To help define the testing board, which would use a series of mikroBUS connections to enable testing various interfaces, I’ve started a mapping of the cape-specification along with fixes and additions to the specification to a series of mikroBUS sockets (with the expectations that several of them would be via “Shuttle” connectors, especially the parallel LCD, which would probably take 2-3 of these connectors.
The idea is that by focusing on bringing connectors, we can do several setups with the same cape to perform regression testing on multiple different designs. The ClickID would enable detection of the connected device to foster automated test selection.
While using the same pin on multiple mikroBUS sockets is not absolutely desired, it will be necessary to be able to test all of the various functions on a cape pin. It should be possible to quickly identify these conflicts from this document to avoid connecting add-on board to multiple sockets that would prevent proper function.
I think I’ll be adding HAT and PocketCape headers as well. I’ll want a power connector and the ability to remotely power cycle boards as well. Ideas from the Balena AutoKit setup will dominate the approach. A PocketBeagle 2 and an 8-board USB hub with Ethernet and individual port power switching might make a good building block, though it could be on a separate board–but don’t want to make the mechanical constraints hard.
I’ll try to make the PCB footprint compatible with AI-64, Black, BeagleY and PocketBeagle 2. Think big board, board under test face down, slightly skinny pins to reduce insertion force, cut-outs to enable it to sit without making really long pin headers.
Also needs an LCD and LED for test status. BTW, the original beagle-tester required a network router and a computer for some of the tests for testing BeagleBone Black. An external HDMI monitor was also needed. Perhaps something like Amazon.com: Audio Express AXHDCAP 4K HDMI Video Capture Card, Cam Link Card Game Audio Capture Adapter HDMI to USB 2.0 Record Capture Device for Streaming, Live Broadcasting, Video Conference, Teaching, Gaming : Electronics can allow it to be more self-contained.