Revision as of 19:46, 17 May 2017

Each stack-able mCookie module uses a set of 27 pins.

The pins usually connect to a Core module's pins. Core modules provide the pins functionality. This is the reason why a Core module type is required in a build. Other modules (non-Core modules) uses / consumes / occupies a pin. This enables the Core module to control, communicate, etc with the stacked module.

When a module uses a pin, it can be thought of as consuming or occupying a pin, which would make other modules attempting to use the same pin unusable. Although, care is taken to avoid conflicts with pin usage. Sometimes pin functionalities overlap between different modules.

NOTE: Multiple Core modules on the same connected stack will interfere with each other as each will try to provide pin functionalities. Usage of a stack splitter such as DUO-V, mBattery, etc are considered the same stack because the pins will be connected across the mirrored pins.

Below is the chart which shows which pins are used for each specific module and can be used to find overlaps. If a conflict or overlap exist it is unlikely that both modules will be usable at the same time for a project. See section Known Conflicts to see a list of already known conflicts.

NOTE: I2C (SDA & SCL) and SPI (MISO & MOSI) are not conflicts between modules since they are share-able communication buses. Therefore, multiple modules can use these pins -- I2C (SDA & SCL) and SPI (MISO & MOSI) -- in their respective mode without a problem. Although, if those pins are use as a regular pin such as a digital IO or analog IO, then they will produce a conflict. UART (RX & TX) is not a share-able communication bus and will produce a conflict.

Examples

Example 1

• A mCookie Core module is picked as a Core module. mCookie Core provides the pins for functionality.
• A mCookie Motor is stacked. mCookie Motor uses pins D5, D6, D7, and D8 from the mCookie Core module. D5, D6, D7, D8 are now used / consumed / occupied by the mCookie Motor module.
• No conflicts exists.

Example 2

• A mCookie Core module is picked as a Core module. mCookie Core provides the pins for functionality.
• A mCookie Motor is stacked. mCookie Motor uses pins D5, D6, D7, and D8 from the mCookie Core module. D5, D6, D7, D8 are now used / consumed / occupied by the mCookie Motor module.
• A mCookie AudioPro is stack. mCookie AudioPro uses pins D13, D12, D11, D8.
• Pin D8 is now conflicted. D8 on mCookie Motor is used for motor control. D8 on mCookie SD is used to select the SD card module in SPI mode. Therefore, both modules will not work correctly because of the overlapping pin.

Upin27 Layout

• Each stack-able mCookie module uses a set of 27 pins.
• Core modules provides pins to other modules.
• Core Programmers are needed to upload a program to a Core module (except for CoreUSB, as there is an integrated programmer).
  • Core programmers use RX_ [D0] & TX_ [D1] on a Core module for programming.
  • RX_ [D0] & TX_ [D1] is also used for Serial communication with the Serial Monitor from the Core module to the Computer.
  • Programming and Serial Monitor does not cause a conflict.
  • RX_ [D0] & TX [D1] are also typically used by Communication modules such as Bluetooth and WiFi. Please be aware of this possible conflict.
  • Re-wiring on the Communication module may be needed in order to use a different pin.
• Other modules (non-Core modules) uses pins provided by Core modules.
• Pin names for a non-Core module are sometimes repeated.
  • The default configuration is in not parenthesis, while a re-wiring alternative is in parenthesis.
  • Some modules need to be re-wired in correct to avoid pin conflicts. See individual pages for re-wiring information.
• Power is powered by power giving modules such as mBattery, Battery Management, etc. The power pin 5V, 3V3 and GND are share-able across all modules and do not cause a conflict.
• Share-able communication pins such as I2C (SDA & SCL), and SPI (MISO [D11], MOSI [D12] & SCK [D13]) will not cause a conflict between modules. As they are designed to work as a share-able communication bus.
• Non share-able communication pins such as UART (TX_ & RX_) will cause a conflict between modules to attempt to use the same pins. As UART is not a shared communication bus.
• The Sensor Hub makes sensors connectable to a Core module.
  • It provides connectivity to almost all of the pins on the Core module.
  • Be cautious when connecting a Sensor / Trinket to the Sensor Hub as that particular pin could be used by non-Core module in the build / project.
  • Visit the Sensor Hub page for information on how a Sensor / Trinket will map to a Core module based on the labeling.

Known Conflicts

mCookie Motor

• mCookie SD - Pin D7

mCookie SD

• mCookie Motor - Pin D7