3.3 QFLEX 2 Embedded Hardware Setup
This section describes how to connect the QFLEX 2 Embedded to an external microcontroller board. The connection
procedure is given below, and summarized in Table 3.1. The wires required to connect the QFLEX 2 Embeddedare
not included with the unit, connections may be made with jumper wires or a custom wiring solution dependent on
the external controller being used.
Follow these steps to connect the QFLEX 2 Embedded to your microcontroller device:
1. Before proceeding make sure your microcontroller device has been setup and successfully tested. Refer to
the documentation supplied with your control system for set up and testing instructions.
2. Make sure the everything is powered off before making any of these connections. This includes turning off the
external microcontroller board.
3. Connect the GND pin on the QFLEX 2 Embedded to a digital ground connection on the microcontroller board.
4. Connect the MOSI, MISO, and CLK pins on the QFLEX 2 Embedded to the microcontroller board as outlined
in the SPI interface documentation for your controller.
5. Connect the CS pin on the QFLEX 2 Embedded to a digital output on the microcontroller board.
6. Connect the 1.8V-5V pin on the QFLEX 2 Embedded to a signal level power pin on the microcontroller board
in the 1.8V to 5V range.
Caution: Applying voltages in excess of 5V to the 1.8V-5V input on the QFLEX 2 Embedded may
result in damage to the QFLEX 2 Embedded.
Cable #
From Microcontroller
To QFLEX 2 Embedded
Signal
1
VCC/VDD(1.8V-5V)
1.8V-5V
QFLEX 2 Embedded interface power.
2
MOSI/SDO/SO
MOSI
SPI master out, slave in data line.
3
MISO/SDI/SI
MISO
SPI master in, slave out data line.
4
SCLK/SCK
CLK
SPI clock line.
5
Digital output line
CS
SPI slave select line.
6
GND/DGND
GND
SPI digital signal ground.
Table 3.1: QFLEX 2 Embedded wiring summary
3.4 Exchanging QFLEX 2 Panels
Follow these steps to install the QFLEX 2 USB or QFLEX 2 Embedded panel in your Quanser Aero.
1. Disconnect the 24VDC power input from the Quanser Aero.
2. Disconnect any connections between the currently installed QFLEX panel and the computer or microcontroller
board.
ESD Warning: The interior of the Quanser Aero contains components which are sensitive to elec-
trostatic discharge. Before opening the Quanser Aero case, ensure that both you
and the workspace are properly grounded.
3. Remove the four screws at the corners of the QFLEX panel to release the panel from the Aero chassis. The
Quanser Aero is shown in Figure 3.1 below with the screws removed.
QUANSER AERO User Manual
DRAFT - September 1, 2016