485
CAN bus
Pymate bus
Realtime Clock
