Vbb4Arduino User Manual PDF
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Vbb4Arduino
Two Arduinos
Prototype Virtually, Make for Real
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Date Description VBB Version
22 Jan 2017 Initial Mashup and modernise
23 Jan 2017 Added initial entries for Arduino Emu, Arduino SIM,
S2812, DS1307, 24LC256
24 Jan 2017 Added initial entries for Trimmer, POT, relay, solenoid, 5.53a
555, 7 Segment
27 Jan 2017 Updated Arduino SIM monitor
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1 Contents
2 Introduction .................................................................................................................... 10
2.1 Features ................................................................................................................... 10
2.2 Limitations ............................................................................................................... 10
2.3 Two Arduinos the Arduino Java/Cpp Dual personality........................................... 10
2.4 Comparison with VBB ........................................................................................... 11
2.4.1 Upgrade ........................................................................................................... 12
2.4.2 Site License ...................................................................................................... 12
2.5 Virtual Breadboard Circuit Modelling...................................................................... 12
3 Download and Installation .............................................................................................. 12
3.1.1 Download Locations ........................................................................................ 12
3.1.2 Installation VBB4Arduino ................................................................................ 13
3.2 Buying Vbb4Arduino ................................................................................................ 13
3.2.1 How to buy ...................................................................................................... 13
3.2.2 1. Purchase a license from PayPAL .................................................................. 13
3.2.3 2. Find the invoiceId ........................................................................................ 13
3.3 3. Download the Software ....................................................................................... 14
3.4 4. Enter the activation code in the splash screen ................................................... 14
3.5 TroubleShooting ...................................................................................................... 15
3.6 License Management .............................................................................................. 16
3.6.1 Firewalls ........................................................................................................... 16
3.7 Supporting Hardware .............................................................................................. 16
3.8 Customised Shields and Boards[future] .................................................................. 16
4 VBB Application .............................................................................................................. 17
4.1 Solutions .................................................................................................................. 17
4.1 Projects Files ............................................................................................................ 17
4.2 Design Sheets .......................................................................................................... 17
4.2.1 Breadboard ...................................................................................................... 17
4.2.2 Java Source Projects ........................................................................................ 17
4.2.3 Sketch Source Projects .................................................................................... 17
4.2.4 Logic Analyser .................................................................................................. 18
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4.3 Project Select ........................................................................................................... 18
4.3.1 TIPS .................................................................................................................. 18
4.3.2 New Tab ........................................................................................................... 19
4.3.3 New Project Template ..................................................................................... 19
4.3.4 New Arduino Emulator Project........................................................................ 20
4.3.5 New Arduino Simulator Project ....................................................................... 21
4.3.6 Import Arduino Sketch Wizard ........................................................................ 22
4.3.7 Built-in template projects .............................................................................. 25
4.4 Existing Tab .............................................................................................................. 27
4.5 Recent ...................................................................................................................... 29
4.6 Design Mode............................................................................................................ 30
4.6.1 App Window .................................................................................................... 30
4.6.2 App Menu ........................................................................................................ 31
4.6.3 App Toolbar ..................................................................................................... 32
4.6.4 Solution Explorer ............................................................................................. 33
4.6.5 View Mode....................................................................................................... 35
4.6.6 View Panes ...................................................................................................... 35
4.6.7 Design Sheets .................................................................................................. 36
4.6.8 DesignSheet Toolbox ....................................................................................... 36
4.7 The properties panel ............................................................................................... 37
4.7.1 The property description panel ....................................................................... 37
4.7.2 Empty panel ..................................................................................................... 37
4.7.3 Status Toolbar.................................................................................................. 37
4.8 Runtime Virtualization............................................................................................. 38
5 Design Sheets.................................................................................................................. 38
5.1 Arduino Sketch Code Project ................................................................................... 40
5.1.1 Adding a Sketch Project to a VBB Project ........................................................ 40
5.1.2 Adding Source to Sketch Project ..................................................................... 40
5.1.3 Cloud Compiler : CodeBender ......................................................................... 41
5.1.4 Custom Libraries .............................................................................................. 41
5.1.5 Verifying Source............................................................................................... 42
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5.1.6 Supported Arduino Sketch Libraries ................................................................ 43
5.2 Java Source Code Project Design Sheet................................................................... 44
5.2.1 Adding a Java Project to a VBB Project............................................................ 44
5.2.2 Adding Source to Java Project ......................................................................... 44
5.3 Solution Tree Manager ............................................................................................ 46
5.4 Activating Java Source Project................................................................................. 46
5.4.1 Context Sensitive Functions ............................................................................ 47
5.4.2 Delete .............................................................................................................. 47
5.4.3 Rename ............................................................................................................ 47
5.4.4 Cloud Compiler : Java Compiler ....................................................................... 48
5.4.5 Custom Libraries .............................................................................................. 48
5.5 Design Time Source Editor ...................................................................................... 50
5.5.1 Keyword Highlighting ...................................................................................... 51
5.5.2 Syntax Error Highlighting ................................................................................. 51
5.5.3 Tab Suggestions ............................................................................................... 51
5.5.4 Parameter Suggestions .................................................................................... 52
5.5.5 Edit Menu, Cut, Copy and Paste Undo ............................................................ 52
5.5.6 Code Verification ............................................................................................. 53
5.5.7 Java Source Console Tab ................................................................................. 53
5.6 Logic Analyser .......................................................................................................... 55
5.6.1 Trace Log ( *.VLG ) ........................................................................................... 55
5.6.2 Adding a Logic Analyser ................................................................................... 55
5.6.3 Drag the Design Sheet into a View .................................................................. 55
5.6.4 3. Sampling Control Panel ............................................................................... 58
5.7 Breadboard DesignSheet ......................................................................................... 61
5.7.1 Toolbar : Breadboard....................................................................................... 61
5.7.2 Note on Zoom factor: ...................................................................................... 62
5.7.3 Placing a component from the Toolbox .......................................................... 63
5.7.4 Component Editing .......................................................................................... 63
5.7.5 Placing a component from the Toolbox .......................................................... 63
5.7.6 Select a component ......................................................................................... 63
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5.7.7 Select a group of components ......................................................................... 64
5.7.8 Append a component to a selection ............................................................... 64
5.7.9 Move a group of selected components........................................................... 65
5.7.10 Shrink and grow a selection ............................................................................ 65
5.7.11 Wiring Essentials.............................................................................................. 66
5.7.12 All Nets (--) ....................................................................................................... 72
5.7.13 Virtual Links ..................................................................................................... 72
5.7.14 Show Links .............................................................................................. 73
5.8 Toolbox : Breadboard .............................................................................................. 76
6 Breadboard Components................................................................................................ 77
6.1 Function Block ......................................................................................................... 92
6.1.1 The Function Block expression ........................................................................ 93
6.2 Function Block Expression ....................................................................................... 94
6.3 Function Block Expression Grammar....................................................................... 94
6.3.1 Function Block Editor Dialog............................................................................ 97
6.4 Function Block Usage .............................................................................................. 97
6.4.1 Dynamic Voltage Divider ................................................................................. 98
6.4.2 Multi Tap Voltage Divider .............................................................................. 100
6.5 Generic Layout Components ................................................................................... 77
6.5.1 Generic Layout Only ........................................................................................ 77
6.6 Generic DIP .............................................................................................................. 78
6.7 Parametric ............................................................................................................... 79
6.7.1 Using the Library Component.......................................................................... 80
6.8 Marking up a generic component with a function block ........................................ 83
6.9 Radial Component........................................................................................... 86
6.9.1 Parametric Model ............................................................................................ 86
6.9.2 Properties ........................................................................................................ 87
6.10 Axial Component ............................................................................................. 87
6.10.1 Parametric Model ............................................................................................ 87
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6.10.2 Properties ........................................................................................................ 88
7 Component Models which Virtualize ................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.1 Discrete Component Emulation .................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
7.1.1 Resistors ........................................................................................................ 105
7.1.2 Resistors ........................................................................................................ 105
7.1.3 Parametric Model .......................................................................................... 108
7.1.4 Properties ...................................................................................................... 108
7.1.5 Diodes ............................................................................................................ 109
7.1.6 Properties: ..................................................................................................... 110
7.1.7 Useage ........................................................................................................... 111
7.1.8 Properties: ..................................................................................................... 112
7.1.9 Useage ........................................................................................................... 112
7.1.10 Properties ...................................................................................................... 113
8 Microcontroller Components ....................................................................................... 114
8.1 Arduino EM............................................................................................... 114
8.1.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 114
8.1.2 Properties ...................................................................................................... 115
8.2 Arduino Sim .............................................................................................. 118
10 IO Components ............................................................................................................. 122
10.1 DIP1, DIP4, DIP8..................................................................................................... 122
10.1.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 123
10.1.2 Properties ...................................................................................................... 123
10.1.3 Usage ............................................................................................................. 123
10.2 LEDN ...................................................................................................................... 124
10.2.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 125
10.2.2 Properties ...................................................................................................... 125
10.2.3 Usage ............................................................................................................. 125
10.3 DotMatrixLED8x8................................................................................................... 126
10.3.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 126
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10.3.2 Properties ...................................................................................................... 127
10.4 Usage ..................................................................................................................... 127
10.5 JUMPN ................................................................................................................... 128
10.5.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 129
10.5.2 Properties ...................................................................................................... 129
10.5.3 Usage ............................................................................................................. 129
10.6 NumericKeyPad ..................................................................................................... 130
10.6.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 130
10.6.2 Properties ...................................................................................................... 130
10.6.3 Usage ............................................................................................................. 131
10.7 Seg7 ....................................................................................................................... 132
10.7.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 132
10.7.2 Properties ...................................................................................................... 133
10.7.3 Usage ............................................................................................................. 133
10.8 DigitalPort .............................................................................................................. 136
10.8.1 Pinout ............................................................................................................ 136
10.9 Properties .............................................................................................................. 136
10.9.1 Usage ............................................................................................................. 136
10.10 PushButton ........................................................................................................ 137
10.10.1 Pinout ........................................................................................................ 138
10.10.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 138
10.11 Usage ................................................................................................................. 139
10.12 Switch ................................................................................................................ 140
10.12.1 Pinout ........................................................................................................ 140
10.12.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 140
10.12.3 Usage ......................................................................................................... 141
10.13 PanelMeter ........................................................................................................ 141
10.13.1 Pinout ........................................................................................................ 141
10.13.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 141
10.13.3 Usage ......................................................................................................... 142
10.14 SlidePot .............................................................................................................. 143
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10.14.1 Pinout ........................................................................................................ 143
10.14.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 143
10.14.3 Usage ......................................................................................................... 143
10.15 RotaryPot ........................................................................................................... 144
10.15.1 Pinout ........................................................................................................ 144
10.15.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 144
10.16 Usage ................................................................................................................. 144
10.17 JoyStick .............................................................................................................. 145
10.17.1 Pinout ........................................................................................................ 145
10.17.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 145
10.17.3 Usage ......................................................................................................... 146
10.18 MiniTerminal ..................................................................................................... 146
10.18.1 Pinout ........................................................................................................ 146
10.18.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 147
10.18.3 Usage ......................................................................................................... 147
10.19 LiquidCrystal ...................................................................................................... 148
10.19.1 PinOut .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined.
10.19.2 Properties ........................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined.
10.19.1 Usage ........................................................................................................ 149
10.20 LDR Light Dependent Resistor ........................................................................ 149
10.20.1 Description ................................................................................................ 149
10.20.2 Properties .................................................................................................. 149
10.20.3 Usage ......................................................................................................... 150
11 API Smart Components ............................................................................................... 170
11.1 WS2812 ................................................................................................................. 170
11.2 API.......................................................................................................................... 171
11.3 DS1307................................................................................................................... 172
11.3.1 API.................................................................................................................. 173
11.4 24LC256 EEPROM .................................................................................................. 175
11.4.1 API.................................................................................................................. 175
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2 Introduction
VBB is a software platform designing Breadboard form-factor electronic circuits and
developing the microcontroller firmware that drive them.
Vbb4Arduino is a version of Virtual Breadboard (VBB) dedicated to the Arduino learner. It is
an intentionally limited standalone sandbox version of VBB ideal for the taking the first
steps learning about physical computing.
2.1 Features
Integrated C programming using VBB hosted CodeBender cloud compiler
Integrated Java programming using using VBB hosted Java cloud compiler
Rich set of components for learning most of the Arduino basics
77 Built in examples
2.2 Limitations
No extensibility and no programming of real devices.
No programming of real Arduino devices
No analog circuit analysis. VBB is a digital environment with modelling of common
analog circuits ( All VBB Versions )
2.3 Two Arduinos the Arduino Java/Cpp Dual personality
Arduino is a curious mix of Java and C++. The Arduino Sketch is derived from Processing
which is a java development environment. Hence the Arduino Sketch looks at first glance like
java and for many starter examples it is java. However even though a Sketch looks like java
under the hood it is actually C++ hacked to look like java. Java in C++ clothing! As examples
become more advanced the C++ nature of Arduino starts to dominate.
So just like there are advantages for Java and C++ in Arduino there are advantages for both
when virtualizing applications. VBB started off virtualizing only the Java side of Arduino but
unfortunately after a while Arduino diverges from Java and so the C++ side of Arduino is
needed.
The nice thing about thinking about Arduino as Java is that its easier to virtualize some of
the more interesting aspects of embedded applications so just like with Arduino the idea is
to start with Java and migrate to C++ as you advance.
Java C
Integrated Development Yes Yes
Code Suggestions Yes No
Cloud Compiler Yes Yes
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Use with Arduino IDE No Yes
User Library Inner Class C++/.H
3rd Party Libraries No Yes with Arduino IDE
Java Emulation Arduino Simulation
[+]Real Time Emulation [-] 30% real time simulaton
[+]Advanced Editor, keywords, suggestions [-]Basic Editor
etc
[-] No 3rd party Libraries [+] 3rd party libraries when using
ArduinoIDE/VbbIO
[+]Ethernet Support [-]No Ethernet Support
[+]SD Support [-]No SD Support
[+]NeoPixel Support [-]No NeoPixel Support
[+]SPI Peripherals Support [-]No SPI Peripherals Support
[-]Requires conversion before runs on [+]Runs directly on a real Arduino
Arduino
2.4 Comparison with VBB
VBB4Arduino is a simplified version of the full VBB product. It is intended as a
standalone getting started version with less options and modules which can
confuse starters. It is best used as a sandbox to learn physical computing concepts.
Advanced users might like to progress to using the full version of VBB with the
ArduinoToolkit expansion module.
Feature VBB4Arduino VBB with ArduinoToolkit
Run Arduino Examples *
Integrated Editor with Smart Suggestions
Arduino .INO importer
Arduino .INO exporter
Single Step Debugger
Program Arduino device
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2.4.1 Upgrade
[TODO] There is an option to upgrade to Arduino Developer Bundle
2.4.2 Site License
[TODo] There is a site license available for schools.
2.5 Virtual Breadboard Circuit Modelling
Virtual Breadboard can be used as a Circuit Emulator for some types of Circuits. In particular
VBB is not a SPICE simulation and does not currently resolve circuit current so you cannot
use it for circuit-analysis. However for a wide variety of physical computing circuits VBB
emulations work just fine.
Whats the difference between a Simulation and an Emulation?
Emulation models behaviour whereas simulation emerges behaviour. A behaviour might be
to turn on a LED connected via a resistor to a microcontroller pin. A simulation might
compute the circuit resistance and equivalent resistance of the power driver of the pin along
with the voltage curve and forward voltage of the diode to resolve the instantaneous
current and then lookup the luminosity curve of the diode to render a faithful
representation of the color and intensity of the LED the user might expect to see. An
emulation on the other hand just draws a LED as on when the PIN is HIGH and off when the
PIN is LOW. The resulting behaviour from the user and microcontroller are the same. A LED
is on when the pin is HIGH and the LED is off when the pin is LOW. Naturally emulations are
faster to calculate and easier to implement. VBB is a circuit emulator and SPICE is a circuit
simulator.
Its important to understand this difference when using VBB because you cannot place
capacitors and resistors and expect for example behaviours such as filters to emerge. There
are however common work arounds to achieve common behaviours using properties of the
discrete components.
3 Download and Installation
All Vbb4Arduino versions is free to download. This makes it easy to manage updates etc. As
a minimum VBB can be used to layout Breadboard designs for free. This is already useful and
there are other popular Breadboard layout design tools that are limited to design only.
In addition VBB has virtualization features which you can optionally pay to enable.
3.1.1 Download Locations
Vbb4Arduino is available for download from
http://www.virtualbreadboard.com/DocView.html?doc=Downloads/Downloads
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3.1.2 Installation VBB4Arduino
VBB4Arduino ships as a standalone executable packaged in a ZIP file.
Unzip the executable to the location where you would like to run it from. For example the
desktop.
Execute VBB4Arduino.exe to start the application. Note this is note an installer and will not
create shortcuts. You will need to create your own shortcuts if required
Dependencies
Vbb4Arduino requires .NET 4.0 runtime to be installed
3.1.2.1 Administrator Permissions
When you first run VBB you may need to use the Administrator account to give VBB4Arduino
permission to install its configuration files in the AppData.
VBB will install its examples etc in the
<User>AppData\Local\Virtual Breadboard\VBB4Arduino <version> directory
3.2 Buying Vbb4Arduino
Purchasing a license will enable the Vbb4Arduino runtime allowing models to virtualize
3.2.1 How to buy
The goal of VBB4Arduino is to make a simplified version of VBB that supports
circuit animation with limited features at a much lower 'App' level pricing.
Follow these steps to downloand and activate VBB4Arduino.
3.2.2 1. Purchase a license from PayPAL
3.2.3 2. Find the invoiceId
The invoiceId is the activation code for VBB4Arduino. I place the licenseKey on
PayPal invoice so you can always look it up in the future in your paypal account.
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3.3 3. Download the Software
Product O/S Download VBB4Arduino Version 5.34 - 5 September 2015
VBB VBB4Arduino See VBB4Arduino for Notes on Activation
VBB4Arduino does not need to be installed. Simply unzip the
VBB4Arudino.exe and run
3.4 4. Enter the activation code in the splash screen
When VBB4Arduino starts it will be begin with a splash screen
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Enter the activation code into the textbox and the code will be checked using the
internet and the software activated. You should see a big Green tick once activated.
Press Start to continue using the software
3.5 TroubleShooting
You need an internet connection that can reach the Google App-Engine Server.
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3.6 License Management
Earlier versions of VBB were released without any protection except a paywall. These
versions were simply copied and shared without so much as a thank-you as a matter of fact.
As a response internet based protections have been integrated into VBB.
Some of the features of VBB are now hosted in the cloud in the Google AppEngine server
and accessed by license keys that are generated when features are purchased. It all works
pretty seamlessly as long as you have a quality full time internet connection.
Fortunately the internet has become more or less ubiquitous but there are some situations
where it doesnt work out
3.6.1 Firewalls
Internet Access is made via standard Http WebServices on Port 80. This looks just like
Browser Access and usually there are no problems with firewalls.
However rarely, mabye 1 in 100 users find their configurations are not compatible with VBB.
The primary problem is firewalls. There are 2 firewall that can cause issues.
3.6.1.1 Chinese Firewall
For some reason China blocks access to the Google App Engine host url. Its quite a clever
block too because I have tried to route via a proxy but it didnt work. So for now the only
solution is a VPN or we just refund Chinese customers and say sorry.
3.6.1.2 Work
Sometimes there is a domain/password proxy that needs to be configured. The Classic
versions have a setting for this now in the ToolOptions dialog. The Windows App libraries
dont offer this same setting and rely on the Browser settings however this seems a bit
indirect so a source of potential issues.
3.6.1.3 Antivirus/ Internet Security
Applications such as Norton Internet security block internet access preventing
authentication and pay-for-feature useage. You might have to add VBB.exe to the exception
list of your Internet monitor and/or Firewall in order for Activation to function correctly.
3.7 Supporting Hardware
VbbIO
Virtual Shield
3.8 Customised Shields and Boards[future]
PCBDirect service for Shields and Boards
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4 VBB Application
VBB is an Integrated Development Environment for the purpose of designing, simulating and
building microcontroller based electronics hardware systems.
There are 3 modes, Project Select, Design Mode and runtime mode
Open PowerOn
Project Select Project Open
Project
New Design Time
Runtime
Existing Add Designs
Runtime
Recent Edit Code
Close PowerOff
The fundamental concept is the DesignSheet. Designsheets are contained in projects and
projects are contained Solutions.
4.1 Solutions
A solution The VSM Virtual System Model Solution file is the root file for VBB. It contains
references to a collection of Projects and contains global settings for the solution.
Vbb4Arduino solutions have only 1 project.
4.1 Projects Files
A project is a collection of Design Sheets.
4.2 Design Sheets
4.2.1 Breadboard
The Breadboard is the primary DesignSheet in VBB and consists of a collection of
components wired together to create circuits
4.2.2 Java Source Projects
The Source Project DesignSheet contains a collection of Java source files
4.2.3 Sketch Source Projects
The Source Project DesignSheet contains a collection of Sketch source files
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that can be included in Vbb
4.2.4 Logic Analyser
The Logic Analyser is a special function DesignSheet containing a Logic Analyser instrument
for circuit analysis.
4.3 Project Select
The project select form helps you create a new project or open an existing project. Select a
tab to perform the task
Tips The Tips tab contains a list of tips that can be useful when getting started
New : Create a new project from scratch or with a helper
Existing : Open an existing project from the file system
Recent : Open an existing project from a list of projects recently worked on
4.3.1 TIPS
The Tips tab contains a list of tips that can be useful when getting started
Check Tip Items Check each tip once you have read as a note to yourself that it has been
read
Hide Seen Tips When checked the tips you have already read and checked as read will not
display in the list
Show Tips Tab On Startup When checked the TIPS Tab will be selected as the default Tab
when the project select dialog is show. Unselect to default to NEW or Existing
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4.3.2 New Tab
The New Tab is used for creating New projects from project templates. A project template is
a complete solution based on an example or project type which you can use to quickly get
started. The templates are organized into a tree of project types to help you locate a
template that best suits your embedded application challenge. The Project Types Tree on the
left hand side selects the project type and the Project Templates lists the available templates
for the selected type.
Double-Click New to Click New to show
create a new Empty the New project
project template.
The Project Types Tree is The Project Templates
a collection of project are listed in the Project
templates. Template list.
Click the folders to show
the list of templates
4.3.3 New Project Template
Select/Open or DoubleClick the New project template to create a new
Blank project. The blank project created will contain a project called New Solution with a
single project called New Project with a single Breadboard called Breadboard0.VBB.
The empty project is created in scratch disk.
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4.3.4 New Arduino Emulator Project
Select/Open or DoubleClick the to create a
new empty Arduino Emulator Project with Arduino Java code project.
The first step is to give the new project a name as source code projects cant be saved to
scratch disk.
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Project created with
Breadboard and Java Code
Project
Java Class Source created
using project name as
classname
4.3.5 New Arduino Simulator Project
Select/Open or DoubleClick the to create a
new empty Arduino Simulator Project with Arduino Sketch code project.
The first step is to give the new project a name as source code projects cant be saved to
scratch disk.
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Project created with
Breadboard and Arduino
Sketch Code Project
Arduino Sketch Source
created using project
name as Sketch name
4.3.6 Import Arduino Sketch Wizard
Select/Open or DoubleClick the to launch a
wizard to import an existing Arduino sketch as a project.
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Step 1: Browse for Arduino
.INO sketches to import
Step 2: Select the template
to use when creating the
Breadboard
Step 3: Choose to import
as a Java Emulator or
Sketch simulator project
Step 4: Click OK to create
the project
The import wizard can create either Arduino Java or Arduino Sketch projects
4.3.6.1 Step 1: Select the sketch to import using the browser.
Locate the sketch to import. See chapter on Java conversion to explain which project can be
successfully imported.
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4.3.6.2 Step 2: Choose a template
There are different templates preconfigured hardware suitable for different types of
projects
4.3.6.2.1 Breadboard LED on Pin 13
Default example hardware with Pin13 attached to a LED same as a standard Arduino Board
4.3.6.2.2 Breadboard LED on Pin 13 + PORT A0 + Serial Miniterminal
Hardware with a serial console output and a potentiometer on A0 suitable for experiments
reading analog signals and making reports on those signals.
4.3.6.3 Step 3: Choose a project type
Select the option button to choose the project type to create
4.3.6.3.1 Emulator Project
Emulator projects are based on the Java Emulator Virtual Arduino and Arduino Java Source.
The imported sketch is converted to Java and linked to the Virtual Arduino
Breadboard template
Java Emulator Arduino
Java source code project
created with name of the
imported source
Converted Source Code
//Automaticalled Added VBB Framework
4.3.6.3.2 Simulator Project
Simulator projects are based on the AVR 328 Instruction set simulator Virtual Arduino and
Arduino Sketch source. The imported sketch is copied into the project unchanged and linked
to the Virtual Arduino
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Breadboard template
AVR Simulator Arduino
Arduino sketch code
project created with name
of the imported source
Copied Sketch Source Code
4.3.7 Built-in template projects
In addition to creating new projects or projects based on existing Arduino code Vbb4Arduino
contains numerous built-in reference examples
The examples are organised in a tree of example project types
To open a reference example click the folder on the left to show the available examples in
the group then Select/Open or double click the example in the right Project Templates panel
to open the example
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Examples in the group
Double click on the example to
open the example
Examples with the
Click on the project type Arduino Blue Graphic are
to show the examples in Arduino Java examples
that folder
Examples ending in SIM
with White Graphic are
Arduino SIM examples
See Appendix XX for Listing and explanation of the reference Examples
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4.4 Existing Tab
The Existing Tab allow projects that already exist to be located and opened using the inbuild
file browser
Existing Tab
Existing Projects
Default Directory
The Default Directory is the location that is first shown. By default this is <User>My
Vbb4Arduino Projects but you can change the default location using the Browse Button to
navigate to a new folder location.
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1. Existing Tab
2. List of VBB Solutions in the current directory
3. Drop down navigator
4. Move up to the previous directory
The navigation dropdown list allows you to search the computer for directories containing
an existing VBB solution to open
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4.5 Recent
The recent tab hold the most recently used project list for quick access to recently used
projects.
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4.6 Design Mode
When the project opens the state of the VBB UI moves into DesignMode with the following
environment features
The organisation is based around the Solution Explorer which is a tree of projects containing
design sheets as leaves.
DesignSheets are Viewed in ViewPanes and to move a design sheet to a view pane it is
dragged and dropped from the solution explorer tree into the design sheet.
Properties of Design Sheets and components in designs are shown in the Properties Editor
App Window
App Menu
App Toolbar
View Panes View Mode
4
Context Toolbox Design Sheet
(Breadboard) (Breadboard)
Solution Explorer
Design Sheet
Context Toolbox
(SourceCode)
(SourceCode)
Properties Editor
4.6.1 App Window
The VBB Application is a Multiple Document Interface (MIDI) style application where the
document being managed is the DesignSheet.
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4.6.2 App Menu
The App Menu
File : Access functions for opening and saving files
Edit : Access functions for editing
Tools : Access tools
Help : Access application information
4.6.2.1 File
Icon Name ShortCut Description
New Ctrl + N Opens the New Project Dialog with the New Tab
selected.
Only available when no solution is loaded.
Open Ctrl + O Opens the New Project Dialog with the Existing Tab
selected.
Only available when no solution is loaded.
Close Closes the current solution and returns to the closed
Solution solution state.
Only available when a solution is loaded.
Save Ctrl + S Saves the current solution
Save As Opens the Save Dialog prompting for the new project
name.
Only available when a solution is loaded.
4.6.2.2 Edit
Icon Name ShortCut Description
Undo Ctrl + Z Undos the previous action (s)
Redo Ctrl+Y Redos the previous action (s)
Cut Ctrl + X Copies and deletes the current selection to the
clipboard and deletes the selection from the current
DesignSheet.
Only available when a DesignSheet is active and
components or code
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have been selected.
Copy Ctrl + C Copies the current selection of the current DesignSheet
to the clipboard
Only available when a DesignSheet is active and
components have been selected.
Paste Ctrl + P Pastes the components copied to the clipboard to the
current DesignSheet.
Only available when a DesignSheet is active and
components have been copied to the clipboard.
Delete Del Deletes the current selection from the current
DesignSheet.
Only available when a DesignSheet is active and
components have been selected.
4.6.2.3 Help Menu
Name Description
Update ICEShield Firmware Starts the ICEShield firmware update dialog. See ICEShield
About Opens the About dialog to display version information
Virtual Breadboard HomePage Launches a Browser and opens the Virtual Breadboard
HomePage
4.6.3 App Toolbar
The VBB application Toolbar gives quick access to the core Vbb4Arduino features
Name Name Description
Save Saves the current project. If the project has not yet been
saved it will launch the SaveAs dialog
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PowerUp Powers Up virtualization of the active circuit model. Only
available if you have purchased a license and from Design
Mode
Verify Performs a code check on source code projects
PowerDown Powers down the circuit virtualization and returns to Design
Mode
4.6.3.1 Active DesignSheet
The Active design sheet is the currently selected sheet which is the design sheet highlighted
darker green
Not Active DesignSheet Active DesignSheet
( Lighter Green ) ( Darker Green )
1. You can always click into the TitleBar to select the DesignSheet as the current
DesignSheet
2. Some DesignSheets allow you click anywhere on the DesignSheet to select it
4.6.4 Solution Explorer
The solution Explorer contains a tree representing the DesignSheets in the solution.
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The Solution Explorer is context sensitive.
Right Click on a Project to add Logic Analyser, Breadboard, Arduino Java Source or Arduino
Sketch Source DesignSheet
Right Click on a Java Source Project to add a Java source file to a Source Code Project
Right Click on a Arduino Source Project to add a Sketch, .cpp or .h source file to the Source
Code Project
Deleting : Right click on the element to delete and select the delete drop down menu
Rename : Right click on the element to rename and in-place edit the new name
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4.6.5 View Mode
The design panel has up to three design panes. Each pane may contain a different
arrangement of DesignSheet9s)
One Panel Show the design panel as a single design pane.
Any selected DesignSheet is shown in the single pane
Two Panel Splits the design panel into two separate design panes
Three Panel Splits the design panel into three separate design panes.
When you double click a DesignSheet in the navigation tree it is selected into one of the
available panes according to its default viewing position.
You can override the default location by dragging and dropping the design from the
navigation tree to the desired panel.
When switching between layouts the previous layout remembers which DesignSheets are in
which panel.
4.6.6 View Panes
The individual view panes are MDI child panesl
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Drag and Drop the DesignSheet
into the ViewPane
View Panes are containers to
view the DesignSheets
4.6.7 Design Sheets
DesignSheets are the documents managed by Vbb4Arduino. The have a design area and an
optional Toolbox. There are four design sheets in VBB4Arduino.
Breadboard
Source Code Java
Source Code Sketch
Logic Analyser
4.6.8 DesignSheet Toolbox
The toolbox contains the collections of components specific to the DesignSheet.
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4.7 The properties panel
Many items, DesignSheets and Components have Properties
The properties editor is populated when components are selected with DesignSheets. The
properties are specific to individual components.
Property Name Property Values
Custom Editors
Drop Down Lists
Property Description
When you select a component the properties box is populated with the component
properties.
4.7.1 The property description panel
When a component is selected the description of the property is displayed in the property
description panel
4.7.2 Empty panel
When a panel has no DesignSheet it appears blue. You can fill the panel with a DesignSheet
by dragging and dropping a design into the panel
4.7.3 Status Toolbar
Shows status information including runtime timing and debug information
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4.8 Runtime Virtualization
When a circuit is powered up it moves into Runtime mode where the circuit is virtualized
and can be explored for testing or learning purposes. Clicking the PowerDown button stops
virtualization and returns Vbb4Arduino to design mode.
If there is more than one Breadboard in the project the Active Breadboard is launched.
The Active Breadboard is
Virtualized at rutime
Breadboard components
are real-time interactive
Virtual Arduino
components pull their
source code from their Source Code
Application Property Runtime console
Runtime statistics are shown in
the status bar
5 Design Sheets
DesignSheets are the main document managed by the VBB system. There are 4
DesignSheets available in Vbb4Arduino
Java Source Project .SRC The source code project is a special type of
DesignSheet which contains a collection of
java source code files
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Arduino Sketch Project .SRC The source code project is a special type of
DesignSheet which contains a collection of
Arduino Sketch source code files
Logic Analyser VLI Virtual MulitChannel Logic Analyser
Instrument that is very useful for analyser
logic signals for debugging and testing
Breadboard .VBB The Breadboard is a DesignSheet
supporting the VBB emulation framework.
Components designed using VBB can be
dropped into a Breadboard wired up and
simulated
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5.1 Arduino Sketch Code Project
The Source Project DesignSheet is a container for collections of source code.
The integrated Arduino Sketch projects are compiled using the VBB Hosted instance of the
CodeBender compiler and the binaries execute on the Arduino SIM development board
Arduino Sketch
VBB
CodeBender
Sketch Projects can contains
Sketch Arduino Java/Cpp style code
Cpp C++ code for user libraries
.h C code for user libraries
5.1.1 Adding a Sketch Project to a VBB Project
Too add an Arduino Sketch project right click on the project in the solution explorer then
select ArduinoAdd Arduino Sketch Source Project
5.1.2 Adding Source to Sketch Project
Arduino Sketch projects support 3 types of source files.
Sketch (.ino)
Header (.h)
C++ (.cpp)
Inserting Code into a
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5.1.3 Cloud Compiler : CodeBender
The Arduino Sketch projects as verified and compiled binary using a CodeBender cloud
service hosted by virtualbreadboard.io cloud services. CodeBender has frozen Arduino
support at Arduino 1.0.5 which is sufficient for working with all the examples and
components available in the Vbb4Arduino sandbox.
There is no support for adding additional 3rd party libraries beyond those included in
Vbb4Arduino or for upgrading to Arduino 1.6. For advanced Arduino use you should use the
Arduino SIM component either in Arduino IDE monitor mode or VbbIO bootloader mode.
Refer to the Arduino AVR Component.
5.1.4 Custom Libraries
You can add your own libraries using the C++/.h files directly into the project
The Libraries reference example shows how this is done. It is taken from the Arduino
explanation of how to create libraries.
1) Add a new .h file and enter the library header code
2) Add a new .cpp file and enter the Cpp code
3) Include the library. TIP: Use not < > for the code location
5.1.4.1 Morse.ino
#include "Morse.h"
Morse morse(13);
void setup()
{
}
void loop()
{
morse.dot(); morse.dot(); morse.dot();
morse.dash(); morse.dash(); morse.dash();
morse.dot(); morse.dot(); morse.dot();
delay(3000);
}
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5.1.4.2 Morse.h
#include "Morse.h"
Morse morse(13);
void setup(){}
void loop()
{
morse.dot(); morse.dot(); morse.dot();
morse.dash(); morse.dash(); morse.dash();
morse.dot(); morse.dot(); morse.dot();
delay(3000);
}
5.1.4.3 Morse.cpp
#include <Arduino.h>
#include "Morse.h"
Morse::Morse(int pin)
{
pinMode(pin, OUTPUT);
_pin = pin;
}
void Morse::dot()
{
digitalWrite(_pin, HIGH);
delay(250);
digitalWrite(_pin, LOW);
delay(250);
}
void Morse::dash()
{
digitalWrite(_pin, HIGH);
delay(1000);
digitalWrite(_pin, LOW);
delay(250);
}
5.1.5 Verifying Source
Arduino Sketchs can be verified for correctness by clicking the Verify button in the main
toolbar.
Click the Verify button to verify
Active Sketch code
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Highlighted error after clicking in
the Errors Tab
Runtime errors shown in the
Errors Tab. Click to highlight error
5.1.6 Supported Arduino Sketch Libraries
Supported Arduino Standard Libraries
LiquidCrystal
SoftwareSerial
Servo
Stepper
EEPROM
KeyPad
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5.2 Java Source Code Project Design Sheet
The Source Project DesignSheet is a container for collections of source code.
The integrated Arduino Java projects are compiled using the VBB Hosted instance of a Java
compiler and the classfiles execute on the Arduino JVM development board
Arduino Java Source
VBB
Java
Compiler
Java Projects can contain
Java Arduino Java
5.2.1 Adding a Java Project to a VBB Project
Too add an Arduino Sketch project right click on the project in the solution explorer then
select ArduinoAdd Arduino Java Source Project
5.2.2 Adding Source to Java Project
Arduino Java projects support only the java source file. To add a new java source file right
click the Java Source Project and select he Add New Java Source drop down menu to show
the Add Java Source Dialog
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The Add New Java Source File menu allows you to add new source files to the project and
pops up a dialog to allow you to name or select the java source file to add.
5.2.2.1 1 Suggested Source File name
When the Add New java Source File dialog appears it has a suggested Classname. To add you
a new file you can accept this name or rename it to your preferred name. The name must be
unique to the source code project which means there must not be another file of the same
name in the solution directory
5.2.2.2 2. Solution Files
The java source files for the solution directory are shown in the Solution Files list. It can be
that the source file is in the directory , for example if you have copied it directly into the
directory, but not yet included in the project. In this case you can select the name from the
solution files list and click OK to include it
5.2.2.3 3. Import
You might have source files you want to include in other directories. In this case you can
click the import button to open a file dialog to allow you to select a file to import into the
solution directory. Once imported the file will appear in the Solution Files list where you can
select it to include it in the project as per (2)
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Once you have named a new file or selected an existing one click the OK button to add it to
the source project. If the file name you have selected is not unique you will receive the File
Already in Project message and the source file will not be added.
Inserting Code into a
5.3 Solution Tree Manager
In the project manager view the Java Source Code Project appears with the list of the
source files it contains as a sub-tree member
5.4 Activating Java Source Project
You can select the Java Source Project as the currently selected design sheet by clicking the
title banner ( the normal blue title bar is hidden) or double clicking the Java Source Project
in the solution tree. Some functions such as copy/paste wont work as expected if the
currently selected design sheet is not the Java Source Project containing the source editor
you are working with.
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5.4.1 Context Sensitive Functions
By right clicking on a named Java Source Code Project in the Solution Tree the context
sensitive functions are shown
5.4.2 Delete
You can delete a java source file by right clicking on it in the Solution tree and clicking the
delete menu option
The Java Source file will be removed from the Solution and also deleted from the solution
directory
5.4.3 Rename
You can rename delete a java source file by right clicking on it in the Solution tree and
clicking the rename menu option
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The in-tree editor will then become enabled where you can edit the new name of the file
When you click enter the name of the Tab source class name is also renamed but the class
Name in source is not renamed so you need to manual rename the source name. The name
of the source name and the class name should match up
5.4.4 Cloud Compiler : Java Compiler
The Arduino Java projects are verified and compiled binary using a Java cloud service hosted
by virtualbreadboard.io cloud services.
There is no support for adding additional 3rd party libraries beyond those included in
Vbb4Arduino as the Java libraries must match up to the fixed Virtual Breadboard Runtime
Libraries (VbbRT)
5.4.5 Custom Libraries
You can add your own libraries using java subclasses or adding java classes.
5.4.5.1 Custom library subclasses
The advantage of using subsclasses is that the code stays all together in the one source file
and also you can directly access the underlying Arduino macro function such as digitalRead()
etc directly from the subclass code
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5.4.5.2 Morse.java
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.*;
public class Morse extends Arduino{
class MorseCode{
int _pin;
public MorseCode(int pin){
_pin = pin;
pinMode(pin, OUTPUT);
}
public void dot(){
digitalWrite(_pin, HIGH);
delay(250);
digitalWrite(_pin, LOW);
delay(250);
}
public void dash(){
digitalWrite(_pin, HIGH);
delay(1000);
digitalWrite(_pin, LOW);
delay(250);
}
MorseCode morse = new MorseCode(13);
public void setup(){
}
public void loop(){
morse.dot();
morse.dash();
morse.dot();
delay(3000);
}
}
5.4.5.1 Custom library Java Classes
The advantage of using Java Classes as separate files is it makes larger projects easier to
manage and you can more easily share code between projects.
However separate Java classes cannot access the Arduino macros and you need to pass the
Arduino base class to access the Arduino functions
To use separate java classes add addition Java source files to Source Project
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MorseCode.java
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.*;
public class MorseCode{
int _pin;
Arduino _arduino;
public MorseCode(Arduino arduino,int pin){
_pin = pin;
_arduino = arduino;
arduino.pinMode(pin, Arduino.OUTPUT);
}
public void dot(){
_arduino.digitalWrite(_pin, Arduino.HIGH);
_arduino.delay(250);
_arduino.digitalWrite(_pin, Arduino.LOW);
_arduino.delay(250);
}
public void dash(){
_arduino.digitalWrite(_pin, Arduino.HIGH);
_arduino.delay(1000);
_arduino.digitalWrite(_pin, Arduino.LOW);
_arduino.delay(250);
}
Morse.java
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.*;
public class Morse extends Arduino{
//Constructor passes base for Arduino IO access
MorseCode morse = new MorseCode(this,13);
public void setup(){
}
public void loop(){
morse.dot();
morse.dash();
morse.dot();
delay(3000);
}
}
5.5 Design Time Source Editor
The Java Editor at Design Time has useful features typical of modern source editor
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5.5.1 Keyword Highlighting
The editor understands the code is a java and highlights the java keywords such as import,
public, class , extends etc. This make the code more readable
5.5.2 Syntax Error Highlighting
The editor can also detect when a syntax error has occurred with the java language structure
and will highlight the syntax error with a red squiggle underscore to assist in locating and
correcting the syntax error.
5.5.3 Tab Suggestions
As you type can get completion suggestions by typing {CTRL}+{SPACE}
This will popup a context sensitive context box based on youre the text entered so far.
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You can navigate the suggestions box using the mouse or the {UP} and {DOWN} arrow keys
Pressing {TAB} or {ENTER} will choose the selected suggestion and enter the text. This is
useful for getting the exact syntax of a function based on its partial name
5.5.4 Parameter Suggestions
When you have entered a recognised function name when you type the ( you will receive
parameter suggestions to help complete the function
5.5.5 Edit Menu, Cut, Copy and Paste Undo
You can cut, copy and paste code sections in the Source Editor.
TIP: If the Java Source Editor Project is not the currently selected design sheet the
Cut/Copy/Paste functions wont work with the Source Editor.
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5.5.6 Code Verification
Arduino Java code can be verified for correctness by clicking the Verify button in the main
toolbar. Errors are shown in the Errors Tab
Clicking the error in the Errors tab then the error line will be located and highlighted in
yellow
5.5.7 Java Source Console Tab
During runtime the Output tab shows the output of the standard output from the emulated
code
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5.6 Logic Analyser
5.6.1 Trace Log ( *.VLG )
The Logic Analyser traces signal events for logic analysis of circuits useful for debugging. The
Logic Analyser works with Logic Probes that are placed onto Breadboard sheets and linked to
the Logic Analyser Instrument from the Instrument property of the LogicProbe.
Design Sheet The design sheet is a form which graphs signal events
Toolbar None
Toolbox None
5.6.2 Adding a Logic Analyser
The trace log is found in the instruments project context sub menu. Right click on the project
and select the Add Logic Analyser from the drop down context menu
5.6.3 Drag the Design Sheet into a View
The Logic Analyser doesnt have a default view location so wont appear until you drag it
from the Project tree into a view pane
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5.6.3.1 1. View Window
The trace grid is where the signal chart will be drawn. The probes sample the signal from the
Breadboard sheet and are drawn into the TraceGrid. Up to 10 probes can be sampled
5.6.3.2 2. Probe List
The Probe list is initially empty when the circuit emulation is first run the probe list becomes
populated with a probe list and trigger elements for each probe.
1
2
3 4
5.6.3.2.1 1 Probe name
The name of the probe is taken from the name property of the probe on the Breadboard
sheet
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5.6.3.2.2 2. Trigger Element
The trigger element for each probe is combined to make a trigger event which is detected by
the logic analyser to begin recording. This makes it possible to capture specific parts of a
signal
There are 5 possible trigger options
Icon Trigger Description
Dont-Care Not used in the trigger detection
Rising Edge Trigger occurs when signal moves from low to high
Falling Edge Trigger occurs when signal moves from high to low
HIGH Trigger occurs when signal is HIGH.
LOW Trigger occurs when signal is LOW
A trigger is formed by AND the trigger elements together. For example the above trigger is
ISRISING(0) AND ISHIGH(0). The left hand edge of the view window is marked by the trigger
D0
D1
Trigger Events
View Window
3. Previous Filter Element
Click to switch to the previous filter element
4. Next Filter Element
Click to switch to the next filter element
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5.6.4 3. Sampling Control Panel
The sampling control panels determines how signals are captured and viewed in the View
Window
2
4
5 3
6 7
1. Sampling LED
The sampling LED flashes when a trigger event occurs and a sample is made
2. TimeBase
The Timebase is the displayed time per view per horizontal grid in the View Window from
0.1 microsecond through to 1 second.
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5.6.4.1.1 3. Next Time Base
Decreases the timebase
5.6.4.1.2 4. Previous Time Base
Increases the timebase
5.6.4.1.3 5. Trace Mode Toggle Button
Click to enable trace mode. In trace mode the signal is sampled continuously and refreshes
each time a trigger event occurs
5.6.4.1.4 6. Capture Mode Toggle Button
Click to arm capture. In capture mode the first trigger event is captured and viewed. The
capture mode button becomes disabled. You can then analyse the resulting signal trace
without it changing. To sample another signal you need to arm the capture mode again.
5.6.4.1.5 7. View Window Offset
Adds an offset to the view window left or right from the trigger event so you can view
different parts of the signal in and around the trigger event
Offset = 0
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Offset = ~+50% Shifts the left offset along to view the signal before the trigger
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5.7 Breadboard DesignSheet
The Breadboard DesignSheet is a circuit emulation enabled drag and drop design sheet.
DesignSheet the DesignSheet a design graphic containing the component models
Toolbar the Breadboard toolbar is populated with graphical manipulation tools to
zoom pan and manipulate the graphical design
Toolbox The Breadboard toolbox is populated with electronic component models
which can be dragged and dropped on to Breadboard design
5.7.1 Toolbar : Breadboard
The graphics toolbar allows the manipulation of the Breadboard graphics, components and
links.
Toolbar Button Description
Select Mode Enters Select Mode. The cursor becomes an arrow.
In select mode click on components to select them.
Selecting a component populates the property box with
the component properties.
Rotate Left Rotate Left. Rotates a component 90 degrees left.
Rotate Right Rotate Right. Rotates a component 90 degrees right.
Move Mode Enters move Mode. The cursor becomes a NSEW pointer.
In move mode you can drag and drop component to new
location .
Link Mode Enters link Mode. The cursor becomes a cross-hair and
you can draw links between component pins.
Junction Merges two links by joining with a junction.
Net Merges links with the same net name
Zoom Zoom Mode.
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Click the Zoom button to enter zoom mode. When over
the Breadboard layout the cursor will change into a Zoom
graphic. Click and hold the mouse down and then moving
vertically up will zoom out and vertically down will zoom
in. Stays in zoom mode until another graphic mode is
selected
Zoom In Zoom in by factor 2
Zoom out Zoom out by factor
Zoom region Zoom to a region.
Not functional @v0.1
Zoom Extents Zoom to the extents.
Not functional @v0.1
Restore Origin Restore the origin to offset 0,0 and zoom =1
Lock origin Lock the origin when zooming. When locked the offsets
dont change only the zoom factor. When not locked the
offset changes to keep the center of the screen fixed
Pan Pan Mode.
Click the Pan button to enter Pan mode. When over the
Breadboard layout the cursor will change into a Hand
Zoom graphic. Click and hold the mouse down and then
drag the display to pan around. Stays in Pan mode until
another graphic mode is selected
Grow Grow the selected components by factor 2
Shrink Shrink the selected components by factor
Link Color Set the link color. Sets the currently selected links to the
selected color. Future links will be created with the new
color.
Link Weight Set the link width. Sets the currently selected links to the
selected weight. Future links will be created with the new
weight.
Show Nets Show the virtual nets between named nets in the circuit
board.
5.7.2 Note on Zoom factor:
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The snap to grid has a problem when the zoom factor is not a multiple of 2. You should not
try to select links or draw links at arbitary zoom factors. The zoom, zoom extents, zoom
region are best used to inspect the design and select components but you should restore the
origin and use the zoom in, zoom out when drawing links to ensure the zoom is a multiple of
2.
5.7.3 Placing a component from the Toolbox
Placing a component is an important skill not quite drag and drop. You need to click on the
Toolbox icon releasing the mouse button. This attaches the component to the mouse
pointer when you move over the Breadboard design. You can then drag the component into
position in the DesignSheet and click a second time to place the component.
5.7.4 Component Editing
There are several ways you can work with components.
Placing a component
Select a component
Select a group of components
Append a component to a selection
Move a group of selected components
Copy and paste selected components
Delete selected components
5.7.5 Placing a component from the Toolbox
Placing a component is an important skill not quite drag and drop. You need to click on the
Toolbox icon releasing the mouse button. This attaches the component to the mouse
pointer when you move over the DesignSheet. You can then drag the component into
position in the DesignSheet and click a second time to place the component.
5.7.6 Select a component
To select a component enter Select Mode and left click on the component
Selected components are bounded by a dashed blue line.
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Selection Box
5.7.7 Select a group of components
Select a group by drawing a window around the components to select.
Draw a window with a Left Click to anchor the window, and holding down the mouse button
drag out a window.
Release the mouse to select the components fully inside the window.
Selects components fully inside window
Left Click-and-hold to drag out window
5.7.8 Append a component to a selection
Append a component to a selection by holding shift and left clicking the component.
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Shift + Left Click
5.7.9 Move a group of selected components
To move a selected group of components
Select Move Mode by clicking the move state button
Shift + Left Button drag and drop or Right button drag and drop.
Shift + Left Click-and-hold
OR Right Click-and-hold
Drag to reposition Release to place. Selection remains
5.7.10 Shrink and grow a selection
To increase density of certain parts of a graphical design it can be useful to scale down a
component or group of components. Equally it is useful to be able to restore the size of the
components and scale components back up.
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5.7.10.1 To scale down a component selection
Click the scale down component toolbar button
5.7.10.2 To scale up a component selection
Click the scale up component toolbar button
5.7.11 Wiring Essentials
Wires are links from component pin to component pin.
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To begin wiring click the wiring button
The cursor will become a crosshair
To start a link move to the pin
to create a link from and click
the left button
The link will attach to the pin and to
the mouse cursor.
Move the cursor to the first joint of
the link and press the left button
again
Now the link is anchored to the last
joint and the cursor
Click again with the left mouse on
the next joint location or the
destination pin or Double Click to
finish the pin
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Now the link is anchored to the
destination pin and the cursor
To finish the link right mouse
button or double click
When a link is made between two
pins the link becomes thicker to
indicate the link is an active link
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5.7.11.1 Working with Junctions
Junctions are used to merge links together.
Note: Links overlayed over each other are not considered a single link
To create a junction click the junction mode and then
Links touching or crossing are not
merged together without a junction
Enter Junction Mode and click with
the left mouse to place junctoins
Links need to be merged with a
junction to become active
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5.7.11.2 Working with Net Labels
Net Labels allow connections to be made between pins by using a name instead of a wire.
This can be used to better organise the connection layout.
The Net Toolbar option is used to place nets and features some helper options to add nets
5.7.11.2.1 New
New is the standard option to add a new net. When you add a new net it is placed with the
Name new. You can edit the name by clicking the net name and editing the name in the
property box
Drop Down List of Named nets
You can also select a net from the drop-down list in the property box. The dropdown list
contains the names of all the nets currently on the Breadboard.
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5.7.11.2.2 AutoInc
The AutoInc dropdown option has a further sub dropdown menu which allows you to select
a net using the common prefixes ( R = Resistor, C = Capacitor, L = Inductor , U = Integrated
Circuit )
When you select form the submenu the net will be named +1 to the current highest net
name. So for example if you have R1,R2,R2 on your breadboard already and you select R*
then the net will be named R3.
5.7.11.2.3 DX / AX
The V18O, Arduino and others have a naming convention for digitial pins of D0, D1, D2 ..
and Analog Pin A0,A1,.. These nets are also automatically added when using the V18O,
Arduino components so these are very commonly used net names. The AX and DX submenus
gives you a shortcut for selecting these names.
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5.7.12 All Nets (--)
All the current nets on the Breadboard are listed below the toolbar separator giving a
shortcut to select a matching net for a net to be placed.
5.7.13 Virtual Links
Nets can be thought of as acting a virtual link between the pins that are connected by the
Net
Nets can be
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Connected to the end of links or midway along links like junctions
Placed over pins directly
5.7.14 Show Links
You can view the links between the nets using the ShowLinks button. When you click the
button it will show the links. It is a state button and when you unselect the button it will hide
the links again.
5.7.14.1.1 Showing specific Net Links
To show a specific net link you can select a member of the net and click to ShowLinks button
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5.7.14.1.2 Show subgroups of links
If you select members of more than one net then the links belonging to all the selected nets
will be shown.
5.7.14.1.3 Predefined Nets
Arduino footprint boards have predefined nets associated with the pins
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By default the nets for these on but you can switch off the default nets using the
components Nets property
5.7.14.2 Component Layering
Components are layered , you move components up and down the layering using the
context menu.
Select the component and press right click to start the context menu.
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5.7.14.3 Locking a Component
The context menu contains an option for locking components. Select the component,
right click to bring up the context menu and click Lock Control to lock the component. A
locked component cannot be accidentally moved.
5.8 Toolbox : Breadboard
The Breadboard Toolbox is the most important Toolbox to VBB as it contains the component
models that constitute the circuits
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6 Breadboard Components
VBB components are models of real world electronic components.
Important! VBB does not support analog circuit simulation like SPICE. Sorry but VBB just
doesnt work that way. Instead VBB is a circuit modelling tool with a focus on the application
code and uses simplified electronic models to virtualize the electronics. Nevertheless a huge
number of circuits can be modelled this way especially if you take the time to learn a few
VBB tricks.
There are two types of Components that can be placed in a Breadboard
Component Models which virtualize
Generic Layout which do not virtualize
These can be used in combination in a circuit but only the sections of the circuit that contain
Component Models will virtualize. In addition, there is a special function block component
which is a user programmable way to model the behaviour of many common circuit blocks.
The concept of the function block is the observation that in many cases electronic designs
are simply copy and pasted again and again by designers who rely only on the behaviour of
the circuit design and really dont care about the circuit itself.
Why resolve the entire analog behaviour of a circuit block which performs a
known fixed function?
Why not just take a picture of the circuit block and attach a FunctionBlock that models the
same circuit behaviour. That is the philosophy of VBB and for many circuits relevant to
Arduino users its a good first approximation. Of course you need to learn a bit about
modelling circuit blocks instead of hoping VBB will figure it all out for you. There are some
packages out there that do that but then you loose the advantages of circuit modelling such
as performance and ease of design do you really want to have to fully understand
electronic design, select every resistor and capacitor value exactly before you even begin the
fun stuff of virtualizing and programming? Didnt think so ! ..
7 Generic Layout Components
Layout Components are generic graphics only components and will not emulate. However
when used in combination with a function block they can appear to emulate. These
components are parametric models of the common hole-through components. Layout
components help you create a circuit board which can be fabricated by our PCB service or as
a guide when assembling a real circuit board even where specific components models are
not available.
7.1.1 Generic Layout Only
Generic DIP
Axial
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Radial
7.2 Generic DIP
Breadboards are useful because they have pin sockets that match the spacing of the
standard DIP packaging of electronic circuits. The Generic DIP component allows you to
easily create a DIP component package.
DIPs components are typically placed across the center section.
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7.3 Parametric
The DIP component is parametric so you can create any DIP by setting the component
properties accordingly.
Part Label Part Logo
Pin = PinCount
Spacing
Pin = 1
Pin Names
Library
Property Description
ID Identifier used in BOM
Part Label The part name shown on the packaging
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Part Logo An optional logo that is shown center of the package. Uses magenta
for transparent color
PinCount The number of pins ( multiple of 2 )
Spacing The size of the spacing between pins in hundreds of mil typically 3
or 5
Pin Names A CSV(comma separated array) of names starting from pin 1 to pin pin
pinCount of the pins labels. This is shown as an overlay as a form of
schematic for the part
Library The Library is a special property which actives as Custom Dialog to
select a component from a library which then sets the properties
7.3.1 Using the Library Component
When you first place a Generic DIP the properties are blank. You can enter your own values
or select from the library. To use the library
1. Click on the Library property
to show the custom editor
button
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2. Click the custom editor
button to show the Component
Library Dialog
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3. Click the component group 4. Select the component
5. Click OK
This sets the properties for the component creating the component.
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7.4 Marking up a generic component with a function block
You can add virtualization to a generic component footprint by marking it up with one or
more function blocks.
For example you might want to virtualize a dual AND gate
1. Place a suitable generic component
Select a 4081 Quad 2-input AND gate using the generic library
2. Place a Function block and give it 2 inputs
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Referring to the 4081 datasheet or by inspection of the pins on the top of the DIP
component we want to assign the function block the pin logic of the 4081
So Function Block Output 1Y - = AND(1A,1B)
The easiest way to do this is to use the netlist. From the properties of the 4081 copy the pin
names over to the netlist field to assign pin names to the known pin positions
Now in the function block properties copy over the relevant net names to the match the
input and outputs. Conveniently in this example they are aligned at pin 1,2,3 so its just a
matter of copying over the first 3 net names from the 4081 to the function block
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Finally assign the Expression AND(P1,P2) to create an AND gate from pins 1 and 2 with the
output on pin 3, which is how the 4081 is specified
You can preview the virtual links using the show links and functionblocks options
At runtime you can hide the links and function block to make it appear the 4081 generic
component footprint is virtualized
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7.5 Radial Component
Generic Radial component can be used to model components with a 2 pin Radial
configuration for which there is no matching visual component.
7.5.1 Parametric Model
Diameter
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Pin 1
Color
Pin Spacing
7.5.2 Properties
Property Description
ID Identifier used in BOM
Spacing The number of grid spacings between pins
Diameter The diameter of the radial component in grid spacings (0.1)
Color The color of the Radial packaging
Value The value of the part to appear in the BOM.
Eg Capacitance or special part no.
7.6 Axial Component
Generic Axial component can be used to model components with a 2 pin Axial configuration
for which there is no matching visual component.
7.6.1 Parametric Model
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Length
Diameter
Pin 1
Pin Spacing
Color
7.6.2 Properties
Property Description
ID Identifier used in BOM
Spacing The number of grid spacings between pins
Diameter The diameter of the axial component in grid spacings (0.1)
Length The length of the axial component in grid spacings (0.1)
Color The color of the Radial packaging
Value The value of the part to appear in the BOM.
Eg Capacitance or special part no.
7.1 Generic Header Component
Generic Radial component can be used to model all different header configurations.
Rows
Pins
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Name Default Options Description
Pins 2 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 | User The number of horizontal pins
Enter
Rows 1 1|2 The number of rows of the header
block
Color Black Black | Blue | Read | Size of the LED array
Named Color
7.1 Generic Male Header
Generic male header component can be used to model many different header
configurations.
Rows
Pins
Name Default Options Description
Pins 2 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 | User The number of horizontal pins
Enter
Rows 1 1|2 The number of rows of the header
block
Color Black Black | Blue | Red | Color of packaging. Black, Blue, Re
Named Color or Name User Color See
Appendix
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7.1 Generic Female Header
Generic male header component can be used to model many different header
configurations.
Rows
Pins
Name Default Options Description
Pins 2 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 | User The number of horizontal pins
Enter
Rows 1 1|2 The number of rows of the header
block
Color Black Black | Blue | Red Color of the hosing. Black Blue
Red only.
7.1 Screw Terminal
Generic male header component can be used to model many different header
configurations.
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Seperation = 2
Seperation = 1
Pins
Name Default Options Description
Pins 2 2 | 3 | 4 | 8 | User The number of horizontal pins
Enter
Seperation .1 0.1 | 0.2 The separation or the pins, 1 or 2
slots. You can also use scale to
increase the size o the
Color Green Names Color Named Color of the packaging.
See the Appendix
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8 Circuit Model Components
VBB has some special circuit model components which can be used to model or mock many
different types of circuits relevant to the Arduino user.
Function Blocks are programmable logic blocks that can overlay circuits to mock
circuit behaviour y
Resistors are modelled either as a fuse or an open-circuit
Capacitors are modelled as an open-circuit.
Diodes are modelled as switched pull-up or switched pull-down resistor.
NPN Transistors are modelled as a switch which turns on when the base voltage is
HIGH
PNP Transistors are modelled as a switch which turns on when the base voltage is
LOW
8.1 Function Block
The Function Block is a powerful circuit modelling block and can be used in Co-Virtualization
of many different circuits.
When the function block is used in combination with generic layouts there is special support
to hide the function block to make it looks like the circuit block is virtualizing. Its a type of
component development kit.
The purpose of the Function Block component is to model certain circuit behaviour not
directly supported by VBB.
Property Description
Name The Name of the Function Block for circuit documentation
Inputs The number of inputs. When this value changes the Function Block
diagram will automatically resize.
Expression The FunctionBlock Expression.
ID The device ID in the BOM list
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netlist A CSV list of nets I1,I2..,IN,O which map to the input pin array and
output pin. Use the netlist to add FunctionBlocks without wiring
8.1.1 The Function Block expression
The function block expression calculates an output voltage based on its input pins. It
works in a similar way to an Excel function.
= (1 , 2 , . . , )
For example
ADD(P1,P2) 'Voltage Summer
MUL(SUB(P1,P2),2) 'Differential Voltage Multiplier
When used the Function Block graphic will change to reflect the names for the input
pins
8.1.1.1.1 Summer Concept Example
A voltage summer is a circuit function thats sums two or more voltage inputs.
This is a common circuit block often implemented with operational amplifiers
However there are other ways to sum voltages such as by using digital sampling.
The focus of VBB is on equivalent circuits so it doesn't matter how the circuit
implements a voltage adder VBB can model it using a function block.
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To create a voltage summer you use the ADD function in the function block
expression.
You could use a function block alongside Generic components in a VBB circuit and it
would work the same and look the same as if its behaviour we evolved from the
discrete circuit elements the way SPICE does it but the end result is the same.
8.2 Function Block Expression
8.3 Function Block Expression Grammar
Expression = Primitive | Function
Primitive ::= Numeric | Pn | PINn
Function ::= functionName( expression [, expression]* )
functionName ::= CONST | RISING | FALLING | ISHIGH | ISLOW | PULSIN |
CINT | NAND | NOR | XOR | XOR | MIN | MAX | ABSDIFF | CSIGN | CEN |
SIGN | PWM | NEG | IF | MUL | ADD | SUB | RANGE | MAP | OR | NOT | GT |
LT | VOLTS | DAC
Function Block Expressions
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FunctionName::=Pin Functions | Logic Functions |Math Functions | Special
Functions
Pin Functions ::= ISHIGH | ISLOW | RISING | FALLING
Logic Functions ::= AND, OR, XOR, NOT, NAND, NOR, XNOR
Math Functions ::= ABSDIFF, ADD, CEN, CONST, CSIGN, DIV, GT, IF, LT,
MAP, MIN, MUL, NEG, RANGE, SIGN, SUB
Special Functions::= DAC, PULSIN,PWM,VOLTS
Expressions can often contain other functions as parameters. For example:
AND(OR(P1,P2),OR(P3,P4) Complex Logic
ADD(P1,P2) 'Voltage Summer
MUL(SUB(P1,P2),2)' Differential amplifier gain = 2
Pins
PN return a value 0 for logic level GND and 1 for Vdd which is nominally 5V
Pin Functions:
ISHIGH ( PIN ) : Returns 1 if the PIN is HIGH else returns 0
ISLOW( PIN ) : Returns 1 if the PIN is LOW else returns 0
RISING( PIN ) : Returns 1 if the PIN has a rising edge
FALLING( PINS ) : Returns 1 if the PIN has a falling edge
Logic Functions:
AND(F1,F2,..,F3): Returns 1 if all FN return 1
OR(F1,F2,..,FN): Returns 1 if any FN return 1
XOR(F1,F2,...FN): Returns 1 if equal numbers of FN are 1 and 0
NAND(F1,F2,...,F3): Returns 1 if any FN is 0
NOR(F1,F2,...,FN): Returns 1 if no FN is 1
XNOR(F1,F2,...,FN): Returns 1 if odd numbers of FN are 1 and 0
NOT(F1): Return 1 if F1 is 0
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Math Functions:
ABSDIFF(FA,FB): Evaluates a FBFB
ADD(FA,FB,..,FN): Evaluates FA+FB++FN
CEN(FA) : Evaluates FAFB0.5
CINT(FA): Converts floating FA to integer
CONST( string ) : Evaluates string as numeric
CSIGN(FA): if FA > 0.5 returns 1 else returns 0
DIV(FA,FB,..,FN) : Evaluates FAFB...FN
GT( FA, FB ): If FA > FB returns 1 else returns 0
IF( FA, FB, FC ): If FA != 0 returns RB else returns FC
LT( FA, FB ): If FA < FB returns 1 else returns 0
MAP( FA, FB, FC ): Evaluates FAFBFCFB clipped to range 0 to 1
MIN(FA,FB,..,FN) : returns the lowest value in the parameter list FA,.. ,FN
MAX(FA,FB,..,FN) : returns the highest value in the parameter list FA,.. ,FN
MUL(FA,FB,..,FN) : Evaluates FAFBFN
NEG( FA ) : Evaluates FA
RANGE( FA, FB, FC ) : Evaluates FA+(FBFA)FC
SIGN( FA, FB ) : if( FA > FB ) returns 1 else returns 0
SUB( FA,FB,..,FN ) : Evaluates FAFBFN
Special Functions
DAC(FA,FB,..FN): Digital To Analog converter using N bits to create analog range
between 0 and 1
PULSIN( FA ): Measure the time in seconds of a pulse where the time is measured
between the rising and falling edge
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PWM (FA ): Digital to Analog converter using the PWM pulse duty on FA to create
an analog value between 0 and 1
PWM(FA,FB): Digital to Analog converter using the PWM pulse duty on Differential
FA - FB to create an analog value between 0 and 1
VOLTS (FA) : Converts the result of FA into a volts value by dividing by the nominal voltage
value of 5.
8.3.1 Function Block Editor Dialog
The function block editor dialog is a
8.4 Function Block Usage
Pullup Resistor
A pullup resistor is a very common circuit block very often used to create voltage
dividers or convert button presses into high/low values.
For example when a momentary button which is connected to ground is connect to a
resistor is connected to
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The first trick is to set the resistor is open-circuit mode. This means the resistor is just
a picture and its value is not used in the resulting circuit behaviour.
The output of the momentary button is the input to the function block and it has two
values. O/C open-circuit when the switch is off and 0.0 ground when the switch is on.
To model the O/C open-circuit needs to be converted to 1 = HIGH = 5V
Pullup resistor := IF(ISLOW(P1),0,1) = NOT(ISLOW(P1))
ISLOW(P1) returns 1 when the voltage at P1 is LOW = 0.0 and otherwise it returns 1.
However the output of the function block needs to invert this which can be done with
an NOT or IF
8.4.1 Dynamic Voltage Divider
A voltage divider is a common circuit configuration. Consider a voltage divider which is
tapped between two resistors and momentary switch connected to ground on the bottom of
the ladder. The voltage divider is has the well known formula
IF(ISLOW(P1),VOLTS(1.6),1)
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IF(ISLOW(P1),VOLTS(1.6),1)
So for resistors 2K and 950Ohm with 5V rail we can derive the output we expect when the
button is pressed to be V = ( 950 ) ( 2K + 950) x 5 ~= 1.6V
IF(ISLOW(P1),VOLTS(1.6),1)
If the button is pressed P1 becomes 0.0 so ISLOW is true and becomes 1 which IF evaluates
and returns the first term VOLTS(1.6). VOLTS is a function that converts 1.6 volts into the
nominal range which is 5V by default so VOLTS(1.6) return ( 1.6 / 5 ).
If the button is not pressed P1 is O/C is ISLOW is false and becomes 0 which IF evaluates as
false returns the second term 1 which is nominally HIGH or 5V
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8.4.2 Multi Tap Voltage Divider
If your microcontroller doesn't have many spare pins it can be useful to decode multiple
buttons using a single analog pin.
The way you can do this is to use the principle of Voltage Division to create different voltage
levels depending on the button pressed. This voltage can then be read as an anolog value
and compared with calculated values to decode the button pressed.
The trick is to realise this is just a voltage divider
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MIN
IF(ISLOW(P1),VOLTS(0),1)
IF(ISLOW(P2),VOLTS(0.7),1)
IF(ISLOW(P3),VOLTS(1.6),1)
IF(ISLOW(P4),VOLTS(2.45),1)
IF(ISLOW(P5),VOLTS(3.7),1)
To model this circuit block what we end up with is a FunctionBlock that merges the 5
buttons
It is intended that FunctionBlocks can be hidden behind the scenes and a good way to
do that and keep the circuit models organised is to use Net Labels and netlists. You
can see in the example the net labels on each button and these labels are matched by
the netlist names of the FunctionBlock.
TIP: The hidden links are shown as the Jade coloured lines and the FunctionBlock is
visible these can be toggled visible or hidden using the toolbar netlist toggle buttons
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The expression uses the MIN function to select the minimum voltage from the
switched button dividers created by the 5 separate buttons which gives us the final
expression.
MIN
(
IF(ISLOW(P1),VOLTS(0),1)
IF(ISLOW(P2),VOLTS(0.7),1)
IF(ISLOW(P3),VOLTS(1.6),1)
IF(ISLOW(P4),VOLTS(2.45),1)
IF(ISLOW(P5),VOLTS(3.7),1)
)
One difference to the original schematic is the use of the protection resistor to the
ADC output of the function block. This is used actually as a trick to separate the
output of the topmost right button to the output of the function block. Without it VBB
would signal a short circuit but it's a useful circuit addition that doesn't change the
voltage output.
Virtualization
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Practical Application
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VBB is primarily about firmware development support so it's only important that the circuit
model behaves like the real circuit does from the point of view of the microcontroller
application code.
int x;
x = analogRead(0);
lcd.setCursor(10, 1);
if (x < 60) {
lcd.print("Right ");
} else if (x < 200) {
lcd.print("Up ");
} else if (x < 400){
lcd.print("Down ");
} else if (x < 600){
lcd.print("Left ");
} else if (x < 800){
lcd.print("Select");
}else{
lcd.print("None ");
}
As you can see the microcontroller decoder code can't tell the difference and
the decoder code works just the same as it does in real world.
So to sum up. Use VBB function blocks to model circuit behaviour such that
the microcontroller code can't tell the difference between the virtual model or a real
circuit. Then you can happily develop and test your application virtually before committing
to hardware.
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8.4.3 Resistors
Generic resistor component models the standard axial resistor with parametric spacing and
resistance color bands.
8.4.3.1 Parametric Model
Pin Spacing
Markings Bands change
8.4.3.2 Properties
according to Resistance
Property Description
ID Identifier used in BOM
Resistance The resistance of resistor the color markings update according to
resistance
Spacing The number of grid spacings between pins
Function Emulation Mode Fuse | wire | pullup | pulldown | Open-Circuit
8.4.4 Resistors
Resistors have three modes which can be selected from the Function property of the resistor.
fuse ( Default )
wire
Pullup
Pulldown
open-circuit ( Document
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8.4.4.1 Fuse Mode
In fuse mode the resistor acts as a poly fuse which if there is a short circuit will break its
connection else it will make a wired a connection. Fuse mode is the most default mode and
the most versatile as it can represent a regular resitor, pullup and pulldown.
As a polyfuse when a resistor is open circuit on end of the resistor by the other end is 5V
then the polyfuse is a wire and the other side of the resistor sees the 5V
When one end is 5V and other end is 0V, a short-circuit, the polyfuse breaks and an open-
circuit is created
8.4.4.2 Pullup Mode
Pullup mode can be used for resistors that are dedicated as pullups. The main reason to use
a resistor in pullup mode is when used as a basic voltage divider in conjunction with a
pulldown resistor. Also there can be a minor performance improvement over using fuse
mode
A Pullup resistor pulls a voltage HIGH if its not driven LOW.
One end of the pull-up resistor is assumed to be connected to Vdd even if its not actually
wired that way.
A common example shown here is to attach a pullup to a momentary switch so that the output is
normally HIGH and switched LOW when the button is pressed.
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8.4.4.3 Pulldown Mode
A Pullup resistor pulls a voltage LOW if its not driven HIGH. The main reason to use a resistor
in pullup mode is when used as a basic voltage divider in conjunction with a pulldown
resistor Also there can be a minor performance improvement over using fuse mode
One end of the pull-down resistor is assumed to be connected to Gnd even if its not actually
wired that way
A common example shown here is to attach a pulldown to a momentary switch so that the
output is normally LOW and switched HIGH when the button is pressed.
8.4.4.4 Voltage Divider
Pullup and Pulldown resistors can also be used in some Voltage Divider configurations.
Voltage dividers are used for creating reference voltages, or even digital to analog converters. In
this example a 4-bit analog to digital converter is created by ladder. The resistors are switched
together using a DIP switch array to create a network of resistor values. This circuit will emulate
because the pullups are connected to VDD and the pulldowns are connected to GND. There are
other Voltage divider networks which dynamically drive the resistors, these cannot be emulated
directly.
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8.4.4.5 Wire Mode
In normal mode a resistor function the same as a regular wire. This can be used instead of fuse
mode as there are minor performance improvement compared to a fuse
8.4.4.6 Document Mode
In document mode a resistor does not participate in the circuit
8.5 Diode
Generic diode component models the standard axial diode with parametric spacing.
8.5.1 Parametric Model
Pin Spacing
8.5.2 Properties
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Property Description
ID Identifier used in BOM
Spacing The number of grid spacings between pins
Function Emulation Behaviour
Document | VDD | GND
8.5.3 Diodes
Diodes are modelled as switched pull-up or switched pull-down resistor.
document No connection in circuit
VDD Switched Pullup
GND Switched Pulldown
VDD and GND Mode
There are two common modes supported
In GND mode the diode acts as a pulldown resistor when connected to ground.
In VDD mode the diode acts as a pullup resistor when connected to VDD.
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8.5.3.1 Document mode
Diodes can also be used in document mode. A common example is a protection diode you often
see in circuits accross solonoid and motors. The protection diodes can be placed using
document mode so they appear in the circuit but dont participate in the emulation.
There are lots of other circuit tricks that use diode non-linearity and other diode characteristics.
These wont work in VBB and require the use of document mode and functionblocks
8.6 PNP Transistor
PNP Transistors are modelled as a switch which turns on when the base voltage is LOW
8.6.1 Properties:
ID,Netlist
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8.6.2 Useage
Switch connects the PNP B base to ground ( through the base resistor ) causing it to active
its internal switch connecting (E)mmitter to (C)collector which connects the anode(+) of the
LED to the 5V rail causing it to flash on.
Switch connects the PNP B base to Open Circuit ( through the base resistor ) causing it to
disconnect its internal switch connecting (E)mmitter to (C)collector which disconnects the
anode(+) of the LED from the 5V rail causing it to flash off
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8.7 NPN Transistor
NPN Transistors are modelled as a switch which turns on when the base voltage is HIGH
8.7.1 Properties:
ID,Netlist
8.7.2 Useage
Switch connects the NPN B base to Vcc(5V) ( through the base resistor ) causing it to active
its internal switch connecting (E)mmitter to (C)collector which connects the anode(+) of the
LED to the 5V rail causing it to flash on.
Switch connects the NPN B base to Open Circuit ( through the base resistor ) causing it to
disconnect its internal switch connecting (E)mmitter to (C)collector which disconnects the
anode(+) of the LED from the 5V rail causing it to flash off
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8.8 Ceramic / Tantalum / Electrolytic Capacitor
Generic capacitor components
8.8.1 Properties
Property Description
ID Identifier used in BOM
Capacitance The capacitance value of the capacitor to appear in BOM
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9 Microcontroller Components
The microcontroller components are the Arduino Twins Em and SIM. Em runs the java code
in a java virtual machine. SIM runs AtMega328 instruction set simulator and executes the
compiled Arduino binary code.
9.1 Arduino EM
9.1.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 0->RX(In) Digital 0 and Hardware UART RX pin
2 1<-TX(In) Digital 1 and Hardware UART TX pin
3 2 Digital 2
4 3~ Digital 3 with PWM output
5 4 Digital 4
6 5 Digital 5 with PWM output
7 6 Digital 6 with PWM output
8 7 Digital 7
9 8 Digital 8
10 9 Digital 9 with PWM output
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11 10 Digital 10 with PWM output
12 11 Digital 11 with PWM output
13 12 Digital 12
14 13 Digital 13
15 A0 Analog 0
16 A1 Analog 1
17 A2 Analog 2
18 A3 Analog 3
19 A4 Analog 4
20 A5 Analog 5
9.1.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
Name Arduino The device name used when selecting a target
where more than one device shares a circuit
Application Dynamic List of The name of the source code project to pull the
Source Code Project code from when virtualizing
EEPROM Editor EEPROM values saved and loaded to the eeprom
at runtime
Eeprom size 512 512 | 1024 | 2048 | The size of the internal eeprom
4096
Nets ON ON | OFF Nets is a shortcut way to assign net names
D0,D1..D13 to the pins making it easier to make
default connections to components that also use
these default net names
Application
There can be more than one source code project. You might for example have different test
configurations for a single hardware layout. You can choose the application to run by
selecting it from the dropdown list
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9.1.3 EEPROM
The EEPROM is the internal device EEPROM. It is a persistent store which persists between
runtime sessions. The size of the eeprom is set by the eeprom size property which can be
changed to align with the different physical devices implementing the Arduino EM device.
You can inspect the contents of the EEPROM, edit the contents, save and load the contents
from the EEPROM editor.
Launch the editor by selecting the eeprom property and clicking the custom editor button
The edit can use a fix file as a ROM by using the [x] use file checkbox and browsing to a file.
The file uses the microchip eeprom image MCH format which is just a file with one 2 digit
hex byte entry per line.
You can export the EEPROM image to create a template
Import an EEPROM image to load known settings etc
The EEPROM values are saved as a CSV array in the property and the contents are updated
at runtime so carry over between power on sessions
The s
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9.2 Arduino Sim
The Arduino SIM is an AVR ATMega328 instruction set simulator. It an execute the binaries
generated by the Arduino IDE.
Pin Name Description
1 0->RX(In) Digital 0 and Hardware UART RX pin
2 1<-TX(In) Digital 1 and Hardware UART TX pin
3 2 Digital 2
4 3~ Digital 3 with PWM output
5 4 Digital 4
6 5 Digital 5 with PWM output
7 6 Digital 6 with PWM output
8 7 Digital 7
9 8 Digital 8
10 9 Digital 9 with PWM output
11 10 Digital 10 with PWM output
12 11 Digital 11 with PWM output
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13 12 Digital 12
14 13 Digital 13
15 A0 Analog 0
16 A1 Analog 1
17 A2 Analog 2
18 A3 Analog 3
19 A4 Analog 4
20 A5 Analog 5
Name Default Options Description
Name Arduino The device name used when selecting a
target where more than one device shares
a circuit
Application HEX File | The name of the source code project to pull
the code from when virtualizing
Arduino IDE Monitor |
Booloader VbbIO |
Arduino Sketch source
application
Filename *.hex The hex file to load when the Application
property is set to the HEX File option
Clock 16Mhz 16Mhz | 8Mhz | 4Mhz The clock speed of the microcontroller. This
| 2Mhz | 1 Mhz is used for timing calculations. A lower
clock setting can increase the speed of the
simulation
9.2.1 Application Types
9.2.1.1 HEX File
The filename property points to a .hex binary that is to be loaded from the file at runtime.
9.2.1.2 Arduino IDE Monitor
To work with the Arduino IDE you should use the VBB project directory as the Arduino
directory and you should name the main Arduino .ino file the same as the directory.
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So for example if you have created a new project called BlinkSim then the Arduino file
should also be called BlinkSim.ino
When starting in Arduino IDE Monitor mode the Arduino IDE will launch a new session with
this BlinkSim.ino file loaded and will start monitoring the project directory for new HEX files.
To load a new HEX file you should use theArduino IDE Tools->Export Compiled Binary option
to generate a new HEX file in the project directory
9.2.1.3 Bootloader VbbIO
The Bootloader mode make it possible to program the virtual Arduino as a real Arduino via
the VbbIO hardware dongle. Refer to the VbbIO User Manual
9.2.1.4 Arduino Sketch Source Application
Select the source from the list of Arduino Sketch projects in the solution. There can be more
than one application so select the code to execute from the list.
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11 IO Components
UserIO components dont match directly to physical devices but they provide common
functions useful for quickly modelling and testing a circuit.
11.1 DIP1, DIP4, DIP8
The DIP component is an N array of DIP switches which are connected to 5V when Switch =
ON and 0V (GND) when Switch = OFF. DIPS are an interactive component. Clicking on the
DIP switch, the white square region, toggles the value of the switch. The SETTINGS property
is an N Binary string representing the values of each of the DIP switches. Clicking the respective
DIP switch will change the value of SETTINGS, alternatively the value can be directly edited in
the SETTINGS property textbox.
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
DIP1
DIP4
DIP8
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11.1.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
N OUTPUT[N] DIP Output. Nth Pin is 5V if the Nth switch is ON. Nth Pin
is 0V GND if the Nth switch is OFF
11.1.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
OnState HIGH HIGH | LOW The value of the DIP output when in
the ON state. Either driven HIGH or
driven LOW when the DIP is on ON
DIP 0 <User Entry> The decimal value of the DIP. DIP1 0 or
1, DIP4 0 to 15, DIP4 0 to 255. You can
type the value into the setting box or
click the dip switches at designtime or
runtime to change the value
Pins Bottom Top | Bottom The pins are rendered either on the
Top or Bottom of the DIP body as per
this setting
11.1.3 Usage
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11.2 LEDN
The LED component is an N array of Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicators. The Nth LED is ON
when the Nth input pin is driven by greater than 2.5V otherwise the LED is OFF. The color of
the LED is determined by the COLOR property. When the LED is ON the LED color is lighter
than when OFF giving a visual clue to voltage level at the LED input pin. LEDs are a
fundamental indicator of circuit status.
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
LED1
LED4
LED8
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11.2.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
N INPUT[2N] LED Input pins. Nth LED is ON when the Nth INPUT pin is
> 2.5V else is OFF
11.2.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
COLOR RED RED | GREEN | BLUE Color of LED. LED is lighter when
| YELLOW ON than OFF giving a visual clue
to the status of the LED.
Cathode Ground Ground | Pin Expose the cathode to make it
switchable
PinCount 1 N Size of the LED array
11.2.3 Usage
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11.3 DotMatrixLED8x8
The DotMatrixLED8x8 component is a Dot Matrix LED array. The array consists of 8 Rows
and 8 Columsn. Each Row Anode pin drives 8 LEDS each attached to one of the cathode
column pins.
http://sigma.octopart.com/140413/datasheet/Lumex-LDM-24488NI.pdf
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
DotMatrixLED8x8
By switching quickly between each row and using the persistence of vision effect a each dot
in the matrix can be individually addressed. To emulate the persistence of vision effect VBB
only changes the state of the LED when COL is LOW. In this way the COL pin becomes like a
latch operation which latches the value of LED.
COL ROW Description
LOW HIGH LED ON.
LOW LOW LED OFF
HIGH Dont Care No Change.
11.3.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
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Cols Col 0..7 Column Cathode pins of the Dot Matrix array.
Rows Row 0..7 Row Anode pins of the Dot Matrix array
11.3.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
COLOR RED RED | GREEN Color of LED in the array. The default
| BLUE | color is red. The options are
YELLOW red,green,blue and yellow but you can
also type in any named color
11.4 Usage
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11.5 JUMPN
The JUMPER component is an N array of switches which form a short circuit between the
Nth input/output pin pair when the Nth Switch = ON and open-circuit O/C when Nth Switch
= OFF. JUMPERS are an interactive component. Clicking on the JUMPER switch, the white
square region, toggles the value of the JUMPER switch. The SETTINGS property is an N Binary
string representing the values of each of the JUMPER switches. Clicking the respective
JUMPER switch will change the value of SETTINGS. Alternatively the value can be directly
edited in the SETTINGS property textbox.
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
JUMP1
JUMP4
JUMP8
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11.5.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
N IO[2N] JUMPER IO Switch pain. Nth IO pair is short-circuit
where Nth switch is ON, and open-circuit (O/C) when
the Nth switch is OFF
11.5.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
SETTINGS [JUMP1] 1 <User Entry> N Bit binary string holding
JUMPER switches status. Is
[JUMP4] 1111
modified by clicking the
[JUMP8] component in-place or direct
11111111 editing in the SETTINGS property
textbox.
11.5.3 Usage
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11.6 NumericKeyPad
The KEYPAD4x4 component consists of a Col x Row array of touch switches. The KEYPAD
has column connect pins (C1,C2,..Cols-1) and row pins (R1,R2,..Rows-1). Each switch is
connected to one column and one row connection pin such that each (row, column) combination
is unique for each switch. The appearance of the KEYPAD component is determined by the
KEYMASK property which contains a string of the key characters used on the key faces. The
currently activated switch is determined by the KEYON property where KEYON = 0 when no
switch is connected and KEYON = 1 to (Cols*Rows) when a valid switch is activated. KEYPAD
is a user interactive component. Clicking on individual keys will activate the switch for that key.
When active the background of the key becomes light green in color giving a visual clue to the
state of the key. Only one switch can be active at any one time. Clicking on the currently active
switch will toggle the switch to off resulting in no key being selected and KEYON = 0. When a
key is on its switch becomes active creating a short-circuit across the unique row, column
connection pin combination for that key.
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
NumericKeyPad
Rows=4
Cols = 4
11.6.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
C1, C2,..CN Column Connections
R1,R2..RN Row Connections
11.6.2 Properties
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Name Default Options Description
Rows 4 <User Entry> The number of Rows of the
KeyPad
Cols 4 <User Entry> The number of columns of the
KeyPad
KeyMask 123F456E789D <User Entry> Col * Row character string
A0BC containing the key-face character
for each KEY
11.6.3 Usage
The switch is connected by pressing a key joining a column and a row. Typically the user
scans all columns and row combinations to detect the keypress
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11.7 Seg7
The SEG7 component is a 7-Segment Display module, which consists of a versatile array of
LEDS which can be sequenced to form numbers and a limited form of alphanumeric
character. 8 LEDS A, B, C, D, E, F, G, PT are physically arranged on the 7-Segment device. A
LED Segment is ON when 5V HIGH is applies its corresponding input pin an is OFF when 0V
LOW is applied. When the appropriate patterns are applied to the inputs, 7-Segment display
modules are able to display numbers and ASCII characters.
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
11.7.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 A A LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
2 B B LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
3 C C LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
4 D D LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
5 E E LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
6 F F LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
7 G G LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
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8 PT PT LED Segment Input. HIGH = ON, LOW = OFF
9 AN Common Cathode. LOW = ON, HIGH = All Off
11.7.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
Color red red|green|blue|yell Sets the color of the LED elements
ow
11.7.3 Usage
F
B
G
E C
PT
D
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Char A B C D E F G PT HEX
0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 FC
1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 60
2 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 DA
3 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 F2
4 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 66
5 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 B6
6 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 BE
7 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 E4
8 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 FE
9 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 F6
A 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 EE
B 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 3E
C 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 9C
D 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 7A
E 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 9E
F 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 8E
G 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 BC
H 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 6E
I 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 60
J 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 78
K 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 5E
L 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 06
M 1 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 M
N 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 N
O 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 O
P 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 P
Q 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 Q
R 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 R
S 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 S
T 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 8C
U 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 7C
V 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 7E
W 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 D8
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X 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 07
Y 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 76
Z 1 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 92
. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 01
+ 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 62
- 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 02
( 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 1A
) 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 32
_ 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 10
SPACE 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 00
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11.8 DigitalPort
The DigitalPort Component is an instrument which displays the decimal value of the binary
value represented by its input pins
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
DigitalPort
11.8.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1.. PinCount INPUT[PinCount] Port input pins
11.9 Properties
Name Default Options Description
Endian Big Big|Little Endian determines the direction of
calculation of the value of port
PinCount 8 4|8|16 The number of bits of the port.
Pins Bottom Bottom|top Determines if the pins are rendered on
the top or the bottom
11.9.1 Usage
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11.10 PushButton
The Button component is an interactive switch. Clicking the color panel of the button toggles
the value of the POSITION property. The contact type determines the circuit made when the
POSITION is ON or OFF. The color of the button is determined by the COLOR property. When
POSITION = ON the color is set by ColorOn property and when POSITION =OFF the color is
set byt the ColorOff property. When these colors are not the same the color can be used as a
visual clue to the state of the button.
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
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Button Vdd Vdd
1.On 1.Off
Vdd Vdd
2.On 2.Off
Vdd Vdd
3.On 3.Off
4.On 4.Off
Vdd Vdd
5.On 5.Off
6.On 6.Off
11.10.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1. B1 The contact pin for the button
11.10.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
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Contact Type 1. On=VDD, 1. On=VDD, Off=GND The contact Type
Off=GND
2. On=GND, Off=VDD
3. Make VDD
4. Make GND
5. Break VDD
6. Break GND
Button 1. circle 1. circle The graphic of the button.
2. square
3. left arrow
4. right arrow
5. down arrow
6. up arrow
ColorOn blue Red|green|blue|yellow Sets the graphic color of the On
|NamedColor button. Can be a named color in
addition to the option colors
ColorOff black Red|green|blue|yellow Sets the graphic color of the On
|NamedColor button. Can be a named color in
addition to the option colors
11.11 Usage
Not you can change the size of the buttons using the Scale Up
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11.12 Switch
The Switch component is an interactive switch. Clicking the switch image toggles the value of
the POSITION property. When POSITION = ON a short circuit is present across the IO pins.
When POSITION = OFF there is an open-circuit across the IO pins. To give a visual clue to the
state of the switch, when POSITION = ON the switch lever in the ON Position or the Bitmap
On is shown and when POSITION = OFF the switch lever in the OFF position or Bitmap Off is
shown.
Name VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
ToggleSwitch
11.12.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 IO Switch input/output pin
2 IO Switch input/output pin
11.12.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
Switch 1. Off 1. Off | 2. On The state of the ToggleSwitch
Bitmap On FileDialog for Bitmap If set use this Bitmap in the On
.png | .bmp position
Bitmap Off FileDialog for Bitmap If set use this Bitmap in the Off
.png | .bmp position
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11.12.3 Usage
11.13 PanelMeter
The PanelMeter is a Voltage Meter Instrument with a dial representation of the voltage on
its input pin between Vss(left) and Vdd(right) The Panel Meter has the equivalent of a LOW
PASS filter on the input pin so can display voltage levels for both absolute voltage levels and
PWM equivalent analog voltages
VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
11.13.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 The voltage sense input pin
11.13.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
Shape Square Square | Round The shape of the Panel Meter
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11.13.3 Usage
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11.14 SlidePot
The SlidePOT (potentiometer) is a variable voltage divider and consists of two inputs and a single
output. The OUTPUT voltage is determined by the input voltages and the value of the POSITION
property where OUTPUT = (POSITION x VINA) + ((1 POSITION) x VINB). Where Property POSITION has
a valid range from range from [0..1]. POT is an interactive component. Clicking on POT will set the
POSITION property. Clicking on the far left of the POT component corresponds to position 0. Clicking
on the far right of the POT component corresponds to position 1. Clicking in-between the left and
right will set the POT to a position linearly between 0,1. The POSITION property can also be set using
the property editor. You can also drag the POT Knob with the mouse to continuously change the
value.
VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
11.14.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 INA Input voltage reference
2 INB Input voltage reference
3 OUTPUT Variable output voltage
11.14.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
pot 0 0 | 25 | 50 | 75 Potentiometer setting between 0,1 which
| 100 | <User determines the ratio of INA:INB using in
Entry> OUTPUT voltage where OUTPUT =
(POSITION x VINA) + ((1 POSITION) x VINB).
11.14.3 Usage
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11.15 RotaryPot
The RotaryPOT (potentiometer) is a variable voltage divider connected between Vdd and Vss with a
single output. The OUTPUT voltage is determined by the rotation position where OUTPUT = Vdd x
(POSITION / Positions ). To rotate the POT you use the mouse to drag the rotation dial.
VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
11.15.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 OUTPUT Variable output voltage
11.15.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
Positions 12 10 | 12 | 24 | 100 | The number of positions or steps of the
<User Entry> Potentiometer
Position Potentiometer setting between 0,Positions-1
which determines the OUTPUT = Vdd x
(POSITION / Positions
11.16 Usage
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11.17 JoyStick
The JoyStick component is a model of a regular PC JoyStick with 2 potentiometers on the X and Y axis
and button with a pullup resistor. Move the mouse over the keypad to move the JoyStick in X, Y and
click the mouse to press the button pulling the button output to ground.
VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
11.17.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 X X-Axis output Vcc (left) through Vdd (right)
2 B Pulled up button. House mouse down to pull down
3 Y Y-Axis output Vcc (top) through Vdd (bottom)
11.17.2 Properties
None
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11.17.3 Usage
11.18 MiniTerminal
The mini terminal is a RS232 terminal which can send a receive asynchronous UART communications
at TTL levels ie Vdd to Vcc at BAUD. Click on the Green screen segment and type to send messages.
When pressing ENTER the characters set in the Enter property are sent. Communications is standard
8,N,1
StartBit Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi Bi StopBit
t0 t1 t2 t3 t4 t5 t6 t7
VBB Graphic Equivalent Circuit
11.18.1 Pinout
Pin Name Description
1 RX(In) The input into which the communications is received
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2 TX(Out) The output from which communications is sent
11.18.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
BAUD 9600 2400 | 9600 | 19200 | The baud rate of the communications
57600 | 115200
Enter LF(13) CR(10)|LF(13)|CR(10)+LF The characters sent when pressing the enter key
(13)
11.18.3 Usage
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12 Breadboardable Components
Breadboardable components are components that have both virtualization functionality and
match up with real components so when you layout a circuit with Breadboardable
components it becomes a makeable circuit.
12.1 LiquidCrystal
The LiquidCrystal component is a model of a 2 line HD44780 Liquid Crystal Display
Supports HD44780 emulation in 4-bit mode..
Fonts: If available the HD44780 font is used else the default is used.
Limitations
4 Bit mode only supported
Custom Bitmaps not supported
R/W read not support
Pin Name Description
1 Enable Variable output voltage
2 Register Select Pin
3 Read/Write Pin Not functional
4-11 D0-7 Data Pins.
Only 4 bit mode using D4-D7 is used
12.1.1 Properties
Name Default Options Description
Display 16 8 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 32 The number of columns of text the display
Cols | 40 will show can be used to model different
displays
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12.1.1 Usage
12.2 LDR Light Dependent Resistor
12.2.1 Description
The Light Dependent Resistor, (LDR), is a useful photonic sensor that converts light into a
difference in resistance. Of course in a virtual environment you cant actually change the
light so a way is needed to vary the resistance. This is done by the LDR slider widget which
you can slide from left to right to model the way light is varied.
Normally a LDR forms a voltage divider and the variable resistance causes the voltage at the
voltage divider tap to vary. The LDR models this by being a variable voltage source in the
range MINVOLT to MAXVOLT as set by the properties.
12.2.2 Properties
Name Default Options Description
MINVOLT 1 <User Entry> Sets the value of the minimum
voltage when the slider is all the
1 to 5
way to the left
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MAXVOLT 5 <User Entry> Sets the value of the maximum
voltage when the slider is all the
1 to 5
way to the right
12.2.3 Usage
A voltage divider is formed with the resistor. By dragging the LDR widget different light
conditions are simulated resulting in different output voltage levels.
12.1 Relay
The relay is a common configuration for a solenoid relay. A relay uses a smaller powered
solenoid to mechanically switch a high current circuit. Relays are useful for driving higher
voltage and current systems. When the solenoid circuit is powered the switch changes
position connecting the alternate path.
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1 4 3a
2 5 3b
12.1.1 Pins
Pin Name Description
1 Switched A Switched A connects to common when solenoid circuit is NOT
powered
2 Switched B Switched A connects to common when solenoid circuit IS
powered
3 Common The common pin
4 Solenoid A Solenoid is powered when a current flows between Solenoid A
and Solenoid B
5 Solenoid B Solenoid is powered when a current flows between Solenoid A
and Solenoid B
12.1.2 Properties
Common Properties only
Power Off Power On
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12.1.3 Usage
Relays are used to drive larger loads, typically mechanical loads such as larger solenoids. In
this example you can see two solenoids are driven by a 12V supply to ground via the Relay.
You can also visualise the action of the relay with the small switch internal to the relay
12.2 Solenoid
The solenoid is a mechanical actuator that when a sufficient current passes from PWR to
GND pint the centre rod actuates. Solenoids are useful for many different mechanisms such
as locking.
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1 2
12.2.1 Pins
Pin Name Description
1 Ground Switched A connects to common when solenoid circuit is NOT
powered
2 Power Switched A connects to common when solenoid circuit IS
powered
Properties
Common Properties only
12.2.2 Usage
The solenoid actives when it is driven otherwise it is in the retracted position
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12.1 Trimmer
The trimmer is a voltage divider potentiometer in the common 3 leg tripod configuration
with an adjustable centre. Dragging the trimmer dial changes the position of the center tap
and hence changes the value of the resistor proportions of the voltage divider changing the
output voltage proportionally to the rotation position.
The position of the dial is persisted when saved and restored on open and run.
3 Drag Dial to
rotate
1 2
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12.1.1 Pins
Pin Name Description
1 A Variable resistor pin
2 B Variable resistor pin
3 Tap The voltage at TAP is V1 = (Va-Vb)*position / MaxPosition
12.1.2 Usage
12.2 Potentiometer
The potentiometer is a voltage divider potentiometer in the common 3 inline pins
configuration with an adjustable centre. Dragging the dial changes the position of the centre
tap and hence changes the value of the resistor proportions of the voltage divider changing
the output voltage proportionally to the rotation position.
The position of the dial is persisted when saved and restored on open and run.
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Drag Dial to
rotate
1 2 3
12.2.1 Pins
Pin Name Description
1 A Variable resistor pin
2 B Variable resistor pin
3 Tap The voltage at TAP is V1 = (Va-Vb)*position / MaxPosition
12.2.2 Usage
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12.3 Segment7
The Segment7 is a Breadboardable version of the Segment7 from the user IO segment 7
10 9 8 7 6
1 2 3 4 5
12.3.1 Pins
Pin Name Description
1 e Variable resistor pin
2 d Variable resistor pin
3 a,d,c,pt common cathode
4 c
5 pt
6 B
7 a
8 a,d,c,pt common cathode
9 F
10 g
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12.3.2 Usage
Setting the common cathode pins to ground you can create different numbers by powering
the individual segment pins
12.4 Buzzer
The Buzzer component is an audio component that converts frequencies into audio.
Commonly used with tone() or a 555 square wave source.
1 2
12.4.1 Pins
Pin Name Description
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1 + Power pin, connect to frequency source
2 GND ground
12.4.2 Usage
When used with a frequency source changing the frequency will change the audio tone
heard for feedback
12.5 Sharp Proximity Sensor
The sharp proximity sensor is a popular robotics sensor for detecting how close an object is.
It is easy to use as it generates a voltage which changes according to how close the senso
1 2 3
12.5.1 Pins
Pin Name Description
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1 Sig Analog signal between proportion to the distance to the object. The
proportion is not linear in the real world sensor and requires
calibration tables for some applications
2 GND Ground
3 PWR Power at 5V
12.5.2 Usage
By dragging the widget the sensor simulates proximity which can be visualized by the
changing size of the tree which represents how close or far the sensor is from the tree.
Plotted over time you can generate signals that a robot might see as it approaches and
moves away from a wall
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555 Timer IC
The 555 is a versatile chip used in a huge variety of timing, pulse generating and
oscillator applications. Although modern microcontrollers have provided alternative
ways to implement some of these type of circuits the 555 remains an invaluable
part of any tinkerers toolbox.
There are two basic circuit configurations used by the 555 to create distinct
functions
AStable - in this mode the 555 operates as an oscillator. Uses include LED and
lamp flashers, pulse generation, logic clocks, tone generation and so on.
Monostable - in this mode the 555 operates as a triggered pulse generator. Uses
include include timers, pulse detection, debouncing, pulse generation and so on.
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12.6 Astable
In astable mode, the 555 timer puts out a continuous stream of rectangular pulses
having a specified frequency.
The frequency depends on the values of R1, R2 and C in the above schematic.
There are plenty of articles covering the theory of the AStable 555 operation
( WIKIPEDIA is a good place to start ) so I am not going to reproduce that here.
Instead I am going to show you how to use VirtualBreadboard (VBB) to calculate
these values for you and show you how to view the resulting output signal.
If you zoom into the VBB 555 component you will see the pins are labelled with the
schematic labels. So the Breadboard is a hybrid schematic and Breadboard layout.
This makes it easier to wire up a schematic as a Breadboard layout.
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TIP: You can use 'Import from Clipboard' to Load this project directly into VBB. See
'ASTABLE PROJECT' in the Source Code section below.
12.7 ASTABLE Frequency Calculator
The VBB 555 component has several properties which can be used to determine the
emulation behavior of the component
C
R1-STABLE
R2-ASTABLE
C-MONOSTABLE
Calculator
To make the 555 generate emulate a astable frequency generator you need to set
the values of C,R1,R2 to match the component ID values of the corresponding
circuit elements. This will set the value of the calculate property to ASTABLE(..).
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12.8 Calculating the values for AStable
At runtime VBB uses the values for C,R1,R2 are used to calculate the frequency and
duty of the 555. You can set the values manually yourself for example if are wiring
up and existing design. Alternatively you can use the Calculator properties custom
editor to calculate and the set the values for you.
To use the calculator
Click the calculate property and then click the edit button to open the custom
calculator dialog
Enter the target frequency or period and click calculate
Select your preferred C,R1,R2 values and click OK
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12.9 Viewing the AStable Output
VBB emulations are 'real time' so when you 'Power Up' the circuit you can get a
rough idea of the output frequency of the 555 just by looking at a flashing L.E.D if
you attach one to the output pin.
This visual check is only useful to about 10 Hz after which the easiest way is to
attach a logic probe and view the output waveform in the Logic Analyser. You can
change the timebase to the period of the waveform best fits the grid lines making
it a simple calculation to find the period.
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12.10 Monostable
In monostable mode, the 555 timer puts out a triggered 'one shot' pulse.
The duration of the pulse depends on the value of R and C in the above schematic.
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TIP: You can use 'Import from Clipboard' to Load this project directly into VBB. See
'MONOSTABLE PROJECT' in the Source Code section below.
12.11 Calculating the values for Monostable
To make the 555 generate emulate a monostable pulse generator you need to set
the values of C and R to match the component ID values of the corresponding
circuit elements. This will set the value of the Calculate property as MONO(..)
To use the calculator
Click the calculate property and then click the edit button to open the custom
calculator dialog
Enter the target pulse period and click calculate
Select your preferred C and R values and click OK.
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12.12 Viewing the Monostable Output
You can interact with the virtual circuit. To generate the trigger input click on the
DIP switch to create a falling edge at the 555 trigger input pin. You should see the
L.E.D attached to the output power on for a fixed period. You can also capture the
pulse length using the Logic-analyser to get a more accurate view of the pulse
width.
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13 API Smart Components
There are two types of components. Signal level components and API components. A signal
level component such as Liquid Crystal is modelled based on the signals it receives at its
pins. This requires implementing the underlying timing specification of the component.
API components are components that only virtualize when driven via the Java API. The
wiring of the component only links the component to the microcontroller. The actual
communication to the device is done in an Abstract communications channel. This makes it
easier to implement the component virtualization but requires the use of the API to make it
work.
13.1 WS2812
The WS2812 is a smart 3 color LED. It can be daisy chained by connecting the output of a
module to the input of the next module
Pin Offset
Input Ouput
Module Footprint
Breadboard footprint
Name Default Options Description
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Footprint Breadboard Breadboard | Sets the value of the minimum
Module voltage when the slider is all the
way to the left
Pin Offset 0 0|1|2 Sets the pin offset of the module
to space out the module layout
13.2 API
JavaDoc Online
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
// NEO PIXEL Constants
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
public const int NEO_RGB = 0x00 ;// Wired for RGB data order
public const int NEO_GRB = 0x01 ;// Wired for GRB data order
public const int NEO_BRG = 0x04;
public const int NEO_COLMASK = 0x01;
public const int NEO_KHZ800 = 0x02; // 800 KHz datastream
public const int NEO_SPDMASK = 0x02;
Usage
1. Place a WS2812
2. Switch to Module footprint
3. Wire the input pin to an output pin, 12
4. Include the API :
5. Instantiate and call
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import muvium.compatibility.arduino.*;
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.Adafruit_NeoPixel;
public class WS2812 extends Arduino{
Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels = new Adafruit_NeoPixel( this, 1,
12, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800);
// The setup() method runs once, when the sketch starts
public void setup(){
// Your setup code goes here
pixels.begin();
pixels.setPixelColor(0, 255, 0, 0);
pixels.show();
}
// the loop() method runs over and over again,
// as long as the Arduino has power
public void loop(){
// Your loop code goes here
}
}
13.3 DS1307
64 x 8, Serial, I2C Real-Time Clock
The DS1307 serial real-time clock (RTC) is a lowpower, full binary-coded decimal (BCD)
clock/calendar plus 56 bytes of NV SRAM. Address and data are transferred serially through
an I2C, bidirectional bus. The clock/calendar provides seconds, minutes, hours, day, date,
month, and year information. The end of the month date is automatically adjusted for
months with fewer than 31 days, including corrections for leap year. The clock operates in
either the 24-hour or 12hour format with AM/PM indicator. The DS1307 has a built-in
power-sense circuit that detects power failures and automatically switches to the backup
supply. Timekeeping operation continues while the part operates from the backup supply.
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13.3.1 API
Wire
In VBB Wire is an API. The I2C signals are not transmitted over the actual wire but are
handled abstractly.
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.*;
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.Wire;
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.StringUtils;
class TestDS1307 extends Arduino{
private static final int DS1307_ADDRESS = 0x68;
private static final int POS_DAY = 0;
private static final int POS_MONTH = 3;
private static final int POS_YEAR = 8;
private static final int POS_HOUR = 11;
private static final int POS_MINUTE = 14;
private static final int POS_SECOND = 17;
char timeFormat[]= StringUtils.getChars( "dd/mm/yyyy
hh:MM:ss\r\n" );
// The setup() method runs once, when the sketch starts
public void setup(){
Wire.begin(); // initialise the connection
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.write(StringUtils.castChars(timeFormat),
sizeof(timeFormat));
timeFormat[POS_YEAR - 2] = '2';
timeFormat[POS_YEAR - 1] = '0';
TimeNow();
Serial.write(StringUtils.castChars(timeFormat),
sizeof(timeFormat));
UpdateTime();
TimeNow();
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Serial.write(StringUtils.castChars(timeFormat),
sizeof(timeFormat));
}
private void TimeNow(){
Wire.beginTransmission(DS1307_ADDRESS);
Wire.write(0);
Wire.endTransmission();
Wire.requestFrom(DS1307_ADDRESS, 7);
writeBCD( Wire.read() & 0x7F, POS_SECOND);
writeBCD( Wire.read(), POS_MINUTE );
writeBCD( Wire.read(), POS_HOUR);
Wire.read();
writeBCD( Wire.read(), POS_DAY );
writeBCD( Wire.read(), POS_MONTH );
writeBCD( Wire.read(), POS_YEAR );
private void UpdateTime(){
Wire.beginTransmission(DS1307_ADDRESS);
Wire.write(0);
Wire.write(0); //Seconds
Wire.write(1); //Minute
Wire.write(2); //Hour
Wire.write(0); //Day of Month
Wire.write(3); //Day
Wire.write(4); //Month
Wire.write(5); //Year (2005 )
Wire.write(0); //Control..
Wire.endTransmission();
private void writeBCD(int val, int pos){
timeFormat[pos++] = (char)( '0' + ( val >> 4 ));
timeFormat[pos++] = (char)( '0' + (val & 0xF ) );
}
// the loop() method runs over and over again,
// as long as the Arduino has power
public void loop(){
TimeNow();
Serial.write(StringUtils.castChars(timeFormat),
sizeof(timeFormat));
delay(2000);
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13.4 24LC256 EEPROM
The 24LC256 is a 256Kb (32K x 8) Serial Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM),
13.4.1 API
Wire
In VBB Wire is an API. The I2C signals are not transmitted over the actual wire but are
handled abstractly.
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.*;
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.Wire;
import muvium.compatibility.arduino.StringUtils;
public class TestEEPROM extends Arduino{
void i2c_eeprom_write_byte( int deviceaddress, int eeaddress,
int data ) {
Wire.beginTransmission(deviceaddress);
Wire.write((int) (eeaddress >> 8)); // MSB
Wire.write((int) (eeaddress & 0xFF)); // LSB
Wire.write(data);
Wire.endTransmission();
}
// WARNING: address is a page address, 6-bit end will wrap
around
// also, data can be maximum of about 30 bytes, because the
Wire library has a buffer of 32 bytes
void i2c_eeprom_write_page( int deviceaddress, int
eeaddresspage, byte[] data, int length ) {
Wire.beginTransmission(deviceaddress);
Wire.write((int) (eeaddresspage >> 8)); // MSB
Wire.write((int) (eeaddresspage & 0xFF)); // LSB
for (int c = 0; c < length; c++)
Wire.write(data[c]);
Wire.endTransmission();
}
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byte i2c_eeprom_read_byte( int deviceaddress, int eeaddress )
{
byte rdata = (byte) 0xFF;
Wire.beginTransmission(deviceaddress);
Wire.write((int) (eeaddress >> 8)); // MSB
Wire.write((int) (eeaddress & 0xFF)); // LSB
Wire.endTransmission();
Wire.requestFrom(deviceaddress, 1);
if (Wire.available()!=0) rdata = (byte)Wire.read();
return rdata;
}
// maybe let's not read more than 30 or 32 bytes at a time!
void i2c_eeprom_read_buffer(int deviceaddress, int eeaddress,
byte[] buffer, int length) {
Wire.beginTransmission(deviceaddress);
Wire.write((int) (eeaddress >> 8)); // MSB
Wire.write((int) (eeaddress & 0xFF)); // LSB
Wire.endTransmission();
Wire.requestFrom(deviceaddress, length);
int c = 0;
for ( c = 0; c < length; c++ )
if (Wire.available()!=0) buffer[c] = (byte)
Wire.read();
// The setup() method runs once, when the sketch starts
public void setup(){
// Your setup code goes here
char eeprom1[] =StringUtils.getChars( "this is data
from the first eeprom" ); // data to write
char eeprom2[] =StringUtils.getChars( "this is data
from the second eeprom" ); // data to write
Wire.begin(); // initialise the connection
Serial.begin(9600);
i2c_eeprom_write_page(0x50, 0, StringUtils.castChars(
eeprom1 ), sizeof( eeprom1 ) ); // write to EEPROM
i2c_eeprom_write_page(0x51, 0, StringUtils.castChars(
eeprom2 ), sizeof(eeprom2)); // write to EEPROM
delay(10); //add a small delay
Serial.println("Memory written");
private void readOutEEPROM(int address){
int addr = 0; //first address
byte b = i2c_eeprom_read_byte(address, 0); // access the
first address from the memory
while (b != 0) {
Serial.print((char) b); //print content to serial
port
addr++; //increase address
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b = i2c_eeprom_read_byte(address, addr); //access
an address from the memory
}
Serial.println(" ");
}
// the loop() method runs over and over again,
// as long as the Arduino has power
public void loop(){
readOutEEPROM(0x50);
readOutEEPROM(0x51);
delay(2000);
14 Appendix Named Colors
You can enter named colors into any property that requires color.
"background RGB(204,204,204)
"vbb RGB(164,198,57)
"darkvbb RGB(120,154,13)
"comment RGB(255,255,128)
"arduino RGB(0,152,158)
"darkarduino RGB(0,120,125)
"aliceblue RGB(240,248,255)
"antiquewhite RGB(250,235,215)
"aqua RGB(0,255,255)
"aquamarine RGB(127,255,212)
"azure RGB(240,255,255)
"beige RGB(245,245,220)
"bisque RGB(255,228,196)
"black RGB(0,0,0)
"blanchedalmond RGB(255,235,205)
"blue RGB(0,0,255)
"blueviolet RGB(138,43,226)
"brown RGB(165,42,42)
"burlywood RGB(222,184,135)
"cadetblue RGB(95,158,160)
"chartreuse RGB(127,255,0)
"chocolate RGB(210,105,30)
"coral RGB(255,127,80)
"cornflowerblue RGB(100,149,237)
"cornsilk RGB(255,248,220)
"crimson RGB(220,20,60)
"cyan RGB(0,255,255)
"darkblue RGB(0,0,139)
"darkcyan RGB(0,139,139)
"darkgoldenrod RGB(184,134,11)
"darkgray RGB(169,169,169)
"darkgreen RGB(0,100,0)
"darkgrey RGB(169,169,169)
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"darkkhaki RGB(189,183,107)
"darkmagenta RGB(139,0,139)
"darkolivegreen RGB(85,107,47)
"darkorange RGB(255,140,0)
"darkorchid RGB(153,50,204)
"darkred RGB(96,0,0)'getSVGColor=RGB(139,0,0)
"darksalmon RGB(233,150,122)
"lightpink RGB(255,182,193)
"lightsalmon RGB(255,160,122)
"lightseagreen RGB(32,178,170)
"lightskyblue RGB(135,206,250)
"lightslategray RGB(119,136,153)
"lightslategrey RGB(119,136,153)
"lightsteelblue RGB(176,196,222)
"lightyellow RGB(255,255,224)
"lime RGB(0,255,0)
"limegreen RGB(50,205,50)
"linen RGB(250,240,230)
"magenta RGB(255,0,255)
"maroon RGB(128,0,0)
"mediumaquamarine RGB(102,205,170)
"mediumblue RGB(0,0,205)
"mediumorchid RGB(186,85,211)
"mediumpurple RGB(147,112,219)
"mediumseagreen RGB(60,179,113)
"mediumslateblue RGB(123,104,238)
"mediumspringgreen RGB(0,250,154)
"mediumturquoise RGB(72,209,204)
"mediumvioletred RGB(199,21,133)
"midnightblue RGB(25,25,112)
"mintcream RGB(245,255,250)
"mistyrose RGB(255,228,225)
"moccasin RGB(255,228,181)
"navajowhite RGB(255,222,173)
"navy RGB(0,0,128)
"oldlace RGB(253,245,230)
"olive RGB(128,128,0)
"olivedrab RGB(107,142,35)
"orange RGB(255,165,0)
"orangered RGB(255,69,0)
"lightcoral RGB(240,128,128)
"lightcyan RGB(224,255,255)
"lightgoldenrodyellow RGB(250,250,210)
"lightgray RGB(211,211,211)
"lightgreen RGB(144,238,144)
"lightgrey RGB(211,211,211)
"violet RGB(238,130,238)
"wheat RGB(245,222,179)
"white RGB(255,255,255)
"whitesmoke RGB(245,245,245)
"yellow RGB(255,255,0)
"yellowgreen RGB(154,205,50)
"darkseagreen RGB(143,188,143)
"darkslateblue RGB(72,61,139)
"darkslategray RGB(47,79,79)
"darkslategrey RGB(47,79,79)
"darkturquoise RGB(0,206,209)
"darkviolet RGB(148,0,211)
"deeppink RGB(255,20,147)
"deepskyblue RGB(0,191,255)
"dimgray RGB(105,105,105)
"dimgrey RGB(105,105,105)
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"dodgerblue RGB(30,144,255)
"firebrick RGB(178,34,34)
"floralwhite RGB(255,250,240)
"forestgreen RGB(34,139,34)
"fuchsia RGB(255,0,255)
"gainsboro RGB(220,220,220)
"ghostwhite RGB(248,248,255)
"gold RGB(255,215,0)
"goldenrod RGB(218,165,32)
"Gray RGB(128,128,128)
"grey RGB(128,128,128)
"green RGB(0,128,0)
"greenyellow RGB(173,255,47)
"honeydew RGB(240,255,240)
"hotpink RGB(255,105,180)
"indianred RGB(205,92,92)
"indigo RGB(75,0,130)
"ivory RGB(255,255,240)
"khaki RGB(240,230,140)
"lavender RGB(230,230,250)
"lavenderblush RGB(255,240,245)
"lawngreen RGB(124,252,0)
"lemonchiffon RGB(255,250,205)
"lightblue RGB(173,216,230)
"orchid RGB(218,112,214)
"palegoldenrod RGB(238,232,170)
"palegreen RGB(152,251,152)
"paleturquoise RGB(175,238,238)
"palevioletred RGB(219,112,147)
"papayawhip RGB(255,239,213)
"peachpuff RGB(255,218,185)
"peru RGB(205,133,63)
"pink RGB(255,192,203)
"plum RGB(221,160,221)
"powderblue RGB(176,224,230)
"purple RGB(128,0,128)
"red RGB(255,0,0)
"rosybrown RGB(188,143,143)
"royalblue RGB(65,105,225)
"saddlebrown RGB(139,69,19)
"salmon RGB(250,128,114)
"sandybrown RGB(244,164,96)
"seagreen RGB(46,139,87)
"seashell RGB(255,245,238)
"sienna RGB(160,82,45)
"silver RGB(192,192,192)
"skyblue RGB(135,206,235)
"slateblue RGB(106,90,205)
"slategray RGB(112,128,144)
"slategrey RGB(112,128,144)
"snow RGB(255,250,250)
"springgreen RGB(0,255,127)
"steelblue RGB(70,130,180)
"Tan RGB(210,180,140)
"teal RGB(0,128,128)
"thistle RGB(216,191,216)
"tomato RGB(255,99,71)
"turquoise RGB(64,224,208)
Vbb4Arduino User Manual www.virtualbreadboard.com V5.54
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