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10 min

Simplify your lighting control with ADM2862E and PIC32MZ2048EFM100

Unlock the magic of lights!

DMX Click with Curiosity PIC32 MZ EF

Published Nov 08, 2023

Click board™

DMX Click

Dev Board

Curiosity PIC32 MZ EF

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC32MZ2048EFM100

Our solution establishes seamless communication between your MCU and DMX512-A compatible equipment, enabling you to effortlessly control mesmerizing lighting effects for your events and performances.

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

DMX Click is based on two different ICs: the first one is the PIC18F26K42 from Microchip, which is, among other peripherals, equipped with a DMX512 (DMX) hardware module. This makes it a very robust alternative to many similar software-based solutions, which generate all the specific DMX timings by dynamically switching the UART baud rate, or by using some similar techniques. The second IC is the ADM2862E from Analog Devices, a very compact and robust RS485 transceiver, which provides up to 5kV of galvanic isolation between the bus and the controller side. The same IC was used in RS485 2 Click where you can find a brief explanation of its functionalities. More detailed information can be found in its official datasheet, in the links below. The basic concept of DMX Click is to take plain UART data at any baud rate at its input and use it to fill in the channel data of any of the 512 available DMX slots, without worrying about timings, signal conversion, frame rates, etc. In other words, DMX Click supports controlling a single DMX Universe over the common UART interface found on almost every MCU, which opens up many design possibilities. It can be used to design an independent control desk (DMX MASTER), which doesn't require a PC to be connected. It can also be used to design custom DMX SLAVE applications very easily. The DMX protocol itself has some specifics, which need to

be explained in order to better understand how the Click board™ works: the DMX data format is very similar to a common UART, except it is fixed to a data rate of 250kbps, one start bit, eight data bits, two stop bits and no parity. Considering the fixed DMX baud rate, it takes approximately 23ms to send 513 bytes of data, along with BR and MAB signals, which translates to a maximum frame rate of 44 Hz. In other words, the channel data of a single slot can be updated 44 times per second. If higher frame rates are required (e.g. smoother movement, smoother light transition), the entire frame can be shortened. DMX512-A standard doesn't require sending all 512 slots, which can save time between two frames. DMX Click can be operated in both MASTER and SLAVE modes. It allows many of DMX parameters to be configured for each mode, by using simple UART commands interface. User can configure the frame length itself, gap length between two consecutive frames, number of channels within the frame, duration of the interrupt signal after each frame, and so on. The DMX Click Manual provides all the necessary information about the available parameters in both modes. The firmware on the PIC26K42 MCU utilizes two memory buffers. Incoming data from the UART input is stored in the first buffer (A), while the second buffer (B) is transferred to the UART output. Data transfer is performed

by using dedicated DMA channels. When the transfer is done and if the A buffer is full, the DMA transfer restarts, while the buffers are swapped. Now the buffer B is accepting data from the input, while the buffer A is transferred to the UART output. This is a typical double-buffering concept and it allows synchronization between two buffers working on different speeds. The input-side UART is configured to auto or fixed (115200) baud rate, while the output-side UART is set to a DMX mode and is routed to the RS485 transceiver. The 3-pole output terminal is used to connect the Click board™ to the DMX bus, with its connections clearly marked on the PCB (DN - Data Negative; DP - Data Positive; GND in the middle) The interrupt pin (INT) is used to signalize different events to the host MCU, while the STAT LED is used as a visual indication (i.e. for config errors). The MODE LED indicates operating mode (SLAVE or MASTER), while the RUN LED indicates the running status of the Click board™. Please refer to the DMX Click Manual for a detailed explanation of DMX Click functions in each mode. DMX Click offers a selection between 3.3V and 5V operation, with the onboard SMD jumper, labeled as PWR SEL. This allows both 3.3V and 5V MCUs to be interfaced with this Click board™.

DMX hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

Curiosity PIC32 MZ EF development board is a fully integrated 32-bit development platform featuring the high-performance PIC32MZ EF Series (PIC32MZ2048EFM) that has a 2MB Flash, 512KB RAM, integrated FPU, Crypto accelerator, and excellent connectivity options. It includes an integrated programmer and debugger, requiring no additional hardware. Users can expand

functionality through MIKROE mikroBUS™ Click™ adapter boards, add Ethernet connectivity with the Microchip PHY daughter board, add WiFi connectivity capability using the Microchip expansions boards, and add audio input and output capability with Microchip audio daughter boards. These boards are fully integrated into PIC32’s powerful software framework, MPLAB Harmony,

which provides a flexible and modular interface to application development a rich set of inter-operable software stacks (TCP-IP, USB), and easy-to-use features. The Curiosity PIC32 MZ EF development board offers expansion capabilities making it an excellent choice for a rapid prototyping board in Connectivity, IOT, and general-purpose applications.

Curiosity PIC32MZ EF double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

PIC32

MCU Memory (KB)

2048

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

100

RAM (Bytes)

524288

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
Reset
RA9
RST
Automatic Baud Rate Configuration
RPD4
CS
NC
NC
SCK
NC
NC
MISO
NC
NC
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
Run Mode
RPE8
PWM
Interrupt
RF13
INT
UART TX
RPD10
TX
UART RX
RPD15
RX
NC
NC
SCL
NC
NC
SDA
Power Supply
5V
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

DMX Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

Curiosity PIC32MZ EF front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Curiosity PIC32 MZ EF as your development board.

Curiosity PIC32MZ EF front image hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click front image hardware assembly
Prog-cut hardware assembly
GNSS2 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
Curiosity PIC32 MZ EF MB 1 Access - upright/background hardware assembly
Necto image step 2 hardware assembly
Necto image step 3 hardware assembly
Necto image step 4 hardware assembly
Necto image step 5 hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
Curiosity PIC32 MZ EF MCU Step hardware assembly
Necto No Display image step 8 hardware assembly
Necto image step 9 hardware assembly
Necto image step 10 hardware assembly
Debug Image Necto Step 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 DMX Click driver.

Key functions:

  • dmx_generic_write - Generic write function.

  • dmx_generic_read - Generic read function.

  • dmx_send_cmd - Send command function.

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 
 * \brief DMX Click example
 * 
 * # Description
 * This example demonstrates the use of the DMX click board by showcasing
 * the control for a 6-channel DMX RGB LED reflector connected to it.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 * 
 * ## Application Init 
 * Initializes the driver and performs the click default configuration.
 * 
 * ## Application Task  
 * Performs the LEDs dimming control on a 6-channel DMX RGB LED reflector.
 * 
 * \author MikroE Team
 *
 */
#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "dmx.h"
#include "string.h"

// Application buffer size
#define APP_BUFFER_SIZE         256
#define PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE     256

/**
 * @brief Application example variables.
 * @details Variables used in application example.
 */
static uint8_t app_buf[ APP_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
static int32_t app_buf_len = 0;
static dmx_t dmx;
static log_t logger;

/**
 * @brief Clearing application buffer.
 * @details This function clears memory of application
 * buffer and reset its length.
 */
static void dmx_clear_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief Data reading function.
 * @details This function reads data from device and
 * appends it to the application buffer.
 * @return @li @c  0 - Some data is read.
 *         @li @c -1 - Nothing is read.
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 */
static err_t dmx_process ( void );

/**
 * @brief Logs application buffer.
 * @details This function logs data from application buffer.
 */
static void dmx_log_app_buf ( void );

/**
 * @brief Response check.
 * @details This function checks for response and
 * returns the status of response.
 * @param[in] rsp  Expected response.
 * @return @li @c  0 - OK response.
 *         @li @c -1 - Unknown error.
 *         @li @c -2 - Timeout error.
 * See #err_t definition for detailed explanation.
 */
static err_t dmx_rsp_check ( uint8_t *rsp );

// ------------------------------------------------------ APPLICATION FUNCTIONS

void application_init ( void )
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;
    dmx_cfg_t cfg;

    /** 
     * 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.
    dmx_cfg_setup( &cfg );
    DMX_MAP_MIKROBUS( cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    dmx_init( &dmx, &cfg );

    dmx_set_auto_baud_rate( &dmx, 1 );
    Delay_ms( 100 );

    dmx_reset( &dmx, DMX_MASTER );
    dmx_run( &dmx, DMX_CONFIG_MODE );
    Delay_ms( 100 );
    
    dmx_process( );
    dmx_clear_app_buf( );

    // Clear the internal buffers
    dmx_send_cmd( &dmx, DMX_CMD_PURGEBFR );
    dmx_rsp_check( DMX_RSP_OK );
    dmx_log_app_buf( );

    // Set start address
    dmx_send_cmd( &dmx, DMX_CMD_SADR );
    dmx_rsp_check( DMX_RSP_OK );
    dmx_log_app_buf( );

    // Set input data buffer length
    dmx_send_cmd( &dmx, DMX_CMD_BLEN );
    dmx_rsp_check( DMX_RSP_OK );
    dmx_log_app_buf( );

    // Set DMX frame length
    dmx_send_cmd( &dmx, DMX_CMD_FLEN_MASTER );
    dmx_rsp_check( DMX_RSP_OK );
    dmx_log_app_buf( );

    // Set interrupt pulse duration
    dmx_send_cmd( &dmx, DMX_CMD_ITMR );
    dmx_rsp_check( DMX_RSP_OK );
    dmx_log_app_buf( );

    // Set a time delay between two frames
    dmx_send_cmd( &dmx, DMX_CMD_FTMR );
    dmx_rsp_check( DMX_RSP_OK );
    dmx_log_app_buf( );

    // Display configuration
    dmx_send_cmd( &dmx, DMX_CMD_DISPLCFG );
    dmx_rsp_check( DMX_RSP_OK );
    dmx_log_app_buf( );
    dmx_clear_app_buf( );
    
    dmx_run( &dmx, DMX_RUN_MODE );

    log_info( &logger, " Application Task " );
    Delay_ms( 500 );
}

void application_task ( void )
{
    uint8_t dmx_6_ch_buf[ 6 ] = { 0 };
    int16_t cnt = 0;
    
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 0 ] = 255; // Dimmer
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 1 ] = 0;   // Red
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 2 ] = 0;   // Green
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 3 ] = 0;   // Blue
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 4 ] = 0;   // Strobe
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 5 ] = 0;   // Macro
    
    log_printf( &logger, "\r\nDimming RED LEDs\r\n" );
    for ( cnt = 0; cnt <= 255; cnt++ )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 1 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
    for ( cnt = 255; cnt >= 0; cnt-- )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 1 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
    
    log_printf( &logger, "Dimming GREEN LEDs\r\n" );
    for ( cnt = 0; cnt <= 255; cnt++ )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 2 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
    for ( cnt = 255; cnt >= 0; cnt-- )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 2 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
    
    log_printf( &logger, "Dimming BLUE LEDs\r\n" );
    for ( cnt = 0; cnt <= 255; cnt++ )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 3 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
    for ( cnt = 255; cnt >= 0; cnt-- )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 3 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
    
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 1 ] = 255;
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 2 ] = 255;
    dmx_6_ch_buf[ 3 ] = 255;
    log_printf( &logger, "Dimming all LEDs\r\n" );
    for ( cnt = 0; cnt <= 255; cnt++ )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 0 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
    for ( cnt = 255; cnt >= 0; cnt-- )
    {
        dmx_6_ch_buf[ 0 ] = cnt;
        dmx_generic_write( &dmx, dmx_6_ch_buf, 6 );
        Delay_ms ( 1 );
    }
}

void main ( void )
{
    application_init( );

    for ( ; ; )
    {
        application_task( );
    }
}

static void dmx_clear_app_buf ( void )
{
    memset( app_buf, 0, app_buf_len );
    app_buf_len = 0;
}

static err_t dmx_process ( void )
{
    uint8_t rx_buf[ PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE ] = { 0 };
    int32_t rx_size = 0;
    rx_size = dmx_generic_read( &dmx, rx_buf, PROCESS_BUFFER_SIZE );
    if ( rx_size > 0 ) 
    {
        int32_t buf_cnt = app_buf_len;
        if ( ( ( app_buf_len + rx_size ) > APP_BUFFER_SIZE ) && ( app_buf_len > 0 ) ) 
        {
            buf_cnt = APP_BUFFER_SIZE - ( ( app_buf_len + rx_size ) - APP_BUFFER_SIZE );
            memmove ( app_buf, &app_buf[ APP_BUFFER_SIZE - buf_cnt ], buf_cnt );
        }
        for ( int32_t rx_cnt = 0; rx_cnt < rx_size; rx_cnt++ ) 
        {
            if ( rx_buf[ rx_cnt ] ) 
            {
                app_buf[ buf_cnt++ ] = rx_buf[ rx_cnt ];
                if ( app_buf_len < APP_BUFFER_SIZE )
                {
                    app_buf_len++;
                }
            }
        }
        return DMX_OK;
    }
    return DMX_ERROR;
}

static void dmx_log_app_buf ( void )
{
    for ( int32_t buf_cnt = 0; buf_cnt < app_buf_len; buf_cnt++ )
    {
        log_printf( &logger, "%c", app_buf[ buf_cnt ] );
    }
}

static err_t dmx_rsp_check ( uint8_t *rsp )
{
    uint32_t timeout_cnt = 0;
    uint32_t timeout = 60000;
    dmx_clear_app_buf( );
    dmx_process( );    
    while ( ( 0 == strstr( app_buf, rsp ) ) &&
            ( 0 == strstr( app_buf, DMX_RSP_ERROR ) ) )
    {
        dmx_process( );
        if ( timeout_cnt++ > timeout )
        {
            dmx_clear_app_buf( );
            return DMX_ERROR_TIMEOUT;
        }
        Delay_ms( 1 );
    }
    Delay_ms( 100 );
    dmx_process( );
    if ( strstr( app_buf, rsp ) )
    {
        return DMX_OK;
    }
    return DMX_ERROR;
}

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

Additional Support

Resources

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