Component: Switch Array Template (Switches)

Author	Matrix Ltd.
Version	2.0
Category	Switches

Switch Array Template component

A base component for creating an evenly spaced array of switches. Each will be connected to sequential pins of a given I/O port. Set target object to point at any standard switch component to change the type of switch used by the array.

Component Pack

BASICIO

Detailed description

No detailed description exists yet for this component

Examples

Here is an example Flowcode program to read the values of a switch array. Switch Array Here is a schematic of how to connect a basic switch to a microcontroller pin.

The active high circuit will pass a logical 0 to the input pin when the switch is not pressed and a logical 1 when the switch is pressed.

The active low circuit will pass a logical 1 to the input pin when the switch is not pressed and a logical 0 when the switch is pressed.

There are some differences depending on the type of switch you have, the above states assume a generic push to make type switch, however a push to break type switch would have reversed logic and a toggle switch can work well with either setup.

The resistors are required for correct operation because when a microcontroller's input pin is essentially connected to nothing it will pick up noise in the environment and provide inconsistent readings. This state is referred to as floating i.e. the pin is floating. To test this remove the resistors (if possible) and touch the unconnected switch pins with your finger the output LEDs from the example file above will toggle on and off at high speed.

Any values of resistor can be used but it is important to keep the smaller resistor at least 10X smaller then the larger resistor to ensure that the pressed state provides at least 0.91% of the required pressed state voltage. For example a active high switch circuit using 1K and 10K resistors should pull up to about 4.54V when the switch is pressed.

(5V / 11K) * 10K = 4.54545V

Downloadable macro reference

	ReadState
Read the state of the switch at the given index.
- BYTE	Index
The switch to read the status of.
- BOOL	Return

	WaitUntilHigh
Pause the program until the switch at the given index is turned on.
- BYTE	Index
Index of the switch to wait for.
- VOID	Return

	ReadAll
Reads all of the switches at once, returning a byte containing one bit per switch.
- BYTE	Return

	GetHandle
Retrieves the object handle of the switch component at the given index.
- BYTE	Index
- HANDLE	Return

	WaitUntilLow
Pause the program until the switch at the given index is turned on.
- BYTE	Index
Index of the switch to wait for.
- VOID	Return

Property reference

	Properties
	Count
The number of LEDs in the array from 1 to 8.
	Connections
	Input Mode
Choose a single port for all LEDs - pins are allocated in sequence from pin 0 - 7 ...or choose 'Custom pins' to assign each switch individually.
File:Fc9-type-19-icon.png	Port
	Polarity
Active High = LEDs light when the chosen chip pin is ON Active Low = LEDs light when the chosen chip pin is OFF
	Debounce
Time in milliseconds allowed for the pin to settle following a change of state.
	Simulation
	Operation
Sets whether switches toggle or are press/release. NB) This option can only be set when the original target includes this option.
	Alignment
Which 3D axis to align the copies along.
	Spacing
The distance between LEDs in the array. LEDs will be spaced symmetrically around the component centre. Use a negative value to reverse the order of the LEDs.
	Reverse
Whether to reverse the order of the switches.
	Show Labels
Whether to show labels giving each switch's pin connection.
	Label color
Color of the port and pin labels
	Shape
	Target Switch
To use a custom switch design... - Drag any switch component onto the panel, or create your own using the 'Switch base' - Give your new switch a memorable name. - Choose the new switch in this property; copies will be made to fill the array, and the original is hidden. When unconnected, it will use a default 'basic switch'.