🛠 First Connection and Startup of the M5Stamp Timer Power 2
Objectives
This tutorial guides you through the initial setup of the M5Stamp Timer Power 2. You will learn to identify critical pins, provide stable power, and verify that the module initializes correctly. This module, based on the PY32L020 microcontroller, is designed for energy efficiency but requires precise hardware configuration to operate.
Required Materials
- 1x M5Stamp Timer Power 2 Module (SKU S021)
- 1x USB-C Cable or 5V DC Adapter
- 1x 3.7V LiPo Battery (optional, to test charging)
- 1x Breadboard and jumper wires
- 1x Multimeter (recommended for verification)
Steps
- Pin Identification : Locate the power pins. The module accepts 5V DC input on the EXT_5V_INOUT pin. If using a LiPo battery, connect it to the dedicated battery pins (check PCB polarity).
- Power Connection : Connect the 5V power source to the EXT_5V_INOUT pin. If using a battery, ensure it is correctly connected. The LGS4056HDA charging circuit automatically manages charging at 650mA or 180mA based on configuration.
- I2C Wiring : To communicate with the module, connect the SDA pin to the SDA pin of your host microcontroller (e.g., ESP32) and SCL to SCL. Remember to include pull-up resistors if your I2C bus lacks them.
- Powering Outputs : To test charge outputs, connect a small component (like an LED with a resistor) to the 3V3_DCDC_OUT or 3V3_LDO_OUT output. Note that these outputs are active only if the management logic permits.
- Power On : Connect the 5V supply. The module should initialize. In shutdown mode, power consumption is very low (6.72uA), so ensure the module is properly woken up by the host application.
Verification
Use a multimeter to check for 3.3V on the PY_3V3 or 3V3_LDO_OUT pins. If you have configured the I2C bus, scan it with a tool like i2cdetect (Linux) or Arduino code to confirm detection of address 0x6E. An indicator LED (if present or via GPIO) may indicate the power state.
Going Further
Once the module is recognized, explore programming external interrupts for wake-up. You can also test standby power consumption by disconnecting the main power and measuring current with a precision ammeter.