Acme Systems has introduced the Acqua A5, a System on Module (SoM) based on Atmel’s SAMA5D31 ARM Cortex A5 microprocessor (MPU) clocked @ 536MHz.
Additional key specs include up to 512 MB RAM, up to 256 MB Flash, serial EEPROM, micro SD card slot, three USB host ports, JTAG soldering pads on SoM, serial port via SoM connectors and an Ethernet PHY.
The Acqua A5 also features RGB I/F @ 24 bits for LCD TFT + Resistive touch panel I/F, up to 3 TWI compatible I2C, up to 6 serial ports, up to 120 GPIOs, up to 6 PWM and up to 12 A/D @ 12 bits.
“For environments with lots of electromagnetic noise (e.g. DC motors), a metallic shield made by Wurth Elektronik is available as an option. They currently have a very basic baseboard called Berta A5 basic (9 Euros) with the three connectors for the SoM board, and breadboard area (2.54 pitch) for easier access to various signals,” a CNX Software writer explained.
“The company also provides software documentation showing how to build Linux 3.10, generate an Embedded Debian Grip 7.3 root file system, as well as various tutorials. The board is software compatible with Atmel’s SAMA5D3 Xplained board, so the instructions to use the Yocto Project or Debian 7.4 should also work.”
Acqua’s A5 SoM is currently shipping for 49 ($67) to 69 ($94) Euros in single quantity depending on options and as low as 37.24 Euros ($50) in 5K+ quantities.
It should be noted that the Open Yooquik – a recently debuted home automation system – is built around Acme’s Acqua A5 System on Module (SoM).
Aside from the SAMA5D3 MPU, key Yooquik hardware features include:
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n (AP or client mode)
- 868MHz RF transceiver module FSK modulation
- One USB host port
- Three filtered inputs (24V max)
- Two opto isolated outputs (open drain)
- Relay output
- Tamper switch
- MEMS sensors: temperature/humidity, barometer, three-axis accelerometer
- On board buzzer
- LiPo 1C battery charger
- 9-24V DC input power supply
- 6 expansion connectors for additional modules: UMTS, XBee, MBus radio, RS232, RS485, RS422, NFC/RFID, audio, industrial I/O, A/D converter, custom modules (UART / I2C / SPI)
“Other automation systems connect remote devices [via] wires or WiFi connection,” an Open Yooquik rep wrote on the product’s official page.
“[However], we have chosen a different way: the main controller behaves as an access point or as a WiFi client connected to your home network, whereas all remote devices are connected to the main controller with a RF radio. About 700 meters are covered without repeaters.”
On the software-server side, the Yooquik crew has deployed Node.js, while the RF modules arrive preloaded with firmware to facilitate a true plug-and-play experience. Yooquik also offers easy access to cloud, allowing users to manage multiple devices with a simple API.
“To develop your iOS or Android native app, you can use our Javascript libraries and the amazing Cordova/PhoneGap project,” the rep added. ”Nothing could be easier to control your home automation system from your smartphone. Forget router NAT configurations: connect your app to our cloud and you manage all your Yooquik devices.”
Interested in learning more about Open Yooquik? You can check out the product’s official page here.
