Home automation allows people to control their living environments through efficient and secure devices which improve home convenience. Homeowners can achieve remote or preset-controlled device management through integration of smart devices and sensors and automation systems which operate lighting, temperature, security and appliance control mechanisms.
The advancement of IoT (Internet of Things) technology made automation technologies more available which enables DIY enthusiasts and professionals to design personal smart home systems. The Raspberry Pi-based solutions from Sequent Microsystems including their Home Automation HAT provide homeowners with an affordable local control system that substitutes proprietary smart home systems.
What is the Sequent Microsystems Home Automation HAT?
The Sequent Microsystems Home Automation HAT is an expansion board designed to enhance the Raspberry Pi with powerful home automation capabilities. This Hardware Attached on Top (HAT) adds multiple relays, inputs, and sensor interfaces, allowing users to control electrical devices, monitor environmental conditions, and automate various home functions directly from their Raspberry Pi.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
The Home Automation HAT uses only pluggable connectors. In addition, the latest release (V4.0 and up) has two new communication ports: 1-Wire and RS485.
The card uses only 5V power. On-board step-up power supply generates 12V to power the 0-10V analog outputs.
A general purpose push-button, wired directly to a Raspberry Pi GPIO pin, can be used to shut down Raspberry Pi without a keyboard, or to force any output to a desired state.
Key Features
ü Relays & Outputs: Number of relays, voltage handling, and how they enhance home automation.
ü Input Sensors: Compatibility with sensors (temperature, humidity, motion, etc.).
ü Communication & Connectivity: Support for I2C, SPI, and other interfaces.
ü Software Support: Integration with Home Assistant, Domoticz, Node-RED, OpenPLC, CODESYS and Python libraries.
ü Expandable Design: How it works in multi-board configurations.
Technical Specifications
|
Feature |
Specification |
|
Relays |
8 relays (3A/24V) with status LEDs and Normally Open (N.O) contacts |
|
Analog Inputs |
8 channels, 12-bit A/D, 250 Hz sample rate, 0-3.3V |
|
Digital-to-Analog Outputs |
4 channels, 13-bit DAC (0-10V dimmers) |
|
PWM Outputs |
4 channels, 24V/4A open-drain outputs |
|
Digital Inputs |
8 optically isolated digital inputs |
|
Event Counting |
Contact closure/event counters up to 500 Hz |
|
Quadrature Encoder Inputs |
4 channels for precise motion tracking |
|
GPIO Expansion |
26 Raspberry Pi GPIOs available |
|
Communication Ports |
1-WIRE and RS485 support |
|
Connectivity |
Pluggable connectors (26-16 AWG) for all ports |
|
Power Management |
5V power supply also powers the Raspberry Pi |
|
Safety Features |
On-board hardware watchdog and resettable fuse |
|
Mounting Accessories |
Includes brass standoffs, screws, and nuts |
|
Self-Test Capability |
Hardware self-test via loop-back cable |
|
Open-Source Design |
Schematics available for customization |
|
Processor |
32-bit processor running at 64MHz |
|
Raspberry Pi Compatibility |
Works with all Raspberry Pi models (Zero to 5) |
|
I2C Addressing |
Uses only I2C (0x28-0x2F), leaving all GPIO pins free |
|
Regulatory Compliance |
ECCN Code EAR99 |
Practical Use Cases for Smart Homes
· Lighting Automation: The control of illumination operates according to programmed schedules and detection of occupancy.
· Climate Control: Temperature sensors trigger the automatic control of heating systems and ventilators and air conditioning units.
· Security Systems: The implementation of security systems should unify door sensors with motion detectors and alarms.
· Energy Monitoring: Smart power consumption tracking and efficiency improvements
Setting Up the Home Automation HAT with Raspberry Pi - Example with Domoticz
1. Required Components
Before we begin, make sure you have the following:
Hardware
· Raspberry Pi (any model from Zero to 5)
· Sequent Microsystems Home Automation HAT
· Power supply (5V, at least 2.5A recommended)
· MicroSD card (16GB or higher, with Raspberry Pi OS)
· Sensors, relays, or devices for automation (e.g., lights, fans, switches)
Software
· Raspberry Pi OS (latest versión Lite or Desktop)
· Domoticz (home automation platform)
· Python and I2C tools for controlling the HAT: https://github.com/SequentMicrosystems/ioplus-rpi/blob/master/python/README.md
· Domoticz plugin for IOplus 8 relay board: https://github.com/SequentMicrosystems/ioplus-rpi/tree/master/domoticz
2. Install Raspberry Pi OS and Enable I2C
If you haven't installed Raspberry Pi OS, do the following:
1. Use Raspberry Pi Imager to flash the OS to your microSD card.
2. Insert the SD card into the Raspberry Pi and boot up.
3. Enable I2C for the HAT
The Home Automation HAT communicates via I2C, so we need to enable it:
sudo raspi-config
Navigate to Interfacing Options > I2C > Enable
Exit and reboot:
sudo reboot
To verify I2C is working, install i2cdetect:
sudo apt-get install i2c-tools
sudo i2cdetect -y 1
You should see addresses 0x28 to 0x2F, indicating the HAT is detected.
3. Install the Sequent Microsystems Library
Sequent Microsystems provides Python libraries to interact with the Home Automation HAT.
Download and Install the Library
sudo pip install SMioplus
Check the your params: https://github.com/SequentMicrosystems/ioplus-rpi/blob/master/python/README.md
1. Download and Install the Domoticz Plugin
Download and copy the Domoticz Plugin from SequenMicrosystems GitHub repository to Domoticz folder:
git clone https://github.com/SequentMicrosystems/ioplus-rpi.git
cp -r ioplus-rpi/domoticz/* domoticz/plugins/ioplus
After installing the plugin, restart Domoticz:
sudo systemctl restart domoticz
Configure the Plugin in Domoticz
Open Domoticz in your browser > http://[YOUR_RASPBERRY_PI_IP]:8080
1. Go to Setup > Hardware
2. Then select Raspberry IOplus from the Type dropdown.
3. Set up the I2C address (default: 0x28).
4. Click Add to register the plugin.
5. Go to Setup > Devices
Check if the Home Automation HAT inputs and relays are listed.
