DEV-13039 Datasheet DEV-13039 | P1-P3

SparkFun Blocks for Intel® Edison - Console

Block

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Introduction

The Console Block is one of the simplest ways to power and communicate

with an Intel Edison. Utilizing the FTDI 231X, this creates a USB to serial

bridge that is level shifted to the proper 1.8V required by the Edison. The

Console is found on UART2. This block is also capable of providing power

to the Edison as well as other stacked Blocks.

Console 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

Board Overview

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Console Block Functional Diagram TOP

• USB Micro B - The USB port provides power and a console access

port to an Intel Edison Stack. This Block supplies a voltage to the

Edison and other Blocks through the VSYS line at 4V. This voltage

may vary up to +/-0.1V depending on load.

• 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.

• Data LEDs - The Data LEDs help the user identify if the console is

active. This is a feature commonly found on our FTDI breakout.

• LED Jumpers - If power consumption is an issue, cut each jumper to

disable LEDs

• 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 Console Block

To use the console 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.

Console Block Installed

We have a nice Hardware Pack available that gives enough hardware to

secure three blocks and an Edison.

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Intel Edison Hardware Pack

Connecting to the Console

Once you have connected your hardware, plug the Micro USB cable into

the Block. If you do not have FTDI drivers currently installed, you’ll need to

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 Console Block, take a look at

some of these other tutorials. These tutorials cover programming, Block

stacking, and interfacing with the Intel Edison ecosystems.

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P1-P3 P4-P4

DEV-13039

Mfr. #:

Buy DEV-13039

Manufacturer:

SparkFun

Description:

Power Management IC Development Tools Block for Intel Edison Console

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New from this manufacturer.

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