Features
- Freescale iMX6UL (MCIMX6G2CVM05AA, i.MX 32-bit MPU, ARM Cortex-A7 core, 528MHz, 289BGA)
- 512MB (opt. 256MB) DDR3 RAM onboard
- 1x 64kB SPI-RAM (static) for permanent storage of data with unlimited write cycles, with battery backup (uses the same battery which keeps the Real Time Clock running)
- 2x UARTS:
- 1x RS485 (not insulated)
- 1x general purpose TTL COM port with TX, RX, RTS and CTS (needs external signal conditioning; available from the Expansion Header) which can also become additional 4 GPIO’s
- 2x USB ports with 4-pin headers
- 1x Ethernet 10/100 with RJ45 90º socket
- 1x push-push socket for µSD flash card
- 1x LCD Interface with a 40pin ZIF socket to support 40pin FPC cables of small TTL LCD panels (4.3” 480x272, 5” 480x272 and 800x480) with LED backlight and eventually with bonded resistive or capacitive touch
- 1x LCD Interface with a 40pin ZIF socket for 40pin FPC cables of 7” TTL LCD panels (800x480) with LED backlight and eventually with bonded resistive or capacitive touch
- 1x 4W resistive touch panel (RTP) interface for the touch screen (for 4.3” and 5” signals are in the same FPC cable of the LCD cable but also available on a separate pin-header)
- 1x i2C PCAP touch interface, with dedicated 8pin FPC cable ZIF connector (same signals are also available on a separate pin-header)
- 1x LED Backlight driver for the LCD with selectable current values to fit most types of LCD
- 1x 44 pin header for functional expansion. It delivers power, GPIO’s and SPI & i2C buses to external conditioning boards (if needed).
- 16x TTL GPIO’s, s/w selectable as Inputs or Outputs. Need external signal conditioning.
- 2x CANbus interfaces, TTL, to be conditioned with external driver circuit, which can also become additional GPIO’s
- 1x AUDIO interface, with Audio-Codec and 3W integrated Amplifier for 4 Ohm speakers
- 1x ENCODER interface with pushbutton to read knob rotation clockwise/counterclockwise, with integrated pushbutton. This kind of knob is very common in small food appliances to be used for setting a value (e.g.: a time, a temperature), increasing/decreasing it and confirming by pressing the pushbutton. The interface is fully protected against transients.
- 1x RTC (Real Time Clock) Low-Power. Based on the same M41T0 used in our C2 (iMX53) board, it only drains 1 µA from the battery
- 1x CR2032 Lithium Battery with battery socket, to give power to both the RTC and the SPI Static RAM
- Power-Supply: single 5Vdc +/-5%. Power consumption depends on the LCD panel and other dongles attached to the board.
- Operating temperature is -40ºC ~ +85ºC
- Stand-by Mode: the C0-UL can be set to low-power standby mode with only 0.3W power consumption
- Dimensions: “PICO” form factor, 100x72mm
- Operating System: Embedded Linux
- Certifications: CE. Verified for FCC-B.
The C0-UL is a small, cost effective but versatile . It has been designed and manufactured to provide an entry-level flexible industrial computing core to be used for small touch controllers with either 4.3” or 5” or 7” LCD panels. A “Controller” is a system where the C0-UL is supplied together with an HMI unit (LCD + touch) and all the necessary software for the appliance’s process management.
The onboard software is a friendly Soft-PLC complying to IEC-1131 standards.
An extensive Graphic User Interface s/w support for QT-Library (Embedded Linux) can also be provided.
Despite the small design, the C0-UL drives a number of peripheral interfaces thanks to its versatile I/O features: Ethernet and serial COM port (RS485) for Modbus, USB and optional CAN for CANopen modules.
The board has also many onboard GPIOs (TTL level) which can be easily conditioned (also externally) for local I/O management.
A compact 44pin-header includes both power supply rails, GPIOs and SPI/i2C buses and allow the C0-UL to be plugged onto a customizable carrier-board (which could host all the I/O peripherals like relays, temperature interfaces, and so on), or they can carry a small piggy board with minimal I/O interface devices. When such piggy-board is plugged onto the C0-UL you will get a small handy, cheap and highly reliable controller to be used in appliances where cost saving is mandatory. Otherwise, you will be able to drive more complex I/O-boards using the serial Modbus interface.
Typical usage
Stand-alone controller with or without display to be used with side-by-side I/O modules in a daisy-chain connection. The modules can be connected by a short flat cable like in the right drawing.
Piggy-back over/under an I/O carrier-board or also stacked I/O modules. In this case the C0-UL can either feed power to the piggy board, or receive power from it.
HMI Controller matched to a small LCD display (with RTP or PCAP touch, from 4.3” to 7”), remotely connected to I/O boards through RS485 Modbus-RTU.
The C0-UL is the most reliable and versatile choice for low-end applications like:
- Professional food appliances
- Small Vending machines (especially outdoor)
- Parking, ticketing machines (especially outdoor)
- Small distributed touch-controllers for building & home automation
In this case the C0-UL can either feed power to the piggy board, or receive power from it.