BeagleBoard Trainer



Trainer Features:
 * 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
 * ATmega328 power is +3.3v or +5v selectable
 * Communicate to the ATmega328 via the BeagleBoard's second RS-232 uart

Available from www.tincantools.com = Hardware =



I²C Interface
The Trainer provides an interface to the BeagleBoard's I²C port. The I²C signals are level translated to either +3.3V or +5V (user selectable with a jumper). The I²C signals are located next the the prototyping area.

How to access the I2C bus (from software): http://i2c.wiki.kernel.org/index.php/Linux_2.6_I2C_development_FAQ

SPI Interface
The Trainer provides an interface the the BeagleBoard's SPI port and the signals are level translated to +3.3V. The SPI signals are located next to the prototyping area.


 * Accessing the SPI interface
 * user-space
 * kernel-space

GPIO Interface
The Trainer provides an interface to several of the BeagleBoard's GPIO signals. The GPIO signals are level translated to +3.3V and are located next to the prototyping area.

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.

ATmega328 (Arduino Compatible)
An ATmega328 embedded processor is located on the Trainer board that is user programmable. The ATmega328 is compatible with the Arduino and it's I/O signals are available next to the prototyping area. The ATmega328 can be user jumpered to run at either +3.3V or +5V. One of the BeagleBoard's GPIO signals controls the ATmega328's power supply and can turn on or off the power to the ATmega328. The ATmega328 can run off it's internal RC oscillator or it also has an external 8.0 Mhz ceramic resonator.


 * Atmel Atmega328 Product Page
 * Flash Programming
 * AVRDUDE software
 * AVR ISP hardware
 * Introduction to programming Atmel AVR's under Linux
 * Arduino Homepage

Prototyping / Breakout Area
The Trainer provides a prototyping / breakout area with a standard 0.1" x 0.1" spacing matrix. The user can use this area to prototype their design and interface it to either the BeagleBoard's level translated signals or to the ATmega328's I/O pins.

= 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.



= Trainer Rev-A Schematic =

The Trainer Rev-A schematic is avalible here:
 * [[media:Trainer_Rev-A_schematic.pdf|Trainer_Rev-A_schematic]]

= Where to purchase the Trainer board =

The Trainer board can be purchased from www.tincantools.com.