Page 1 of 5
SparkFun Blocks for Intel® Edison - UART
Block
Introduction
The UART Block provides a level shifted interface to the console port or
second UART port. This is a great solution when USB is not an option. This
allows the Edison module to be interfaced with legacy hardware by
providing a protected signal interface. Using a RS232 Shifter, it is possible
to connect an Edison to RS232 devices commonly found in older
automation equipment and instrumentation. The UART Block paired with a
5V Compatible FTDI device, such as our FTDI Basic Breakout, will power
an Edison Stack.
UART Block
Suggested Reading
If you are unfamiliar with Blocks, take a look at the General Guide to
Sparkfun Blocks for Intel Edison.
Other tutorials that may help you on your Edison adventure include:
•
•
•
•
•
Serial Communication
How to Install FTDI Drivers
Serial Terminal Basics
Powering Your Project
Connector Basics
Board Overview
Page 2 of 5
UART Block Functional Diagram
• UART Header - Standard FTDI header with RX, TX, VCC, and GND
broken out.
• Select Switch - Select between Console (UART2) and UART1
• Power Button - The power switch is connected to the “PWRBTN” line
on the Edison. This give the user the ability to place an Edison in
sleep or power down the module completely. This does not affect
power to other Blocks in the stack.
• Power LED - The power LED illuminates when power is present on
VSYS. This can come from the Console Block, or any other powered
Block in the stack.
• LED Jumper - If power consumption is an issue, cut each jumper to
disable LED
• Expansion Header - The 70-pin Expansion header breaks out the
functionality of the Intel Edison. This header also passes signals and
power throughout the stack. These function much like an Arduino
Shield.
Using the UART Block
To use the UART Block, attach an Intel Edison to the back of the board or
add it to your current stack. Blocks can be stacked without hardware, but it
leaves the expansion connectors unprotected from mechanical stress.
UART Block Installed
We have a nice Hardware Pack available that gives enough hardware to
secure three blocks and an Edison.
Page 3 of 5
Intel Edison Hardware Pack
Using the Block in the Middle of a Stack
If you need to use the UART block in the middle of a stack, it may be
necessary to file or sand the FTDI connector. The connector is slightly
larger than the 3mm clearance allowed by the expansion connectors. It is
preferred that the user place this Block a the bottom of a stack.
File or Sand the Connector Here
Using the Block with our FTDI Accessories.
The UART Block can be used with our 5V FTDI Basic.
FTDI 5V Basic Installed
Connecting to the Console
Once you have connected your hardware to your UART -> Serial device of
choice, plug the USB side of the device into the USB port on your
computer. If you do not have FTDI drivers currently installed, you’ll need to
Page 4 of 5
download and install them before using your Edison. Visit our tutorial for
instructions on how to install the drivers. After you have ensured that the
drivers are installed and your device is running, open your favorite terminal
program and point it to the USB-serial connection. We have another tutorial
to explain terminal programs and how to use them.
The standard Baud Rate is 115200bps.
Once a terminal is active you are ready to explore!
Using the Power Button
The power button on the Edison brings a unique feature commonly not
found on single board computers. The power button behaves much like the
power buttons on desktop and laptop computers.
• While powered, Holding the power button for ~10 seconds will power
down the Edison.
• While un-powered, pressing the power button momentarily will reboot
the Edison.
• While powered, pressing the power button momentarily will place the
Edison in sleep mode.
• While in sleep mode, pressing the power button momentarily will
wake the Edison.
Resources and Going Further
Now that you have had a brief overview of the UART Block, take a look at
some of these other tutorials. These tutorials cover programming, Block
stacking, and interfacing with the Intel Edison ecosystems.
Edison General Topics:
• General Guide to Sparkfun Blocks for Intel Edison
• Edison Getting Started Guide
• Loading Debian (Ubilinix) on the Edison
Block Specific Topics:
• How to Install FTDI Drivers
• UART Block Git Repo
Check out these other Edison related tutorials from SparkFun:
SparkFun Blocks for Intel®
Edison - OLED Block
Edison Getting Started
Guide
Page 5 of 5
A quick overview of the features of
the OLED Block for the Edison.
An introduction to the Intel® Edison.
Then a quick walk through on
interacting with the console,
connecting to WiFi, and doing...stuff.
Programming the Intel®
Edison: Beyond the Arduino
IDE
Intel's Edison module goes beyond
being just another Arduino clone.
Check this tutorial for advice on how
to get the most out of your Edison
by writing code in C++!
Loading Debian (Ubilinux) on
the Edison
How to load a Debian distribution
(specifically Ubilinux) onto the
Edison.
https://learn.sparkfun.com/tutorials/sparkfun-blocks-for-intel-edison---uart-block?_ga=1....
10/12/2015
微控制器 MCU
京公网安备 11010802033920号
Copyright © 2005-2026 EEWORLD.com.cn, Inc. All rights reserved
电子工程世界
