The Stacks Core is the backbone of the Stacks platform. All Decks and accessories are controlled through the Core using Python.
The Core provides features for powering and communicating with a DUT (Device Under Test). The peripherals of an Atmel SAM4 microcontroller are provided with electrical protection. Available peripherals include CAN (with transceiver), RS485 (with transceiver), SPI, I2C, serial UART, PWM, Timer/Counter, Clock outputs, ADC inputs, and DAC outputs (buffered). To power the DUT, the Core provides +12V, +5V, and +3.3V all controllable and with current sense and programmable current limits providing up to 50W, and a -12V bias supply.
Since the Core is the power supply for the Stacks platform, it provides 70W of power for all connected Decks and optionally, accessories. The Core accepts DC input power from 16V to 75V using a standard 5.5/2.5mm jack. This allows operation from any +48V industrial bus or standard laptop power supply. It also can be powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet) for remote installations.
A full bodied anodized aluminum enclosure provides physical protection for the Stack. Electrically, all Core I/O are ESD protected, ±12V tolerant, and short circuit protected.