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Getting Started

The SentiBoard is an expandable sensor synchronization and integration platform at the core of the SentiSystems payloads. The SentiBoard can read and synchronize multiple concurrent data streams and accurately generate triggers. The SentiBoard can interface sensors over UART, RS232, RS422, SPI and CAN. The sensor data is packaged in a standardized format and delivered to other network nodes over Ethernet.

Tip

The SentiBoard can be simultaniously powered through any of the available USB connections and the 2-pin molex connector. Make sure the SentiBoard 2.0 has sufficient power to also drive the connected sensors.

Note

Once the SentiBoard 2.0 is powered it will boot into a state where it awaits a functioning Ethernet connection. Hence, make sure to also connect an Ethernet cable either directly to another computer or to a switch

Carrier Boards

SentiBoard 2.0 is available with two different carrier boards, the SentiBoard 2.0 Standard and the SentiBoard 2.0 Mini.

If your application requires some specific form factor or connectivety combinations, please don't hesitate to reach out and we will be able to tailor a carrier board to your specific needs.

Default Mode and IP Address

Booting the SentiBoard, it will adhere to the Best Master Clock Algorithm (given that PTP is enabled in the config), and if deemed optimal, take on the role as a PTP GrandMaster (given that gm_capable is set to enabled in the Clocks->PTP settings).

The SentiBoard is preconfigured to send all data (sensor data, status messages and debug messages) to specific endpoint/IP address.

Default settings:

  • IP Address: 192.168.77.100
  • Netmask: 255.255.255.0
  • PTP Profile: Default 1588v2 End-to-End, 1-Step
  • All output is sent directly to IP Address: 192.168.77.42
    1. UDP Port 4000: Sensor Data (Protobuf)
    2. UDP Port 4001: Status Data (ASCII)
    3. UDP Port 4002: Debug Data (ASCII)

Viewing PTP Statistics

The following Python script can be used to receive the PTP statistics (State, Offset, Path Delay and Drift) of the SentiBoard. This assumes the computer running the Python script has the IP address of the SentiBoard 2.0 output destination IP setting.

import socket

UDP_IP = ""
UDP_PORT = 4001

sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, # Internet
                     socket.SOCK_DGRAM) # UDP
sock.bind((UDP_IP, UDP_PORT))

while True:
    data, addr = sock.recvfrom(1024) # buffer size is 1024 bytes
    print(data)