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Extension Modules

The CHESTER mainboard (CHESTER-M) includes these integrated interfaces and peripherals:

  • I2C bus (also featuring Sparkfun Qwiic Connect System)
  • 1-Wire bus (using hardware bus driver with strong pull-up capability)
  • Digital I2C thermometer
  • 3-axis MEMS accelerometer
  • 8 MB NOR flash memory
  • 3-color RGY LED
  • Push-button

The core feature of the CHESTER system is its hardware flexibility provided by the wide range of extension modules. These modules are either soldered from the bottom of the mainboard (two slots A+B are available) or connected via system I2C bus (e.g., for modules installed in the enclosure top cover).

tip

On the CHESTER DevKit variant, it is possible to install extension modules designated for the backside of the mainboard via spring connectors. That will allow you to quickly swap the interfaces during the development cycle. However, for the real device deployment, it is strongly recommended to have the modules soldered directly to the mainboard (HARDWARIO does the soldering).

Backside Modules

Backside modules (red modules in the picture below) further extend CHESTER functionality with more interfaces. This extension is modular also in CHESTER-SDK development where each module has its own ZephyrRTOS driver for easy integration.


Placing X module in the left "A" slot connects its signals to the two left terminal blocks TB1 and TB2 (see the blue square in the picture below). Both left terminal blocks TB1 and TB2 are wired together in parallel so you can more easily connect multiple sensors to the same signal/power.

The same applies to the right "B" slot and terminals TB5 and TB6 (see the green square in the picture below).

When CHESTER is mounted in the enclosure, you can check the module "X_" number and hardware revision "R1.0" through the small holes when the battery is removed (see the two orange circles in the image below).


Module NameModule Description
CHESTER-X0AUp to 4 digital and analog inputs and outputs, 4-20 mA current loop channels, 0-10 V voltage inputs, dry contact, NPN or PNP input, including 5V boost converter.
CHESTER-X0BUp to 4 digital and analog inputs and outputs, 4-20 mA current loop channels, 0-10 V voltage inputs, dry contact, NPN or PNP input, without 5V boost converter.
CHESTER-X1Up to eight 1-Wire channels (e.g. for Dallas DS18B20 digital temperature sensors)
CHESTER-X2Both TTL/UART and RS-485 interface (e.g., for Modbus communication)
CHESTER-X3AUp to 2 RTD (resistive temperature devices) sensors, such as Pt 100 and Pt 1000
CHESTER-X3BUp to 2 thermocouple channels (type B/C/E/J/K/N/R/S/T)
CHESTER-X3CUp to 2 load-cell (strain gauge) channels that can be used for weight measurements
CHESTER-X4DC/DC converter providing power from an external 6-28 VDC line (features input voltage measurement)
CHESTER-X5Two channel isolated analog inputs for +/- 50 V voltage measurement
CHESTER-X6Interface module for our in-house S-Wire protocol targetting low-power peripherals
CHESTER-X71-channel differential input converter with software-controlled 5V boost converter for current probes and other industrial sensors
CHESTER-X8Ultra-precise accelerometer
CHESTER-X94-channel output module with smart protected switch for controlling relays and solenoids
CHESTER-X10DC/DC converter + Li-Po charger providing power from an external 6-30 VDC line (features input voltage measurement)
CHESTER-K14-channel differential input converter with software-controlled 5V boost converter for current probes and other industrial sensors

Cover Modules

Module NameModule Description
CHESTER-A1AC/DC converter for 110/230 V power supply
CHESTER-A1AAC/DC converter for 110/230 V power supply with two 230V/16A power relays
CHESTER-G18-channel galvanically isolated input module with isolated DC/DC power supply
CHESTER-S1Environmental monitoring module with temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide (CO2), light intensity, atmospheric pressure, acoustic noise, and PIR sensors
CHESTER-Z1Rechargeable battery backup module with DC/DC converter and charger
CHESTER-Z1-FRechargeable battery backup module with DC/DC converter and charger + up to 4 RGB illuminated push-buttons with acoustic feedback

Carrier Boards

info

These carrier boards require a larger enclosure.

Module NameModule Description
CHESTER-B1Battery holders for up to either 6x D-cell or 8x C-cell sized batteries + off-mainboard LED
CHESTER-B1-WBattery holders for up to either 6x D-cell or 8x C-cell sized batteries + off-mainboard LED + wireless M-Bus (wM-Bus)
CHESTER-C1Interface board with DC/DC converter, 2x power relay, 1-Wire terminals, 4x digital/analog inputs, and RS-485 interfaces + battery holder for 4x C-cell sized batteries
caution

If you did not find the relevant module for your project, contact HARDWARIO. The hardware extension development roadmap is driven by specific project needs.