The Firmware Test Board (FTB) is an EVT-developed Printed Circuit Board (PCB) used to simplify firmware testing by expanding the functionality of an STM32 nucleo. It has basic circuits for implementing UART, PWM, I2C, SPI, and CAN. It also has relays and switches designed to support higher voltages. It has a standard MikroElektronia click board header, which allows for quick testing of new ICs. It can also power the nucleo from a barrel jack instead of a USB cable, which can simplify test benches that have lots of wires. The firmware team uses this for test setups during most of our early driver development.
Before a nucleo can be used with the FTB, the three-pin header next to the reset button must be desoldered and resoldered on the bottom of the board, so that they fit into the connector on the FTB meant to receive them. Note: the two pins toward the outside of the board must be jumped together for the nucleo to work properly. This is done internally on the FTB, but if the nucleo is used without the FTB, it must be done manually with one of the black header jumpers that comes with the nucleo. After the nucleo has been modified, gently slide it into the female pin headers on the FTB, so that it looks like the picture above.
The FTB supports many different uses as it exposes functionality for all communication protocols we use as a team. The most convenient way to access these is with the MIKROE click board header in the top right corner because no wiring is needed. If there is already a board connected there, or there is more than one device to test, you will need to use other methods to connect them. UART, I2C, SPI, and CAN are exposed along the right edge of the boards with screw terminals and pin headers. Along the bottom, there are screw terminals for relays, PWM logic shifters, and a thermistor. There are also two button inputs and a potentiometer if needed. Along the left edge, there are screw terminals for various voltages. Note: for voltages over 5V, the 12V barrel jack needs to be connected and powered on.
This section is mainly meant to be used as an overview and reminder of what the FTB can do. For pinouts, ratings, and other information, see the more detailed FTB page. When in doubt, consult a senior firmware member or electrical engineer before powering anything on.