This page contains answer to questions about the EC1. Most are ones actually asked by users, though there will be some we just thought you might be likely to ask. Click link in each question to see the answer.
SPLat/PC: "I just got my EC1 order and downloaded the latest programming software to have a play but find that the EC1 is not listed in the available boards. Can you give me an idea when the updated software will be available or can I use another listed board instead?"
The EC1 does not appear in SPLat/PC's dropdown list of controllers. Don't let this confuse you. The reason is that we are migrating from having the board just report its type, e.g. MMi202, to a more flexible system where the board reports its detailed I/O config. This is because we plan to enhance the EC1 in future firmware releases so I/O pins can be re-configured dynamically. On older products that was not going to happen, because the I/O always goes through interface circuitry that locks in the functionality. With the EC1 the board pins connect directly to the chip, so we have a different (and huge) range of possibilities.
Drawings: "Do you have engineering drawings of the EC1?"
Yes. You can find outline drawings (inches and mm) and a schematic in our file resources area.
PWM outputs: "What is the frequency of the PWM outputs? What is the resolution?"
The default frequency on the EC1's PWM outputs is 40kHz. The resolution is 1 part in 1799 (0.06%), which lies somewhere between 10 bits and 11 bits.
RS485: "Usually I use PIC microcontrollers in my projects and I came across this board which looks very interesting. Can I make RS485 communication with this board?"
Yes. The EC1 will work with our TL485 RS485 adaptor. An EasyStep is planned
Real Time Clock accuracy: "How accurate is the realtime clock (RTC) in the EC1?"
The EC1 contains a proper hardware clock/calendar function within the processor chip. We factory trim it digitally using a "GPS disciplined" oscillator. As a result the accuracy at room temperature (whatever it was in our lab when we calibrated it!) is better than 2ppm (parts per million). This translates to about 63 seconds per year.
An additional error comes in due to the temperature coefficient of the 32,768Hz timing crystal. From Wikipedia:
In a real application, this means that a clock built using a regular 32 kHz tuning fork crystal will keep good time at room temperature, lose 2 minutes per year at 10 degrees Celsius above (or below) room temperature and lose 8 minutes per year at 20 degrees Celsius above (or below) room temperature due to the quartz crystal.
Firmware upgrades: "Will I be able to upgrade the firmware in my EC1 when you bring out new versions?"
Yes. Whenever we release a firmware update we will make it available free of charge on our website. Firmware update page