BeagleBoard Trainer
The Trainer Board is an expansion/breakout board for the BeagleBoard that adds:
- I2C interface(+3.3v or +5v selectable)
- SPI inteface (+3.3v)
- GPIO's(+3.3v)
- Large prototyping area (0.1" x 0.1" matrix with access to power bus)
- Atmega328 processor (user programmable)
- Arduino compatible
- +3.3v or +5v selectable
- communicate to the ATmega328 via the BeagleBoard's second uart
Contents
Hardware
I2C Interface
The Trainer provides an interface to the BeagleBoard's I2C interface. The signals are level translated to either 3.3V or 5V (user selectable).
SPI Interface
GPIO Interface
Serial EEPROM
The Trainer board provides an AT24C01 serial EEPROM that contains a Vendor ID and a Device ID that the BeagleBoard uses to identify the type of board connected to the expansion header. This information enables the BeagleBoard to auto-configure the pin mux for signals needed by the Trainer. More information can be found on the Beagle Board Pin Mux Page.
Soldering BeagleBoard's Expansion Header
This is a quick guide showing you how to solder the 2x14 Header into the BeagleBoard’s Expansion connector (J3).
Insert the 2x14 Header’s SHORT PINS from the back side of the BeagleBoard into the BeagleBoard’s expansion connector (J3).
Position the 2x14 Header so the LONG PINS are on the BACK SIDE of the BeagleBoard.
Solder the SHORT PINS of the 2x14 Header from the TOP SIDE of the BeagleBoard.
Attaching to the BeagleBoard
Attach the four board spacers with the screws provided.
Connect the expansion board onto the BACK SIDE of the BeagleBoard by mating with the 2x14 Header you just soldered. Make sure all of the pins align correctly.
Continue pushing the two boards together until the connectors mate together.
Attach the male standoffs as shown.
Programming the Trainer
All of the devices on the Trainer board work as standard linux devices which means any reference material for these devices is applicable:
How to access the I2C bus (from software): http://i2c.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Linux_2.6_I2C_development_FAQ
How to access the second UART: http://tldp.org/HOWTO/Serial-HOWTO.html and http://www.vanemery.com/Linux/Serial/serial-console.html
How to use and configure the SPI port:
Where to purchase the Trainer board
The Trainer board can be purchased from www.tincantools.com.