Kit Contents; General Description - Silicon Laboratories DIGITAL COMPASS-RD User Manual

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1. Kit Contents

The Digital Compass Reference Design Kit contains the following items:
C8051F350 Digital Compass Reference Design Board
Silicon Laboratories Reference Design CD-ROM. CD content includes the following:
- PC Compass GUI
- Driver installation utility
- Documentation
USB Cable
Digital Compass Reference Design Kit User's Guide (this document)
Two AAA alkaline batteries
2. Introduction
The Digital Compass Reference Design Kit combines the performance of Silicon Laboratories MCU's and the latest
sensors in magnetic and tilt measuring. This reference design offers a high performance and reliable compass
solution while demonstrating the ability to interface sensors directly to an MCU.
3. Quick-Start Guide
The Digital Compass Reference Design Board is a fully functional tilt-compensated digital compass. It can be
powered via batteries for stand-alone operation or via the USB cable when used in conjunction with the GUI. In
order to use the compass immediately:
Install the two AAA alkaline batteries (noting the polarity markings)
Press the ENTER button
The compass will display a traditional direction heading (e.g. N, S, E, W) with absolute information displayed
degrees minutes format. In addition, an arrow and a corresponding 'N' will always point north.

4. General Description

A compass is a navigational instrument for finding direction. It consists of a magnetized pointer, free to align itself
accurately with Earth's magnetic field. It is the oldest instrument for navigation and still is a vital tool even in present
times when GPS exists. Here are the definitions of some terms you will see throughout this user manual:
the azimuth is the angle between magnetic north and the heading direction
declination is the angle between geographic or true north and magnetic north
5. Reference Design Board
The following is a general description of the Digital Compass Reference Design board:
Dimensions: 59 x 88 x 16 mm
Weight: 60 grams
Function buttons: SW1 (MENU) ,SW2 (ENTER) and SW3 (RESET)
LCD display
USB connector
Debug connector
USB and POWER LEDS
Power connector
Slot for 2 x AAA batteries
Rev. 0.1 2/05
D I G I TA L C O M PA S S - R D
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Copyright © 2005 by Silicon Laboratories
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DIGITAL COMPASS-RD