Features
- Windows, Linux, and MacOS USB CDC virtual COM port
- Powers from USB or wall-mount transformer
- PC-controlled or autonomous operation
- Embedded command interpreter
- Full-speed USB interface
- 18 general purpose I/O's
- Upgradable firmware
- 8 Analog inputs
- 4 Analog outputs
- 4 Timer channels
- 1 SPI 3-wire serial port
- 1 UART serial port
- Screw terminals
- Very compact size
click the photo to view a higher resolution version
USB CDC Class
The USB CDC Class (Communication Device Class) protocol the µChameleon 2 uses means that it will look like a regular serial port on your PC or Mac, visible in the 'COM & LPT ports' of your computer. Most systems have native drivers that support this protocol, and older Windows versions will only need a .inf text file so it knows how to use its own drivers with the µChameleon 2.
- Windows Windows 7/Vista/XP/Server 2003/2000/98/Me/CE.
- Linux
- MacOS X
8 Analog inputs with 12 bits ADC
The 8 analog inputs have 12 bits ADC resolution, and will let you measure a voltage in the 0-5Volts range. Use them to measure the position of potentiometers, light levels, temperatures, pressures... Sampling rates up to 200kHz are possible.
back to topCommand interpreter
Because versatility is nothing without ease of use, the embedded command interpreter lets you send simple human-readable commands. No more complex API's to learn, with their incredible list of mandatory parameters. Every programming language that can send text strings to a serial port will know how to talk to the µChameleon. You can even start by typing commands in the DOS shell, or in a software like HyperTerminal !
back to topPC-controlled or autonomous operation
User-defined procedures, consisting of a series of instructions, are used as event handlers. Invoked at power-up, or on a periodic basis, they enable autonomous applications to run without permanent connection to a PC.
back to topUpgradable firmware
Thanks to their flash memory and Firmware Upgrader software, all µChameleons can be upgraded to the latest firmware found in newly shipped versions. And our hardware protected boot means you can never end up with a locked device. If your PC fails during a µChameleon firmware upgrade, simply try again !
back to topFlexible powering schemes
- powers from USB
- powers from external transformer (internaly regulated)
- powers from external +5 Volts
- automatically switches from USB to external supply (and back)
- provides power to external circuits
- overcurrent and overtemperature fault protection
- external transfomer polarity protection
The µChameleon powers itself from USB by default. It is also possible to power it from an external wall-mount transformer, thanks to its internal linear regulator. In both cases, the supply voltage is brought out to a screw terminal, and lets you power your external circuits easily. If you already have a regulated voltage available, you can also use it to power the unit. And the power circuirty inside the µChameleon will automatically switch between its power sources without any mechanical intervention: if an external voltage is present, it is given priority, and when it is removed, the unit falls back to USB power, all this with over-current and over-temperature protection.
back to topFull-speed USB communications
The full-speed (12Mbits per second) USB interface will allow you to address the most demanding applications in terms of throughput. And it also means less demanding applications will have low latencies and respond quickly.
back to top18 General purpose I/O's
All 18 I/O's can be used to input or output logic-level signals, the direction is of course independently programmable for each I/O pin. Additionally, all I/O's have a programmable pull-up feature, that can be activated on a per-pin basis. While the I/O's can be accessed one at a time, it's also possible to access a group of 8 as a byte with a single command. This makes interfacing byte-oriented devices simpler and faster.
back to top4 Analog outputs
The analog outputs will produce variable voltage levels in the 0-5Volts range. Use them to control analog circuits, generate waveforms... These outputs are of the PWM type, and this means you can get very high resolutions (up to 16 bits), or choose an accuracy versus update balance by varying both the frequency and duty cycle independently. You can use them without an external RC filter in order to drive power transistors in switch mode, to vary the power applied to loads such as motors, lamps, heaters, or with an external filter if you intend to use them as control voltages for analog circuitry.
back to top4 Timer channels
The timer channels provide up to four programmable PWM channels or clock outputs, with a 42 nanoseconds resolution. You can alter the frequency in a very wide range (2Hz to 12Mhz), change the duty cycle, and polarity. Use them to drive power loads (with external power transistors) or analog circuits (with external RC filters). You can also use the timers as clock sources for external digital logic.
back to topScrew terminals
All I/O's, as well as power and grounds are easily connected to your external circuits thanks to screw terminals. Insert your wire, lock it using any standard screwdriver, and you're ready to interact with your circuit !
back to topVery compact size
It fits in a pocket ! Take it from your job to your home easily (but don't forget to bring it back the next day). Or maybe the other way around... Take it to a friend's place and have fun ! Hide it in a bigger enclosure with complementary electronics to quickly build professional-looking prototypes.
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