Intermediate
30 min

Achieve precise environmental HVAC sensing with SCD41, SPS30 and PIC18F57Q43

Redefining comfort with compact HVAC innovation

HVAC Click with Curiosity Nano with PIC18F57Q43

Published Feb 13, 2024

Click board™

HVAC Click

Dev. board

Curiosity Nano with PIC18F57Q43

Compiler

NECTO Studio

MCU

PIC18F57Q43

Harness real-time data from the miniature CO2 and PM sensors to dynamically adjust ventilation rates, ensuring optimal indoor air quality in response to varying occupancy and pollutant levels

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Hardware Overview

How does it work?

HVAC Click is based on the SCD41, a Sensirion's next-generation miniature CO2 sensor. This carbon dioxide sensor builds on the photoacoustic sensing principle and Sensirion's patented PASens® and CMOSens® technology to offer high accuracy at a minor form factor. It operates within a specified range from 400 to 5'000 ppm, configurable through the I2C interface with a low-power single-shot mode supported to reduce noise levels, i.e., on-demand measurement. The SCD41 features on-chip signal compensation to counteract pressure and temperature effects. Feeding the SCD41 with the pressure or altitude enables the highest accuracy of the CO2 output signal across an extensive pressure range. Setting the temperature offset improves the accuracy of the relative humidity and temperature

output signal. Note that the temperature offset does not impact the accuracy of the CO2 output. HVAC Click communicates with MCU using the standard I2C 2-Wire interface to read data and configure settings, supporting Standard mode operation with a clock frequency up to 100kHz. Furthermore, this Click board™ is suitable for indoor air quality applications using an additional SPS30, a Particulate Matter (PM) sensor from Sensirion, with the help of which the HVAC Click in the most energy-efficient and human-friendly way maintains a low CO2 concentration for a healthy, productive environment. The measurement principle of the SPS30 is based on laser scattering, which, together with high quality, enables precise measurements from its first operation and throughout its lifetime of more than ten years.

In addition, the SPS30 allows using both I2C and UART interfaces, where the communication interface selection can be made by positioning SMD jumpers labeled COMM SEL to an appropriate position. Note that all the jumpers' positions must be on the same side, or the Click board™ may become unresponsive. Also, to activate I2C communication, the JP4 jumper must be populated. 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.

HVAC Click hardware overview image

Features overview

Development board

PIC18F57Q43 Curiosity Nano evaluation kit is a cutting-edge hardware platform designed to evaluate microcontrollers within the PIC18-Q43 family. Central to its design is the inclusion of the powerful PIC18F57Q43 microcontroller (MCU), offering advanced functionalities and robust performance. Key features of this evaluation kit include a yellow user LED and a responsive

mechanical user switch, providing seamless interaction and testing. The provision for a 32.768kHz crystal footprint ensures precision timing capabilities. With an onboard debugger boasting a green power and status LED, programming and debugging become intuitive and efficient. Further enhancing its utility is the Virtual serial port (CDC) and a debug GPIO channel (DGI

GPIO), offering extensive connectivity options. Powered via USB, this kit boasts an adjustable target voltage feature facilitated by the MIC5353 LDO regulator, ensuring stable operation with an output voltage ranging from 1.8V to 5.1V, with a maximum output current of 500mA, subject to ambient temperature and voltage constraints.

PIC18F57Q43 Curiosity Nano double side image

Microcontroller Overview

MCU Card / MCU

default

Architecture

PIC

MCU Memory (KB)

128

Silicon Vendor

Microchip

Pin count

48

RAM (Bytes)

8196

You complete me!

Accessories

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards is a versatile hardware extension platform created to streamline the integration between Curiosity Nano kits and extension boards, tailored explicitly for the mikroBUS™-standardized Click boards and Xplained Pro extension boards. This innovative base board (shield) offers seamless connectivity and expansion possibilities, simplifying experimentation and development. Key features include USB power compatibility from the Curiosity Nano kit, alongside an alternative external power input option for enhanced flexibility. The onboard Li-Ion/LiPo charger and management circuit ensure smooth operation for battery-powered applications, simplifying usage and management. Moreover, the base incorporates a fixed 3.3V PSU dedicated to target and mikroBUS™ power rails, alongside a fixed 5.0V boost converter catering to 5V power rails of mikroBUS™ sockets, providing stable power delivery for various connected devices.

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards accessories 1 image

SPS30 PM2.5 Particulate Matter sensor is based on laser scattering and uses Sensirion’s innovative contamination-resistance technology. Due to their small size, PM2.5 particles can travel deep into the human lung and cause various health issues, for instance, by triggering asthma attacks or contributing to cardiovascular disease. The SPS30 enables precise measurements from its first operation and throughout its lifetime of more than ten years. A sensing solution that works over the whole lifetime, assuring good air quality to the final user and increasing energy efficiency and sustainable operation.

HVAC Click accessories image

Used MCU Pins

mikroBUS™ mapper

NC
NC
AN
NC
NC
RST
NC
NC
CS
NC
NC
SCK
NC
NC
MISO
NC
NC
MOSI
Power Supply
3.3V
3.3V
Ground
GND
GND
NC
NC
PWM
NC
NC
INT
UART TX
PC3
TX
UART RX
PC2
RX
I2C Clock
PB2
SCL
I2C Data
PB1
SDA
Power Supply
5V
5V
Ground
GND
GND
1

Take a closer look

Click board™ Schematic

HVAC Click Schematic schematic

Step by step

Project assembly

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards front image hardware assembly

Start by selecting your development board and Click board™. Begin with the Curiosity Nano with PIC18F57Q43 as your development board.

Curiosity Nano Base for Click boards front image hardware assembly
Charger 27 Click front image hardware assembly
PIC18F47Q10 Curiosity Nano front image hardware assembly
Prog-cut hardware assembly
Charger 27 Click complete accessories setup image hardware assembly
Curiosity Nano with PICXXX 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 image step 5 hardware assembly
Necto image step 6 hardware assembly
PIC18F57Q43 Curiosity 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 HVAC Click driver.

Key functions:

  • hvac_sps30_start_measurement - SPS30 start measurement command function

  • hvac_sps30_get_ready_flag - SPS30 get ready flag function

  • hvac_sps30_read_measured_data - SPS30 read measured data 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 main.c
 * @brief Hvac Click example
 *
 * # Description
 * This is an example that demonstrates the use of the HVAC Click board.
 *
 * The demo application is composed of two sections :
 *
 * ## Application Init
 * Initialization driver enables - I2C, 
 * SCD40: perform factory reset, serial number, features, product type platform type, 
 * product version and
 * SPS30: perform start measurement mode, also write log.
 *
 * ## Application Task
 * This is an example which demonstrates the use of HVAC Click board.
 * HVAC Click board can be used to measure : 
 * Concentration of CO2 in air,
 * Temperature ( degree Celsius ),
 * Relative Humidity ( % ),
 * Mass Concentration of PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0, PM10 and
 * Number Concentration of PM0.5, PM1.0, PM2.5, PM4.0 and PM10.
 * All data logs write on USB uart changes.
 *
 * @author Stefan Ilic
 *
 */

#include "board.h"
#include "log.h"
#include "hvac.h"

static hvac_t hvac;
static log_t logger;
measuremen_data_t hvac_data;
feature_data_t version_data;
mass_and_num_cnt_data_t sps30_data;
uint16_t ser_num[ 3 ];

void application_init ( void ) 
{
    log_cfg_t log_cfg;  /**< Logger config object. */
    hvac_cfg_t hvac_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.
    hvac_cfg_setup( &hvac_cfg );
    HVAC_MAP_MIKROBUS( hvac_cfg, MIKROBUS_1 );
    if ( I2C_MASTER_ERROR == hvac_init( &hvac, &hvac_cfg ) ) 
    {
        log_error( &logger, " Communication init." );
        for ( ; ; );
    }
    
    log_info( &logger, " Application Task " );
    Delay_ms( 1000 );
    hvac_scd40_send_cmd( &hvac, HVAC_PERFORM_FACTORY_RESET );
    log_printf( &logger, "  Perform Factory Reset   \r\n" );
    log_printf( &logger, "--------------------------\r\n" );
    Delay_ms( 2000 );

    hvac_scd40_get_serial_number ( &hvac, ser_num );
    log_printf( &logger, "   SCD40 - Serial Number : %.4d-%.4d-%.4d \r\n", 
                ( uint16_t ) ser_num[ 0 ], ( uint16_t ) ser_num[ 1 ], ( uint16_t ) ser_num[ 2 ] );
    log_printf( &logger, "--------------------------\r\n" );
    Delay_ms( 100 );
    hvac_scd40_get_feature_set_version( &hvac, &version_data );
    log_printf( &logger, "     SCD40 - Features     \r\n" );
    log_printf( &logger, " Product Type    : %d \r\n", ( uint16_t ) version_data.product_type );
    log_printf( &logger, " Platform Type   : %d \r\n", ( uint16_t ) version_data.platform_type );
    log_printf( &logger, " Product Version : %d.%d \r\n", 
                ( uint16_t ) version_data.product_major_version, 
                ( uint16_t ) version_data.product_minor_version );
    log_printf( &logger, "--------------------------\r\n" );
    Delay_ms( 100 );
    
    hvac_sps30_start_measurement ( &hvac );
    Delay_ms( 100 );
}

void application_task ( void ) 
{
    hvac_scd40_send_cmd( &hvac, HVAC_MEASURE_SINGLE_SHOT );
    Delay_ms( 5000 );
    
    hvac_scd40_read_measurement( &hvac, &hvac_data );
    Delay_ms( 100 );

    log_printf( &logger, " CO2 Concent = %d \r\n ", hvac_data.co2_concent );

    log_printf( &logger, " Temperature = %.2f C \r\n", hvac_data.temperature );

    log_printf( &logger, " R. Humidity = %.2f %% \r\n", hvac_data.r_humidity );
    log_printf( &logger, "- - - - - - - - - - - - -  \r\n" );
        
    while ( HVAC_SPS30_NEW_DATA_IS_READY != hvac_sps30_get_ready_flag( &hvac ) );
    
    
    log_printf( &logger, "   Mass Concentration :   \r\n" );
    hvac_sps30_read_measured_data( &hvac, &sps30_data );
    Delay_ms( 100 );

    log_printf( &logger, " PM 1.0 = %.2f ug/m3 \r\n", sps30_data.mass_pm_1_0 );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 2.5 = %.2f ug/m3 \r\n", sps30_data.mass_pm_2_5 );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 4.0 = %.2f ug/m3 \r\n", sps30_data.mass_pm_4_0 );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 10  = %.2f ug/m3 \r\n", sps30_data.mass_pm_10 );
    log_printf( &logger, "-   -   -   -   -   -   - \r\n" );

    log_printf( &logger, "  Number Concentration :  \r\n" );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 0.5 = %.2f n/cm3 \r\n", sps30_data.num_pm_0_5 );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 1.0 = %.2f n/cm3 \r\n", sps30_data.num_pm_1_0 );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 2.5 = %.2f n/cm3 \r\n", sps30_data.num_pm_2_5 );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 4.0 = %.2f n/cm3 \r\n", sps30_data.num_pm_4_0 );
    log_printf( &logger, " PM 10  = %.2f n/cm3 \r\n", sps30_data.num_pm_10 );
    log_printf( &logger, "--------------------------\r\n" );
    Delay_ms( 2000 );
}

void main ( void ) 
{
    application_init( );

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

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

Additional Support

Resources

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