VIBE IoT platform is a unique combination of community famous Beaglebone Black with industry standard modem connectivity for WAN. Below, we describe how to set up VIBE and the associated software.

Overview

VIBE is shipped with its onboard 4GB eMMC flashed with latest Debian Wheezy console image with kernel 3.8.13-bone70. This pre-flashed image is preconfigured with all the settings and with the kernel patches to use all the features on VIBE namely 3G/2G modem, Two USB host port, RTC, GPS(if present), Ethernet Reset over GPIO.

A prebuilt SD Card image(3.65GB) is also available for download as VIBE Debian Wheezy SD card image

Hardware Configurations

Beaglebone Black section

Processor : VIBE uses TI's Sitara ARM cortex-A8 AM3352 1 Ghz processor(AM3352BZCZ100) which is different from 1GHz AM3358(AM3358BZCZ100) used in original Beaglebone Black. The differences between the two being AM3352 does not have PRU subsystem, EtherCAT and SGX Graphics support.

USB host ports : VIBE contains two USB 2.0 HS host ports with type A connector whereas original Beaglebone black has only one. VIBE has reconfigured USB0 OTG port as self powered USB hub host ports. So there is no USB client port. USB1 OTG port remains configured as USB 2.0 Host port and used for interface with 3G modem.

Battery : VIBE can be powered up by 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable battery with automatic backup switch over circuit from 5V DC input and can power up the whole VIBE including 3G/2G modem, both the USB Host ports and HDMI. Original Beaglebone black also supports 3.7V Li-ion Rechargeable battery but with limited functionality of USB host port and HDMI unavailable.

Ethernet reset : VIBE includes a standalone ethernet reset circuit over GPIO . This addresses a bug in the original beaglebone black where the Ethernet PHY is not detected at bootup and board had to be reset (http://bugs.elinux.org/issues/67).
- In VIBE, the ethernet phy can be individually reset separate from the whole board by toggling gpio GPIO3_21(GPIO 117).
- To use the GPIO ethernet reset feature, HDMI audio has to be disabled in device tree and then GPIO1_27(GPIO 59) has to be pulled low so that GPIO3_21 is available for use.

Watchdog Timer : VIBE includes a watchdog timer circuit which can generate an external reset to PMIC and address the Under Voltage Lockout(UVLO) issue faced in Original Beaglebone Black. If the PMIC TPS65217C enters in UVLO and is not resolved within 10s, watchdog timer will generate an external reset to PMIC.

Real Time Clock : VIBE has an accurate Real Time clock with an integrated temperature compensated oscillator and crystal. It includes a 3V non-chargeable coin cell ( CR1025/CR1216/CR1220) for standby.

Extra UART0 header at the edge of the board for easy handling and convenience.

Fully compatible Beaglebone Black expansion header. Most of the LCD capes are compatible with VIBE.

Radio section

VIBE has an option between 2G/GPRS modem and 3G/HSPA (3G/CDMA) modem for WAN connectivity.

2G modem : The 2G modem is interfaced via UART to UART1 port of the AM3352 processor on VIBE. There are following versions for different regions :
- Quad-Band(2G-Q) : For Global connectivity covering bands GSM 850/EGSM 900/DCS 1800/PCS 1900 with data rates of 85.6kbps DL/42.8kbps UL.
- Dual-Band(2G-D) : For Asia/Europe connectivity covering bands EGSM 900/DCS 1800 with data rates of 85.6kbps DL/42.8kbps UL.

3G modem : The 3G modem is interfaced via USB2.0 HS on USB1 Host port of AM3352 processor on VIBE. There are following versions for different regions in both GSM/HSPA and CDMA/EVDO :
- 3G HSPA-A (3GH-A) : For Asia/Europe connectivity covering bands WCDMA 2100 and GSM 850/EGSM 900/DCS 1800/PCS 1900 with data rates of 7.2Mbps DL/5.76Mbps UL.
- 3G HSPA-B (3GH-B) : For Americas connectivity covering bands WCDMA 2100/850 and GSM 850/EGSM 900/DCS 1800/PCS 1900 with data rates of 7.2Mbps DL/5.76Mbps UL.
- 3G HSPA-C (3GH-C) : For Asia/Europe/Australia Connectivity covering bands WCDMA 2100/900 and GSM 850/EGSM 900/DCS 1800/PCS 1900 with data rates of 7.2Mbps DL/5.76Mbps UL.
- 3G HSPA-D (3GH-D) : For Global connectivity covering bands WCDMA 850/1900/2100 and GSM 850/EGSM 900/DCS 1800/PCS 1900 with data rates of 3.6Mbps DL/384kbps UL.
- 3G CDMA (3GC-A) : For Global connectivity covering bands CDMA 800/1900 with data rates of 3.1Mbps DL/1.8Mbps UL.

3GH-A/B/C and 3GC-A modems create ports /dev/ttyUSB0, /dev/ttyUSB1 and /dev/ttyUSB2 with ports assigned as :

- /dev/ttyUSB0 : Modem port and AT commands port
- /dev/ttyUSB2 : AT commands port

3GH-D modem creats ports /dev/ttyUSB0, /dev/ttyUSB1, /dev/ttyUSB2, /dev/ttyUSB3 with ports assigned as :

- /dev/ttyUSB1 : AT commands port
- /dev/ttyUSB3 : Modem port and AT commands port

Both 2G/3G modems have following control interfaces :

GPS section

GPS module : The state(on/off) of the GPS modem can be seen with the 3.3 V D17 Led and the D16 Led is the GPS fix Led. When the Module has acquired GPS fix, this LED D16 starts blinking at 1s OFF/1s ON. the 1 pps/Hz output can be accessed from GPIO0_27. GPIO50 is used for resetting the GPS modem and it should be pulled high all the time. GSC connector is available and the GPS antennae can be attached through it. The NMEA0183 Ver. 3.01 ASCII can be accessed on the ttyO4 port at a baud rate of 19200.

Getting started

Setting up the system

Place a mini SIM in the SIM card slot and connect a GSM antenna to the SMA connector.
Ensuring that the power jumper on the VIBE is in its place, power up the setup using a 5V DC adapter(min 2.5A) to barrel jack.
After powering the VIBE, log into it by any of the following option :

a. Through USB Client

b. Through Ethernet Cable

Now login by using the SSH command. Make sure to login as root only so that all the special privileges are available.

A. Through USB client.

Use the command :

ssh -l root 192.168.7.2

to login onto the system. Default password is root.

B. Through Ethernet cable.

The IP address of Ethernet interface of VIBE should be known for this option. Use that IP address with the ssh command to establish a connection

ssh -l root $IP_address

Default Username and password is root.

In Yantrr Precompiled images, IP address is 192.168.1.150

After logging into the VIBE system, export and set the GPIO45 and GPIO60 high by using:

cd /sys/class/gpio/
echo 45 > export
echo 60 >export
cd gpio45
echo “high” > direction
cd ..
cd gpio60 
echo “high” > direction

NOTE : In precompiled image, for ease of use these regular commands for use with the GPIOs have been created as functions : pinexp, setout, setin, pinread.

pinexp 45
pinexp 60
setout 45 high
setout 60 high

Power On Modem

The Modem can be powered on by providing a low level pulse at ON/OFF Pin for 3-4s when the module is off. It can be achieved by either using the push button switch S1 or GPIO45.

cd /sys/class/gpio/
echo 45 > export
cd gpio45
echo "high" > direction
sleep 4
echo "low" > direction
sleep 4
echo "high" > direction

After some time, LED D4 should start blinking as to indicate modem has turned on.

Check that modem is visible on the USB bus by:

lsusb
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 0424:2412 Standard Microsystems Corp.
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 034: ID 21f5:2012 
Bus 001 Device 007: ID 046d:0825 Logitech, Inc. Webcam C270

Assigning driver on the USB modem (Not needed if using pre-built images)

modprobe usbserial vendor=0x21f5 product=0x2012

lsusb
Bus 001 Device 002: ID 0424:2412 Standard Microsystems Corp.
Bus 001 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 002 Device 001: ID 1d6b:0002 Linux Foundation 2.0 root hub
Bus 001 Device 034: ID 21f5:2012 
Bus 001 Device 007: ID 046d:0825 Logitech, Inc. Webcam C270

System messages (logs) show what happened when modem was turned on and its drivers were assigned after applying modprobe usbserial. For pre-compiled image, log messages are similar.

dmesg | grep -i usb

usb 1-1.1: New USB device found, idVendor=21f5, idProduct=2012
usb 1-1.1: New USB device strings: Mfr=3, Product=2, SerialNumber=4
usb 1-1.1: Product: StrongRising Technologies
usb 1-1.1: Manufacturer: Modem
usb 1-1.1: SerialNumber: 000000000002
usb 1-1.1: usb_probe_device
usb 1-1.1: configuration #1 chosen from 1 choice
usb 1-1.1: adding 1-1.1:1.0 (config #1, interface 0)
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.0: usb_probe_interface
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.0: usb_probe_interface - got id
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.0: The "generic" usb-serial driver is only for testing and one-off prototypes.
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.0: Tell linux-usb@vger.kernel.org to add your device to a proper driver.
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.0: generic converter detected
usb 1-1.1: generic converter now attached to ttyUSB0
usb 1-1.1: adding 1-1.1:1.1 (config #1, interface 1)
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.1: usb_probe_interface
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.1: usb_probe_interface - got id
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.1: The "generic" usb-serial driver is only for testing and one-off prototypes.
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.1: Tell linux-usb@vger.kernel.org to add your device to a proper driver.
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.1: generic converter detected
usb 1-1.1: g'''eneric converter now attached to ttyUSB1'''
usb 1-1.1: adding 1-1.1:1.2 (config #1, interface 2)
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.2: usb_probe_interface
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.2: usb_probe_interface - got id
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.2: The "generic" usb-serial driver is only for testing and one-off prototypes.
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.2: Tell linux-usb@vger.kernel.org to add your device to a proper driver.
usbserial_generic 1-1.1:1.2: generic converter detected
usb 1-1.1: '''generic converter now attached to ttyUSB2'''

It is recommended to add a proper driver for the modem in kernel. The generic driver is not reliable.
Note : If the modem is not visible after these steps or any issues are faced while initializing the modem please contact Yantrr Support (support@yantrr.com) with the above log messages (dmesg | grep –I usb or /var/log/syslog).

Understanding the TTYO ports on VIBE-2G

The 2G modem on VIBE-2G OR VIBE-2G-GPS/TIM board is connected via UART1.
VIBE-2G enumerate 2 different ports:

/dev/ttyO0  /dev/ttyO1

All the “AT Command” set can be accessed on ttyO1 port with the baud rate of 115200. Over UART1 port we can communicate with the modem and also AT commands can be executed whenever required. The UART port of modem is available at one instant only, either it is establishing ppp connection or AT commands are executed on it.

Understanding the TTYUSB ports on VIBE-3G

The 3G modem on VIBE-3G OR VIBE-3G-GPS/TIM board is connected via USB1 host port.
VIBE-3G enumerate 3 different usb ports:

/dev/ttyUSB0  /dev/ttyUSB1  /dev/ttyUSB2

ttyUSB0 is data port & command for modem, use this for the WVDIAL conf or PPP
ttyUSB1 is the diag port for the Firmware upgrade
ttyUSB2 is the AT CMD port only.

Note :These ttyUSB ports are only created if proper drivers are present or when “modprobe usbserial” command is issued. Pre compiled images with drivers are available on the Yantrr wiki page.
Note : Both ttyUSB0 and ttyUSB2 take the AT commands, but ttyUSB0 port is also a Data communications port so for all intended purposes of issuing AT commands use ttyUSB2 port(PCUI port).

Power Off Modem

The modem can be powered off by providing a low level pulse at ON/OFF pin for 3-4s when the module is On. It can be achieved by either using the push button switch S1 or GPIO45.

cd /sys/class/gpio/
echo 45 > export
cd gpio45
echo "high" > direction
sleep 4
echo "low" > direction
sleep 4
echo "high" > direction

Modem can also be turned off by issuing following AT commands on port /dev/ttyUSB2

AT+ZPWROFF

Soft Resetting the Modem

Steps -

Power Off the Modem.
Wait for 1-2s at least.
Power on the modem.

Hard Resetting the Modem

There might arise situations where modem does not seem to be responding to any commands issued on AT commands port or it cannot be turned on/off. In such scenarios, issue hard reset to the modem. It can be done by either toggling Switch S2 for at least 100ms or pulling GPIO60 low for 1s and then setting it high again.

cd /sys/class/gpio/
cd gpio60
echo "low" > direction
sleep 1
echo "high" > direction

Note : Please use hard reset conservatively. Soft reset should be preferred under most conditions.

AT Commands Manual

The AT Command for the 3G Module can be downloaded from here : WCDMA AT Commands Manual

Data connection procedure using PPP

Notes

All commands are recommended to executed as root user.
UART1(dev/ttyO1) should be enabled in the kernel of VIBE-2G, VIBE-2G-GPS/TIM by applying its device tree overlay from /lib/firmware directory
USB drivers need to be installed in the kernel of VIBE-3G,VIBE-3G-GPS/TIM for the WCDMA modem to work.
Modem port for VIBE-3G is ttyUSB0, use this port for PPPd or Wvdial
AT Commands port for VIBE-3G is ttyUSB2

Wvdial Configuration for Debian Wheezy

Download and install Wvdial

apt-get install wvdial

For VIBE-2G and VIBE-2G-GPS/TIM

Executing the following command usually sets the wvdial.conf file which is used for dialing to GPRS communication, but since here our modem port is on a UART(/dev/ttyO1) and not on /dev/ttyS* or /dev/ttyUSB* ports, we will have to manually configure it. So, open the wvdial.conf file

$ nano /etc/wvdial.conf

Assuming that you have the USERNAME, PASSWORD and APN available for the service provider of the SIM card being used, edit and make wvdial.conf file like this. Sample Wvdial files for some service providers are given HERE

[Dialer Defaults]
Modem Type = Analog
ModemPhone = *99#
ISDN = 0
Baud = 115200
Username = USERNAME
Password = PASSWORD
Modem = /dev/ttyO1
Init1 = ATZ
Init2 = at+cgdcont=1,"ip","APN"
Stupid Mode = 1

Usually for GSM Networks, ModemPhone is *99# or *99***1#. Consult your network provider for exact details in case you are facing any difficulties.

For VIBE-3G and VIBE-3G-GPS/TIM

open the wvdial.conf file

$ nano /etc/wvdial.conf

Assuming that you have the USERNAME, PASSWORD and APN available for the service provider of the SIM card being used, edit and make wvdial.conf file like this. Sample Wvdial files for some service providers are given HERE

[Dialer Defaults]
Modem Type = Analog
ModemPhone = *99#
ISDN = 0
Baud = 115200
Username = USERNAME
Password = PASSWORD
Modem = /dev/ttyUSB0
Init1 = ATZ
Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
Init3 = at+cgdcont=1,"ip","APN"
Stupid Mode = 1

Consult your network provider for exact details in case you are facing any difficulties.

After editing wvdial.conf, save and exit, now run wvdial for establishing communication.

$ wvdial

If all parameters are correct and everything is working, you should see a success message from wvdial. Once PPP connection has been established, you will see a ppp0 IP.

To check the status of wvdial and find out its IP open a new shell and use either of following:

Run ifconfig and find ppp0 in the list of network connections.

$ ifconfig
or
$ ifconfig ppp0

Check the network statistics for IP and their gateways and check the Iface column for ppp0

$ netstat -arn
* Kernel IP routing table
Destination Gateway Genmask Flags MSS Window irtt Iface
0.0.0.0 192.168.1.1 0.0.0.0 UG 0 0 0 eth0
192.168.1.0 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.0 U 0 0 0 eth0
192.168.7.0 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.252 U 0 0 0 usb0
192.200.1.21 0.0.0.0 255.255.255.255 UH 0 0 0 ppp0

Read the system messages as

$ cat /var/log/messages

It lists all the attempts at establishing ppp communication using the modem and IPs for the successful attempt.
Now all that is left is to route the network traffic over the gateway of ppp0 instead of eth0 so that GPRS communication is fully completed.
PPP connection has been established over GPRS using 2G/3G module and wvdial.

System Status

After PPP has been established, the following is the status of the LEDs and GPIOs (For verification)

STATUS LED D3 – It is continuously glowing, once the Modem was turned on.
SIGNAL LED D4 – It is now blinking at 64ms ON/300ms OFF . Earlier when PPP was not established but SIMcard was detected by modem, then it was blinking at 64ms ON/3000ms OFF.
ON/OFF GPIO45 – Its value should be 1.
RESET GPIO60 – Its value should always be 1.

Adding a DNS

nano /etc/resolv.conf add following

nameserver 8.8.8.8
nameserver 208.67.222.222

These are public name servers, and you are free to use any other if they do not work.

Using GPS module with Debian Wheezy

To read the NMEA messages from the GPS Module of VIBE :

Enable UART4 (/dev/ttyO4) in device tree kernel.

#cd /lib/firmware
 
#echo BB-UART4 > /sys/devices/bone_capemgr.9/slots''

You can read the slots or use dmesg to see that UART4 has been enabled.

#cat /sys/devices/bone_capemgr.9/slots''

Output will be like this :

''0: 54:PF---''
''1: 55:PF---''
''2: 56:PF---''
''3: 57:PF---''
''4: ff:P-O-L Bone-LT-eMMC-2G,00A0,Texas Instrument,BB-BONE-EMMC-2G''
''5: ff:P-O-L Bone-Black-HDMI,00A0,Texas Instrument,BB-BONELT-HDMI''
''7: ff:P-O-L Override Board Name,00A0,Override Manuf,BB-UART4''

Install Minicom or use the following commands to see NMEA messages

#apt-get install minicom''
 
#minicom –s'' (port settings /dev/ttyO4 19200 8N1)

or

#stty –F /dev/ttyO4 19200 raw''
#cat /dev/ttyO4''

For more information and detailed guide on Time synchronization and GPS Location , please refer to the App note - GPS Location and time synchronization

SW startup guide for VIBE

Contents

Overview

Hardware Configurations

Beaglebone Black section

Radio section

GPS section

Getting started

Setting up the system

Power On Modem

Understanding the TTYO ports on VIBE-2G

Understanding the TTYUSB ports on VIBE-3G

Power Off Modem

Soft Resetting the Modem

Hard Resetting the Modem

AT Commands Manual

Data connection procedure using PPP

Wvdial Configuration for Debian Wheezy

System Status

Adding a DNS

Using GPS module with Debian Wheezy

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