I've mulling about an really off the wall idea, and I'm wondering if there 
is a standard way to do this.

I want a "cape" which can be used to connect a BeagleBoneBlack with another 
dev board in a manner to maximize flexibility.

IE P8 pins 1 to 45 will connect to 45 pins on the other board, with the 
assumption that
P8-1 and P8-2 will both connect to GROUND on the other board

3 to 45 will be used in GPIO mode on both boards and both boards are using 
the same voltage levels.


However, since they are 2 dev boards, it's always possible that the 
hobbyist will want to use the pins differently.  For example, he might want 
to attach an LCD to the Bone, using pins P8 28-45 in LCD mode.  And he 
doesn't want those signals being sent to the other dev board.

Using larger parts, one could use dip switches or jumpers inline with the 
connection.   But that adds bulky parts to the board.

What I'm thinking is that I could use a very low value SMD resistor for 
each line - with the expectation that if the hobbyist wishes to disconnect 
a line they will remove the SMD resistor.  It's not as flexible as a jumper 
- but it allows for the end user relatively easily disable some links if 
they need to.

Similarly, both boards provide some voltage rails for powering attached 
chips.  For example, P9-3 and P9-4 provides 3V   Those power rails should 
not connect from one board to the other in expected usage.   However, it's 
possible that the end user would prefer to use the 3V rails provided by the 
bone for everything.  As such, would it be appropriate to place 2 SMD 
diodes on that line in opposition, with the expectation that the end user 
would remove one of those diodes and replace it with a small resistor if 
they want to use it?

IE:  P9-3 ---- 3V SMD Diode---><--- 3V SMD Diode---Other Boards 3v Rail

The 2 diodes would block each other in "normal" operation, giving the 
hacker the flexibility to switch usage if they want.


I'm assuming in my ignorance I am missing some more obvious solution/type 
of part to use to configure this.

-- 
For more options, visit http://beagleboard.org/discuss
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"BeagleBoard" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to [email protected].
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Reply via email to