Slice Concept
This page introduces Slices within BREADS.
For the full terminology reference, see Terminology.
What is a Slice?
A Slice is a Standardized Logic Interface and Capability Element.
A Slice is a BREADS-compatible capability module used to build the functional core of a BREAD. Slices add capabilities such as sensing, actuation, power handling, interface support, integrated behavior, template support, or prototyping support.
Slices are designed to work with a Loaf, which provides the attachment, interconnect, power, communication paths, and controller interface needed to combine multiple Slices into one BREAD.
What BREADS defines for Slices
BREADS defines the compatibility expectations that let Slices work together:
- mechanical envelope and mounting conventions
- Slice bus connector and pinout expectations
- power and logic-voltage expectations
- communication interface conventions
- manifest and documentation expectations
- artifact and validation expectations
Slice Categories
Current Slice categories:
- Actuation: output modules that drive components or physical processes.
- Sensing: input modules that measure physical, chemical, or electrical conditions.
- Integrated: modules that combine sensing and actuation for a specific closed-loop or multi-function capability.
- Power: modules that convert, condition, switch, or distribute power.
- Interface: modules that connect the BREAD to external equipment or expose additional device interfaces.
- Template: base designs for new Slice development.
- Prototype: general-purpose boards for experimenting, breakout work, or early hardware development.
Current Slice Examples
| Name | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Slice_TEMP_NANO_S2L-r2 | Template | 70x100mm 2-layer Nano template |
| Slice_DCMT | Actuation | DC motor driver |
| Slice_RLAY | Actuation | 4-channel relay |
| Slice_SERV | Actuation | Servo controller |
| Slice_STEP | Actuation | Stepper motor driver carrier |
| Slice_STPC | Actuation | Stepper motor controller carrier |
| Slice_HEAT | Integrated | DC heating element controller |
| Slice_RLHT | Integrated | Relay heater controller |
| Slice_BUCK | Power | Buck converter / analog signal generator |
| Slice_SOLR | Power | Field solar power |
| Slice_LVAI | Sensing | Low-voltage analog input reader |
| Slice_THRM_31855 | Sensing | Thermocouple reader |
| Slice_IAQM | Sensing | Industrial air quality monitor |
| Slice_LOAD | Sensing | Load cell amplifier |
| Slice_AOEM | Sensing | Atlas Scientific OEM carrier |
| Slice_LEPD | Sensing | LED-photodiode photometer |
| Slice_USBP | Interface | USB passthrough |