Reference design performs fast IoT prototyping

The Reference Design is compatible with Arduino UNO R3, and features a 2x6 Digilent Pmod-compatible interface. The Pmod‑to‑Arduino interface adapter board consists of the MAX14661 Beyond-the-Rails 16:2 multiplexer, two MAX14611 level shifters, and the DS3231M real-time clock (RTC) with an integrated MEMS resonator.

Board communication is configured by writing to the MAX14661 multiplexer over the I²C bus. Eight Arduino digital GPIOs are connected to the Pmod interface through level shifters, and each of these 8 GPIOs connect to the multiplexer. The Pmod interface is offered in a convenient, hand-solderable connector that allows developers with an FPGA development board to mix and match professional-grade peripherals into engineering prototypes.     

The Reference Design supports Pmod types 1, 2, 3, and 4, in addition to the I²C interface. Nonstandard pinouts are also available. Level shifting is also achievable between Pmod and Arduino pins using the MAXREFDES72. Other features of the MAXREFDES72 interface adapter board include IOREF support for 3.3V or 5V signal levels.     

Maxim offers 15 single-function peripheral modules and 13 reference design boards with Pmod connectors. Each of these modules is compatible with any Arduino-compatible development board. Using the MAXREFDES72, designers can now achieve rapid prototyping and proof of concept faster, freeing them from past struggles and interface issues they may have encountered between incompatible development boards.

Maxim’s MAXREFDES72 Reference Design is ideal for quickly creating Internet of Things designs, and is well-suited for prototyping, analog and peripheral testing and integration, test and measurement systems and proof of concept applications.