After purchasing his first BeagleBone Black, Maker Alexander Hiam realized there were no Python libraries for hardware I/O on it, so he decided to turn this setback into an innovative opportunity. Thus, PyBBIO was born!
“PyBBIO is a Python library that provides an easy-to-use, Arduino-style API for controlling the BeagleBone’s hardware interface peripheral sub-systems,” Hiam detailed about his project. “It supports the GPIO, ADC, PWM, I2C, SPI, UART, and eQEP modules. It also provides a number of additional libraries to make connecting to external devices easier, such as servo motors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, rotary encoders, webcams and much more.”
One of the most appealing aspects of this project is that it was built with beginners in mind, making it easy for makers to learn as they go while still supporting more advanced applications for experts.
“PyBBIO aims to let anyone easily use any number of different components in their own devices! There is already support for a handful of external sensors and other devices, and that list will continue to grow,” explained Hiam.
For those who enjoy working with both Python libraries and TI’s Sitara-based BeagleBone Black, this maker has certainly opened many doors with his infusion of the two technologies. In the words of Hiam himself, “the BeagleBone Black is one of the highest performing, most affordable and most external-hardware-friendly singleboard Linux computers that I’ve seen, making it a perfect choice for any number of cool projects.”
Fortunately for Hiam, complications with this project were minimal and he explained that his main issue was simply finding time to work on it. In addition, he is thankful for the “many awesome folks who have contributed fixes and new features, including a very productive Google Summer of Code 2014 student, Rekha Seethamraju, who worked on PyBBIO with him through the BeagleBoard.org organization.”
The possibilities are endless in terms of what developments are in store for the PyBBIO, but Hiam is “excited to add more features to the library and to keep working on fun new projects with the BeagleBone Black.”
Want to chat with us about this project? Tweet us at @TXInstruments or @BeagleBoardorg!
