How to Use UFM-02 translation board: Examples, Pinouts, and Specs

The UFM-02 Translation Board by ScioSense is a versatile interface board designed to facilitate communication between different protocols. It enables seamless signal and data format conversion, making it an essential tool for integrating diverse electronic systems. The UFM-02 is particularly useful in applications requiring protocol bridging, such as industrial automation, IoT devices, and embedded systems.

• Bridging communication between I²C, SPI, and UART protocols.
• Interfacing legacy systems with modern microcontrollers or processors.
• Debugging and testing communication protocols in development environments.
• Facilitating data exchange in IoT and sensor networks.

• Manufacturer Part ID: UFM02_Translation_Board
• Supported Protocols: I²C, SPI, UART
• Operating Voltage: 3.3V to 5V
• Maximum Current Consumption: 50mA
• Communication Speed:
  • I²C: Up to 400kHz
  • SPI: Up to 10MHz
  • UART: Configurable baud rates up to 115200bps
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Dimensions: 40mm x 30mm x 10mm
• Connector Type: Standard 2.54mm pitch headers

The UFM-02 Translation Board features a 10-pin header for interfacing with external devices. The pinout is as follows:

1. Powering the Board: Connect the VCC pin to a 3.3V or 5V power source and the GND pin to the ground of your circuit.
2. Protocol Selection: Determine the communication protocol (I²C, SPI, or UART) required for your application.
3. Wiring:
   • For I²C, connect the SDA and SCL lines to the corresponding pins on your microcontroller or device.
   • For SPI, connect MOSI, MISO, SCK, and CS to the respective pins on your master or slave device.
   • For UART, connect TX and RX to the corresponding UART pins on your device.
4. Configuration: Configure the communication settings (e.g., baud rate for UART, clock speed for SPI) in your microcontroller or software.
5. Testing: Verify the connections and test the communication using appropriate software or debugging tools.

• Ensure that the voltage levels of the connected devices are compatible with the UFM-02 (3.3V or 5V).
• Use pull-up resistors (typically 4.7kΩ) on the SDA and SCL lines for I²C communication.
• Keep SPI clock speeds within the board's maximum supported frequency (10MHz).
• For UART communication, ensure that the baud rate and data format (e.g., parity, stop bits) match between devices.
• Avoid long wires to minimize signal degradation, especially at higher communication speeds.

Below is an example of how to use the UFM-02 Translation Board to interface an I²C sensor with an Arduino UNO.

• Connect the UFM-02's VCC to the Arduino's 5V pin.
• Connect the UFM-02's GND to the Arduino's GND pin.
• Connect the UFM-02's SDA to the Arduino's A4 pin.
• Connect the UFM-02's SCL to the Arduino's A5 pin.

#include <Wire.h> // Include the Wire library for I²C communication

#define SENSOR_ADDRESS 0x40 // Replace with the I²C address of your sensor

void setup() {
  Wire.begin(); // Initialize I²C communication
  Serial.begin(9600); // Start serial communication for debugging
  Serial.println("UFM-02 Translation Board I²C Example");
}

void loop() {
  Wire.beginTransmission(SENSOR_ADDRESS); // Start communication with the sensor
  Wire.write(0x00); // Send a command or register address (example: 0x00)
  Wire.endTransmission(); // End the transmission

  Wire.requestFrom(SENSOR_ADDRESS, 2); // Request 2 bytes of data from the sensor
  if (Wire.available() == 2) {
    int data = Wire.read() << 8 | Wire.read(); // Read and combine the two bytes
    Serial.print("Sensor Data: ");
    Serial.println(data); // Print the received data
  }

  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second before the next reading
}

1. No Communication Detected:

   • Verify that the power supply (VCC and GND) is properly connected.
   • Check the wiring for loose or incorrect connections.
   • Ensure that the communication settings (e.g., baud rate, clock speed) match between devices.

2. Data Corruption or Noise:

   • Use shorter wires to reduce signal degradation.
   • Add decoupling capacitors near the power supply pins to filter noise.
   • For I²C, ensure pull-up resistors are present on the SDA and SCL lines.

3. Device Not Responding:

   • Confirm the device's address (for I²C) or chip select (for SPI) is correct.
   • Check for any hardware faults or damaged components.

• Can the UFM-02 handle 1.8V devices?

  • No, the UFM-02 is designed for 3.3V and 5V systems. Use a level shifter for 1.8V devices.

• What is the maximum cable length for I²C communication?

  • The maximum length depends on the pull-up resistor values and communication speed, but it is generally recommended to keep it under 1 meter.

• Can I use multiple protocols simultaneously?

  • No, the UFM-02 is designed to operate with one protocol at a time. Configure the board for the desired protocol before use.