Dilshan R Jayakody’s Web Log

When it comes to automation and control systems, there's often a need for multiple digitally controlled output terminals with high-voltage handling capabilities. Many existing modules are bulky, expensive, or require numerous additional components to function. To address this gap, I've developed a fully open-source, USB-controlled 24-channel high-voltage driver. This device provides precise, flexible control in a compact and user-friendly package. The project is open hardware, released under the CERN-OHL-W license, ensuring transparency from hardware schematics to firmware code. The driver module communicates via USB using a simple virtual COM port, eliminating the need for special drivers and complex setups. Prototype version of the module. At the core of the system are three TPIC6B595 shift registers, each supplying eight open-drain outputs that can handle up to 50V and sink currents of up to 150mA per channel. These registers are daisy-chained to achieve a total of 24 ...

Simtelic Music Module is a user-programmable module that uses RTTTL data to store and play melodies. EL0003 - Programmable music module. RTTTL , which stands for Ring Tone Text Transfer Language , was created to provide a simple, text-based format for sharing ringtones on early mobile phones. Developed by Nokia , it quickly became popular due to its compact size and compatibility with text messaging services. This format allowed users to easily exchange custom melodies without needing specialized software or data connections. RTTTL is a human-readable data format where each ringtone is represented as a sequence of notes, durations, and optional settings. According to Simtelic naming conventions, this module is identified as EL0003 and is available for purchase online. Top view of the EL0003 module. This module is built around a 32-bit MCU, a 2Kbit EEPROM, and a CH340 USB bus conversion chip. It is compatible with the latest Windows and Linux-based PCs. The module is user-fr...

The HX711 is a versatile integrated circuit (IC) designed for precision analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion, particularly suited for strain gauge load cell applications. It features a 24-bit A/D converter with a differential input stage capable of handling both single-ended and differential input signals. Additionally, this device offers adjustable gain amplification to accommodate various load cell sensitivities. HX711 module. A common module based on the HX711 available in the market, including on AliExpress , is shown below. This module utilizes its internal analog supply regulator, which ensures a stable analog supply (AVDD) for the ADC and other internal components. The output voltage of the regulator (AVDD) is calculated using the following formula: V AVDD = V BG × (R1 + R2) / R2. AVDD voltage test setup. According to the electrical characteristics listed in the datasheet, the reference bypass voltage (V BG ) is 1.25V. For the modules mentioned, R1 is set at 8.2kΩ and R2 at 20k...

YALI ( Yet Another LCD Interface ) is an open-source project to provide a universal interface to drive the popular Hitachi HD44780 LCD controller. This module supports 3.3V and 5V MCUs and hardware development platforms, including Arduino, STM32, PIC, and ESP8266. YALI hardware module. The hardware module of this project consists of a 74HCT08 CMOS AND gate and a 74HC595 8-bit serial-in, parallel-out shift register. This module uses the MP1540 step-up converter to power the LCD unit connected to the system. The module has the jumper to select 3.3V or 5V DC power input.  Bottom side of the YALI hardware module. The YALI library is developed using C and is designed to be easily integrated with any C/C++ embedded toolchain. At the initial design stages, this library was successfully tested with all Arduino development boards, NodeMCU , STM32 Blue Pill , etc. The target system must have three digital output lines with 5V or 3.3V logic levels to interface with the YALI module. As m...