Hardware Reference
In-Depth Information
runs at 8 MHz, allowing it to be powered with as little as 3 volts
(and up to 16V). This opens up a wide variety of battery options
including LiIon/LiPoly, LiFE, alkaline, or rechargeable NiMH/
NiCad batteries of any sizeā€”just plug them in via FLORA's JST
port. FLORA's 2-amp FET (field-effect transistor, a component
used to control a large amount of electrical current) makes it
safe and efficient to toggle battery power, even with a power-
hungry circuit. The 3.3V 100mA voltage regulator keeps the chip
powered and electrically isolated from the electricity-slurping
LED pixels that attach to it. The USB fuse protects your com-
puter by killing the power if you try to draw too much current
over USB. When properly powered, FLORA can drive 500 Neo-
Pixels at 30 frames per second.
Little, Round, Different
Let's look at the FLORA main board in more detail (see
Figure 3-2 ). In addition to the microcontroller in the center and
the USB mini-B jack, you'll also find the JST connector that we
mentioned earlier, which is white and located directly opposite
the USB port. FLORA is extremely beginner-friendly because
there are components on the board that regulate this incoming
electricity, making it difficult to destroy the FLORA by connect-
ing a battery backward, for example.
Figure 3-2. FLORA close-up
Search WWH ::




Custom Search