A Multi-Use Mini Sensor Platform

While developing a smart hardware project, such as control and automation systems, you will almost need to use different types of sensors for collecting and gathering necessary data. LastSamurai had designed a platform that aims to simplify the use of digital and analogue sensors.

The platform was developed based on MySensors Hardware, hardware components that ease up building of the DIY sensors. It tries to solve some issues that other platforms still have like housing. The developer wants to make it smaller than 5x5cm with SMD parts so it can fit in a small case along with a sensor and a battery.

This multi-sensor platform can be powered by a CR2032 battery, external batteries, or an external power brick. Its PCB contains these components:

• Atmega328P, a high-performance Atmel 8-bit AVR microcontroller combines 32KB ISP flash memory, 1024B EEPROM, 2KB SRAM, and operates between 1.8-5.5 volts.
• NRF24L01+, an ultra low power RF transceiver IC for 2.4GHz band and 2 Mbps data rate.
• ATSHA204A, a crypto full turnkey security device with 4.5Kb EEPROM protected hardware-based key storage.
• AMS1117,  an adjustable and fixed voltage regulator to reach the desired voltage level.
• SDA/SCL pins for I2C sensors like the HTU21D and Si7021.
• D2/D3 pins of the atmega which are the digital pins that controller the interrupts 0 and 1.
• A1 and A2 to be able to connect analog sensors like a plant/soil humidity sensor.
• Serial connection pins for debugging.
• 6 pin ISP connection for programming.

The platform can be programed using Arduino pro mini settings, and can run either on 3.3V or 1.8V and 8MHz.

It is an open source project, so everyone can contribute on enhancing it  and adding more features. Anyone interested can build it himself by having access to all hardware and software resources at the project page and github repository.

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