By definition, the payload of the MIKROE board is designed to snap away from the larger mikroBUS board. The MIKROE-6243 Proximity sensor as shown in Figure 1 is an example where the Vishay VCNL36828P payload is mounted above the snap line.
Figure 1: Image of a MIKROE board with the snap away payload.
Tech Tip: The snap board has a 0.059" (1.50mm) pitch. It will not directly connect to a 0.1” (2.54 mm) breadboard. You can see that they are not the same by comparing the Figure 1 pins 1 to 8 to the headers on the lower portion of the board.
Design strategy for a capstone engineering project
This MIKROE design suggests a multistep prototyping strategy ideally suited for rapid prototyping or an academic setting:
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Code development: You develop the code for your project using one or more mikroBUS daughter cards and a microcontroller.
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Proof of concept: Once you are confident in your code, you can snap off the payload portion of the board. Install a wire harness and then embed the small board into the mechanism. For example, the snap VCNL36828P sensor payload may be installed into an automated pet food dispenser to detect the presence of your pet.
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Prototype to production: Once you have successfully demonstrated your proof-of-concept device you can move to the prototype stage. For low-volume production runs, you may continue to use the Click and Snap. For high-volume production you will likely design your own PCB. This is a good time to review the datasheet specifications to obtain a complete understanding of the payload’s electrical specifications as well as the communications protocol. You can also reverse engineer the MIKROE board using the lessons to enhance your own PCB.
Tech Tip: Close inspection of Figure 1 reveals a small DS28E36BQ located near the bottom of the board. This is part of the MIKRO ClickID system which provides a plug-and-play Linux driver. Note that this functionality is lost when the payload is snapped off the main board. You will need to implement the code without automated assistance. Personally, I find it useful to use a logic analyzer to explore the communications protocol.
I accidentally snapped my MIKROE board – how can it be restored?
Don’t worry; you can restore the assembly by reconnecting the boards using header pins and socket. In addition to the pins and headers, you may want to use flat cables and sockets to connect the snap board to the primary board.
Figure 2: Image of socket and pins that may be used to restore connection to the snap payload and the Click board.
Video 1: MIKROE introduction to the SNAP showing the extension cables.
Parting thoughts
The MIKROE boards may be exactly what you need for your capstone project. Fast code development using the MIKROE libraries is a benefit. The ability to snap and then embed a tiny board into your projects is useful, as the tiny VCNL36828P as featured in this article would have been otherwise difficult to use.
How do you envision using these products? What should MIKROE focus on next? Leave your comment in the space below.
APDahlen
Related information
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About this author
Aaron Dahlen, LCDR USCG (Ret.), serves as an application engineer at DigiKey. He has a unique electronics and automation foundation built over a 27-year military career as a technician and engineer which was further enhanced by 12 years of teaching (interwoven). With an MSEE degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Dahlen has taught in an ABET-accredited EE program, served as the program coordinator for an EET program, and taught component-level repair to military electronics technicians. Dahlen has returned to his Northern Minnesota home and thoroughly enjoys researching and writing articles such as this.