The Adafruit TPL5110 Power Timer is a breakout board designed around the TPL5110 low power timer Integrated Circuit (IC). This component is essential for power management in battery-powered or energy-conserving applications. It enables projects to enter a low-power mode, significantly extending the battery life by powering down the system for set intervals and only waking it when necessary.
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This circuit is designed as a configurable timer system controlled by an Arduino Nano, which drives a relay to switch a 240V bulb on and off. The timer duration can be adjusted using pushbuttons, and the remaining time is displayed on an I2C LCD screen. When the timer expires, a buzzer sounds, and the relay turns off the bulb, indicating the end of the timing period.
This circuit is a countdown timer system controlled by an Arduino UNO, featuring multiple pushbuttons for time adjustment and a relay for triggering an external device. The LCD screen displays the countdown, and the relay activates when the timer reaches zero. The system is powered by a 7.4V battery and a 220V power source.
This circuit is designed as a programmable timer with a user interface and control output. An Arduino UNO serves as the central controller, interfacing with a rotary encoder for user input, a 16x2 LCD for display, and a relay for switching an external load. The system allows setting a countdown timer using the rotary encoder, displays the time on the LCD, and controls power to a connected device via the relay based on the timer settings.
This circuit is a timer-controlled lighting system using an Arduino Nano, which interfaces with an I2C LCD for display, a relay to control a 240V bulb, and a buzzer for feedback. The system allows users to set a timer via pushbuttons, and the relay activates the bulb when the timer elapses, with the buzzer providing auditory feedback.
Drives an external N-channel MOSFET to control power to your project
4
DONE
Signal input to stop the timer and set the system into a low-power state
5
DRV
Open-drain output to indicate the timer has finished
6
DELAY
Sets the delay interval with an external resistor
Usage Instructions
How to Use the Component in a Circuit
Power Connection: Connect the VIN pin to your power source (1.8V to 5.5V) and the GND pin to the ground.
Load Control: Connect the GATE pin to the gate of an N-channel MOSFET, which controls the power to your load.
Setting the Timer: Connect a resistor between the DELAY pin and ground to set the desired delay interval.
Starting the Timer: Power the TPL5110, and it will start the timer automatically.
Stopping the Timer: Send a low pulse to the DONE pin to stop the timer and put the system into a low-power state.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
Ensure that the power supply voltage does not exceed the maximum rating of 5.5V.
Select a MOSFET that can handle the current requirements of your load.
Use a pull-up resistor on the DRV pin if you need a logic-level signal.
Calculate the delay resistor value accurately based on the desired timing interval.
Avoid placing the timer in environments exceeding the specified temperature range.
Example Code for Arduino UNO
// Example code to interface with the Adafruit TPL5110 Power Timer using an Arduino UNO
const int donePin = 2; // Connect to the DONE pin of the TPL5110
void setup() {
pinMode(donePin, OUTPUT);
digitalWrite(donePin, HIGH); // Start with the timer stopped
}
void loop() {
// Your main code would go here
// Signal the TPL5110 that the task is done
digitalWrite(donePin, LOW);
delay(100); // Wait for 100ms to ensure the signal is registered
digitalWrite(donePin, HIGH);
// Enter a low-power state until the TPL5110 wakes the system
// Note: The Arduino itself does not go into a low-power state without additional code
delay(10000); // Placeholder for low-power mode
}
Troubleshooting and FAQs
Common Issues
Timer Not Starting: Ensure that the power supply is within the specified range and connections are secure.
Load Not Powering On: Check the MOSFET and its connections, and ensure that the GATE pin is being driven correctly.
Incorrect Timing Intervals: Verify the resistor value connected to the DELAY pin and recalculate if necessary.
Solutions and Tips for Troubleshooting
Double-check all connections and solder joints for continuity and shorts.
Use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the VIN pin and the resistance at the DELAY pin.
If the timer is not stopping, ensure that the DONE pin is receiving a clear low pulse.
FAQs
Q: Can I use the TPL5110 to wake up my microcontroller?
A: Yes, the DRV pin can be connected to an interrupt pin on your microcontroller to wake it up when the timer expires.
Q: How do I calculate the resistor value for the DELAY pin?
A: Use the formula provided in the TPL5110 datasheet, or refer to Adafruit's TPL5110 guide for a table of resistor values and corresponding delays.
Q: Is it possible to reprogram the delay interval on-the-fly?
A: The delay interval is set by a physical resistor, so it cannot be changed programmatically. You would need to replace the resistor to change the delay.
Q: What is the power consumption of the TPL5110 in low-power mode?
A: The TPL5110 consumes very low power in its low-power state, typically in the range of 35 nA, making it ideal for battery-powered applications.
For further assistance, consult the Adafruit TPL5110 datasheet and Adafruit's learning resources.
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