Yes, we’re currently moving from arm8 and embedded linux to netmf platform. We plan to release about 25 devices in the next few months. So ease of assembly is important along with small form factor and long battery life.
Personally I am a software guy with little to no electrical experience and hence the preference towards software uart. Currently I am open to trying both the uart and mux approach.
In your opinion would something like this work - http://www.sparkfun.com/products/8970 as a mux. Again being a newb in electronics, is there a better board to accomplish what we want. Any tips on the wiring of the linked module. Once again I’ll search the sparkfun forums as well.
According to docs to switch from usb debugging to serial, one must short the mode pin with ground on the panda II. As there is no software configuration required I assume that the bootloader/netmf reads that state and configures the device for appropriate debugging. What if I were to wire a toggle switch in the jumper wire between the ground and mode pins. That way if I want to debug I can switch to usb debugging and deploy code. On release simply toggle the switch and it will switch to serial debugging. Even though it will be switched to serial debugging I assume the device does not care unless it is connected to a pc ?!?
The mode pin doesn’t do anything when the device is running, it’s only used on boot.
The sparkfun mux is exactly what i was talking about
[quote]The TS3A5017 is a dual single-pole quadruple-throw
(4:1) analog switch that is designed to operate from
2.3 V to 3.6 V. This device can handle both digital and
analog signals, and signals up to V+ can be transmitted
in either direction.[/quote]
data sheet.
This means you can use the mux to send and receive, just flip the pins and you’ll select which of 4 serial ports you want to read from all in one.
If you need assistance with your electronic design, or commercialising your design, please feel free to contact me. Click my name/avatar to see my profile here, it has contact details.
