AiBoard - IoT control interface for Rock-Pi 3 & 4 Series

Introduction

Automation and the Internet of Things (IoT) are transforming the way we interact with electronic devices. To facilitate the integration of sensors, actuators, and intelligent systems, we present Aiboard – an advanced control board compatible with Rock-Pi and Raspberry Pi.

The idea for Aiboard was born out of a real challenge faced by many engineers, makers, and IoT enthusiasts: the difficulty of integrating sensors, actuators, and control systems in an efficient and scalable way. While developing automation and monitoring projects, we noticed that existing solutions often required complex wiring, multiple modules, and programming that was not always user-friendly.

From this need, we envisioned a board that would simplify the process, offering a compact, modular, and highly compatible solution. Our goal was clear: to create an intelligent platform that seamlessly integrates with Rock-Pi and Raspberry Pi, making automation and IoT projects more accessible.

The initial project aimed to develop an interface that could control sensors and actuators of a craft beer vending machine. After completing it, it was possible to realize the versatility of the interface and the possibility of using it in many other projects. Over months of research and development, we worked on an electronic architecture that combines digital and analog interfaces, relay control and communication via I2C, SPI and UART. Additionally, we ensured that Aiboard was adaptable to different use cases, from home automation and industrial monitoring to precision agriculture.

Even though it has several I/O's, the board's architecture is limited to just two layers, with no intermediate layers.

Controllable sensors and actuators

AiBoard allows the integration of several sensors and actuators, including:

• Pressure sensors
• Flow sensors
• Temperature sensors
• Servomotors
• Solenoid valves
• 12V DC motors
• Relay Modules
• GPS Module
• Infrared sensor
• Wi-Fi Module
• ...

The sensors operate at a voltage of 5V and the actuators operate at a voltage of 12V. For the interface to function fully, it is recommended to use a power supply of at least 240W.

Interface with Rock-Pi/Raspberry-Pi

Connection to a Rock-Pi or Raspberry-Pi is via a 40-pin flat cable. All of the Single Board Computer's GPIO's are connected to the AiBoard interface, including their power pins.

Conclusion

Aiboard is a versatile solution for automation and IoT projects, enabling the creation of intelligent, cloud-connected systems. Its compatibility with Rock-Pi and Raspberry Pi enables applications in various areas, from smart homes to industry and agribusiness.

The success of projects depends on the creativity and innovation of their developers. Aiboard offers a robust foundation, but it's up to you to explore its full potential.