---
title: Walk Through
slug: walk-through
docTags: 
createdAt: 2024-02-12T10:32:45.531Z
---

## Lead In

The SCALAE-AUTOMATION's features offer a base set of essential features that enable the unit's versatility and ease of use. Based on a reliable, tried, and tested  MCU the PLC will serve in many applications reliably.

::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/Qn-KnoMlHMwLEOpt8DNF3/EfuFejH0nxgE-lafeDvcc_scalae-auto-1.jpg" size="76" width="3593" height="2004" position="center" caption="SCALAE-AUTO" darkWidth="3593" darkHeight="2004" showCaption="true"}

## Automation Walk Through

The walkthrough provides a functional overview of SCALAE-AUTOMATION to assist in planning your system or application.

### Power Supply

The power supply to rectify AC to DC is installed on board the PCB. By providing an input voltage of 120 to 220 VAC, a rectified 5VDC is supplied to the onboard electronics. 

The rectified power supplies the MCU, USB UART, Optocoupler inputs Transistorised outputs, LM358 Opamp, RTC (Realtime Clock), and an EEPROM.

### MCU - PIC Microconttoller

The 8-BIT PIC Microcontroller has been selected owing to its reliability and ease of use. The 44 PIN TQFP device offers 32 I/O, USART, IO, and analog inputs enabling versatility in automation applications.

### Opto-Coupled Inputs

The 8 Opto inputs are active, in that they have a 5Vdc potential on the two pins. Closing the two pins closes the conductive path activating the output of the opto actuating the input of the microcontroller.

### Outputs

The transistor-based I/O will switch a 5 Vdc coil relay, or power an LED and resistor.

:::hint{type="info"}
The outputs are not designed to drive high-power loads. They are capable of switching a relay for example, which in turn can be used to switch a higher load.
:::

### Analog

Signal conditioning is useful for ensuring a quality signal arrives at the input of the A-to-D converter. This also ensures that a reliable signal with minimal interference or "noise" is present.

An LM358 is available on the PCB. Although a general-purpose opamp, the component is a useful and cost-effective buffer or unity gain opamp that maintains the signal strength without loading the input.

### RTC

The Real TIme Clock running on an I2C interface enables scheduling or data reporting.