Networking and Communications

I used this assignment to start the design of the controller board for my final project. This means creating a network of tiles that have sensor input, and can be programmed where different behaviors. Each node of the network should be aware of its neighbors, and should be addressable by a central or 'master' board.

With Neil's insights and Carlos Rocha's help I started the design of network in the 'Master-Slave' protocol where there is a main board that channels the messages through the whole network.

This sketch is also part of the design process. A tiny 45 is the chosen micro-processor. The board will be able to

- Receive input from a touch sensor
- Receive input from its (previous and next) neighbors
- Be programmed through a serial cable
- Send a voltage to the electrochromic foil in the tile

This is the first version of the board. More optimal versions are in the final project page.