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The SPLat expansion framework sets out the ways and means of providing on-board as well as external expansion modules for SPLat controllers. It defines hardware arrangements, internal features of the SPLat processor and matching programming instructions. It can support a whole spectrum of peripherals ranging from very simple, low cost add-ons all the way up to very sophisticated peripherals with built in intelligence.
A significant feature of the SPLat expansion framework is that it provides a versatile, open-ended programming method. The result for you is that we can create a new expansion board and it will instantly be supported by all existing programming tools, including the existing SPLat/PC programming toolset. With a relatively little effort we can then give it its own tailored instructions by a simple extension of the SPLat/PC programming software.
In keeping with always delivering the most cost-effective possible control solutions, the SPLat expansion framework is designed to place the lightest possible cost burden on the base controller, and to provide a range of cost and performance choices. We don't call it a standard; it is more a range of ways in which expansion boards can be implemented. There is no standard for board shapes and sizes, there is no standard power supply system and even the expansion connector can differ from board to board. The framework does however define a consistent programming model and interface, which lets us to you with sophisticated programming support even on custom peripherals.
This chapter describes the hardware basics of the SPLat expansion framework and introduces the several different schemes that comprise the framework. These range from the very simple "Touch of SPice" boards up to an open-ended system of addressable peripherals called SPx.
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