Beginner
10 min

Achieve precise control and confirm actions within industrial settings using the combination of three TL3215 series tactile switches and PIC18F97J60

Straightforward and effective tactile switch integration

Button 3 Click with PICPLC16 v7a

Published Aug 06, 2024

Click board™

Button 3 Click

Dev. board

PICPLC16 v7a

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC18F97J60

Control actions with reliable tactile input in consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and automotive systems via high-performance tactile switches

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

Button 3 Click is based on three tactile switches, members of the TL3215 series of tactile switches from E-Switch. Each specific switch features several key characteristics, denoted by its part number TL3215AF160BQ/TL3215AF160RQ/TL3215AF160GQ. The 'TL' in the part number indicates it belongs to the TL series, known for its high reliability and consistent performance. The '3215' model is a testament to its robust construction and design. It includes an actuator option ('A') with a 2mm actuator, ensuring precise and responsive operation. The 'F160' denotes an actuation force of 160gf, providing a balanced tactile feedback that is neither too hard nor too soft, thus preventing accidental presses while remaining user-friendly. The 'B/R/G' indicates the blue/red/green color of the switch, making it easily identifiable, while the 'Q' signifies the use of silver contact material, known for its excellent conductivity and durability. Regarding specifications, these switches have an impressive electrical rating of 50mA at 12VDC, and their electrical and mechanical life is

rated at 1,000,000 cycles, ensuring longevity and reliability in various applications. Initially, the contact resistance is a maximum of 100mΩ, while the insulation resistance stands at 100MΩ at 500VDC, highlighting its excellent electrical isolation properties. The switches also have a dielectric strength of 250VAC for 1 minute and operate efficiently from -40°C to 85°C. The contact arrangement is single-pole single-throw (SPST), providing straightforward switching functionality. Additionally, the integrated LED in this version operates at a forward current of 20mA with a typical forward voltage of 3V at 20mA. It delivers a typical luminous intensity of 100mcd, ensuring clear visibility of the switch's status. This Click board™ is designed in a unique format supporting the newly introduced MIKROE feature called "Click Snap." Unlike the standardized version of Click boards, this feature allows the main sensor area to become movable by breaking the PCB, opening up many new possibilities for implementation. Thanks to the Snap feature, the switches can operate autonomously by accessing their signals directly on

the pins marked 1-8. Additionally, the Snap part includes a specified and fixed screw hole position, enabling users to secure the Snap board in their desired location. Button 3 Click communicates with the host MCU via the TCA6408A port expander using the I2C interface. This port expander allows control of all buttons and their control signals, including a signal dedicated to detecting button presses (providing an interrupt signal to the host MCU (INT) whenever the tactile switch is activated) and the signal that controls the LED on the TL3215. In addition to the I2C interface pins, the port expander also uses a reset (RST) pin and a jumper for I2C address selection, ADDR SEL. This Click board™ can operate with either 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. This way, both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs can use the communication lines properly. Also, this Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used as a reference for further development.

Button 3 Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

PICPLC16 v7a is the seventh generation of PIC development boards, providing an environment for experimenting with industrial devices. It comes with an onboard 8-bit PIC microcontroller, the PIC18F97J60 from Microchip, and a broad set of unique functions, such as the first-ever embedded debugger/programmer over USB-C. The development board also consists of 16 opto-inputs and 16 relays for currents up to 16A. It is well organized and designed so that the end-user has all the necessary elements, such as switches, buttons, indicators, and connectors, in one place. With eight connectors for each port, PICPLC16 v7a

allows you to develop PIC-based industrial, home, or office automation applications more efficiently than ever. Each part of the PICPLC16 v7a development board contains the components necessary for the most efficient operation of the same board. In addition to the advanced integrated CODEGRIP programmer/debugger module, which offers many valuable programming/debugging options and seamless integration with the Mikroe software environment, the board also includes a clean and regulated power supply block for the development board. It can use a wide range of external power sources, including an external 12V

power supply, 7-23V AC or 9-32V DC via DC connector/screw terminals, and a power source via the USB Type-C (USB-C) connector. Communication options such as LIN and Ethernet are also included, alongside the well-established mikroBUS™ standard. PICPLC16 v7a is an integral part of the Mikroe ecosystem for rapid industrial development. Natively supported by Mikroe software tools, it covers many aspects of prototyping and development thanks to a considerable number of different Click boards™ (over a thousand boards), the number of which is growing every day.

PICPLC16 v7a double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

PIC

MCU Memory (KB)

128

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

100

RAM (Bytes)

3808

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
Reset
RG6
RST
ID COMM
RJ2
CS
NC
NC
SCK
NC
NC
MISO
NC
NC
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
NC
NC
PWM
Interrupt
RB0
INT
NC
NC
TX
NC
NC
RX
I2C Clock
RC3
SCL
I2C Data
RC4
SDA
Power Supply
5V
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

Button 3 Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

PICPLC16 v7a front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the PICPLC16 v7a as your development board.

PICPLC16 v7a front image hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click front image hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
PICPLC16 v7a Access MB 1 - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
NECTO Compiler Selection Step Image hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
Necto_MCU_Select_PICPLC16 hardware assembly
Necto No Display image step 8 hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Necto PreFlash Image hardware assembly

Track your results in real time

Application Output

1. Application Output - In Debug mode, the 'Application Output' window enables real-time data monitoring, offering direct insight into execution results. Ensure proper data display by configuring the environment correctly using the provided tutorial.

2. UART Terminal - Use the UART Terminal to monitor data transmission via a USB to UART converter, allowing direct communication between the Click board™ and your development system. Configure the baud rate and other serial settings according to your project's requirements to ensure proper functionality. For step-by-step setup instructions, refer to the provided tutorial.

3. Plot Output - The Plot feature offers a powerful way to visualize real-time sensor data, enabling trend analysis, debugging, and comparison of multiple data points. To set it up correctly, follow the provided tutorial, which includes a step-by-step example of using the Plot feature to display Click board™ readings. To use the Plot feature in your code, use the function: plot(*insert_graph_name*, variable_name);. This is a general format, and it is up to the user to replace 'insert_graph_name' with the actual graph name and 'variable_name' with the parameter to be displayed.

Software Support

Library Description

This library contains API for Button 3 Click driver.

Key functions:

  • button3_toggle_red_led - This function toggles the red button LED by toggling the RK pin logic state.

  • button3_toggle_green_led - This function toggles the green button LED by toggling the GK pin logic state.

  • button3_toggle_blue_led - This function toggles the blue button LED by toggling the BK pin logic state.

Open Source

Code example

The complete application code and a ready-to-use project are available through the NECTO Studio Package Manager for direct installation in the NECTO Studio. The application code can also be found on the MIKROE GitHub account.

/*!
 * @file main.c
 * @brief Button 3 Click example
 *
 * # Description
 * This example demonstrates the use of Button 3 click board by toggling a button
 * LED and its switch state on a button press.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 *
 * ## Application Init
 * Initializes the driver and performs the click default configuration.
 *
 * ## Application Task
 * Toggles a button LED and its switch state on a button press and displays the state
 * on the USB UART.
 *
 * @author Stefan Filipovic
 *
 */

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "button3.h"

static button3_t button3;
static log_t logger;

void application_init ( void ) 
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;  /**< Logger config object. */
    button3_cfg_t button3_cfg;  /**< Click config object. */

    /** 
     * Logger initialization.
     * Default baud rate: 115200
     * Default log level: LOG_LEVEL_DEBUG
     * @note If USB_UART_RX and USB_UART_TX 
     * are defined as HAL_PIN_NC, you will 
     * need to define them manually for log to work. 
     * See @b LOG_MAP_USB_UART macro definition for detailed explanation.
     */
    LOG_MAP_USB_UART( log_cfg );
    log_init( &logger, &log_cfg );
    log_info( &logger, " Application Init " );

    // Click initialization.
    button3_cfg_setup( &button3_cfg );
    BUTTON3_MAP_MIKROBUS( button3_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    if ( I2C_MASTER_ERROR == button3_init( &button3, &button3_cfg ) ) 
    {
        log_error( &logger, " Communication init." );
        for ( ; ; );
    }
    
    if ( BUTTON3_ERROR == button3_default_cfg ( &button3 ) )
    {
        log_error( &logger, " Default configuration." );
        for ( ; ; );
    }
    
    log_info( &logger, " Application Task " );
    log_printf ( &logger, " Press button to change switch state\r\n\n" );
    log_printf ( &logger, " RED SWITCH OFF\r\n\n" );
    log_printf ( &logger, " GREEN SWITCH OFF\r\n\n" );
    log_printf ( &logger, " BLUE SWITCH OFF\r\n\n" );
}

void application_task ( void ) 
{
    static uint8_t red_switch_state = BUTTON3_SWITCH_OFF;
    static uint8_t green_switch_state = BUTTON3_SWITCH_OFF;
    static uint8_t blue_switch_state = BUTTON3_SWITCH_OFF;
    uint8_t switch_state = BUTTON3_SWITCH_OFF;

    if ( BUTTON3_PIN_STATE_LOW == button3_get_int_pin ( &button3 ) )
    {
        if ( ( BUTTON3_OK == button3_get_red_button ( &button3, &switch_state ) ) && 
             ( BUTTON3_BUTTON_PRESSED == switch_state ) )
        {
            button3_toggle_red_led ( &button3 );
            red_switch_state ^= BUTTON3_SWITCH_ON;
            if ( BUTTON3_SWITCH_ON == red_switch_state )
            {
                log_printf ( &logger, " RED SWITCH ON\r\n\n" );
            }
            else
            {
                log_printf ( &logger, " RED SWITCH OFF\r\n\n" );
            }
        }
        if ( ( BUTTON3_OK == button3_get_green_button ( &button3, &switch_state ) ) && 
             ( BUTTON3_BUTTON_PRESSED == switch_state ) )
        {
            button3_toggle_green_led ( &button3 );
            green_switch_state ^= BUTTON3_SWITCH_ON;
            if ( BUTTON3_SWITCH_ON == green_switch_state )
            {
                log_printf ( &logger, " GREEN SWITCH ON\r\n\n" );
            }
            else
            {
                log_printf ( &logger, " GREEN SWITCH OFF\r\n\n" );
            }
        }
        if ( ( BUTTON3_OK == button3_get_blue_button ( &button3, &switch_state ) ) && 
             ( BUTTON3_BUTTON_PRESSED == switch_state ) )
        {
            button3_toggle_blue_led ( &button3 );
            blue_switch_state ^= BUTTON3_SWITCH_ON;
            if ( BUTTON3_SWITCH_ON == blue_switch_state )
            {
                log_printf ( &logger, " BLUE SWITCH ON\r\n\n" );
            }
            else
            {
                log_printf ( &logger, " BLUE SWITCH OFF\r\n\n" );
            }
        }
        Delay_ms ( 100 );
    }
}

int main ( void ) 
{
    /* Do not remove this line or clock might not be set correctly. */
    #ifdef PREINIT_SUPPORTED
    preinit();
    #endif
    
    application_init( );
    
    for ( ; ; ) 
    {
        application_task( );
    }

    return 0;
}

// ------------------------------------------------------------------------ END

Additional Support

Resources

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