Optocape

Description
Optocape is a simple Machine Interface cape for BeagleBone Black.

Originally it was designed for a miniature CNC Mill project based on many 3D Printer projects. While the 3D printer capes provided enough signals, the larger motors required isolated power supplies. Optocape was designed for a four axis machine, and also provides hardware for a touchscreen display.

Nothing about the cape is CNC specific. It can be used in many applications requiring isolated I/O and a big touchscreen.

Features

 * 15 high-speed outputs (isolated)
 * 10 high-speed inputs (isolated)
 * UART Tx Rx (isolated)
 * 4 opto relay outputs (500mA)
 * 12 bit color LVDS video (CMOS)
 * 4 analog inputs (CMOS)

Connections


This cape was originally designed for a CNC milling machine. The I/O was designed to accomidate four axis with step, direction, enable, limit switches, spindle, LED light and more.

Outputs
The signal outputs are divided into five sections. Each section is powered through seperate V and GND nets, allowing the BeagleBone and each section to opperate from seperate power supplies.

In addition to the signal outputs there are four on-board opto relays, rated up to 500mA.

Pin 9.25 is connected to an on-board indicator LED.

Pins 9.11 and 9.13 are connectord to dedicated Tx/Rx optos for serial communication (BBB UART4).

Inputs
The inputs are also isolated, and resistors are on-board. Attach 3-6 volt input signals directly to Optocape, or add a resistor for higher voltages.

GUI
The cape includes a LVDS serializer compatible with many flatscreen LCD panels. The cable is not included, and varies depending on your LCD. The mating connector is a 2MM header (14 pin, 2 rows).

Four-wire touchscreen is supported through pins A0-A3 of the BeagleBone Black.

The LVDS & analog pins are at CMOS level, powered by BBB VSYS, and are therefore ESD sensitive. Use caution if the LCD backlight uses a high voltage flourescent. LED backlights are preferred, and can be switch on/off by the on-board relays.

Vendors
Tindie

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