#29, C1: Ambient Temperature Meter
Function: Ambient temperature meter
Form factor: C1
Special needs: Tibbit #00-3
Power requirements: 5V/2mA
Details
This Tibbit is based on the MCP9808 ambient temperature sensor IC with an I²C interface. The sensor is implemented as a C1 device with a perforated front face and a rubber wall separating the temperature sensor from the internal space of the host Tibbo Project System (TPS). This is done to minimize the influence of the heat produced by the Tibbo Project PCB (TPP) and adjacent Tibbits.
The MCP9808 has a programmable resolution and can measure the ambient temperature in steps as small as 1/16°C. The conversion process is rather slow at this resolution and takes ~250ms. Our sample project (see below) operates with 1/4°C precision, which also requires a relatively short conversion time of ~65ms.
This device operates with a typical accuracy of ±0.25°C.
This C1 device requires Tibbit #00-3 to be installed in the neighboring "M" Tibbit socket. Tibbit #00-3 provides two direct lines for I²C communications, as well as the ground and +5V power for the MCP9808.
Sample Project
The use of Tibbit #29 is illustrated by a Tibbo BASIC test project. You can find it here: https://github.com/tibbotech/CA-Test-Tibbit-29.