C# - Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0

This is the description of the C# API bindings for the Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0. General information and technical specifications for the Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0 are summarized in its hardware description.

An installation guide for the C# API bindings is part of their general description.

Examples

The example code below is Public Domain (CC0 1.0).

Simple

Download (ExampleSimple.cs)

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using System;
using Tinkerforge;

class Example
{
    private static string HOST = "localhost";
    private static int PORT = 4223;
    private static string UID = "XYZ"; // Change XYZ to the UID of your Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0

    static void Main()
    {
        IPConnection ipcon = new IPConnection(); // Create IP connection
        BrickletAmbientLightV2 al = new BrickletAmbientLightV2(UID, ipcon); // Create device object

        ipcon.Connect(HOST, PORT); // Connect to brickd
        // Don't use device before ipcon is connected

        // Get current illuminance
        long illuminance = al.GetIlluminance();
        Console.WriteLine("Illuminance: " + illuminance/100.0 + " lx");

        Console.WriteLine("Press enter to exit");
        Console.ReadLine();
        ipcon.Disconnect();
    }
}

Callback

Download (ExampleCallback.cs)

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using System;
using Tinkerforge;

class Example
{
    private static string HOST = "localhost";
    private static int PORT = 4223;
    private static string UID = "XYZ"; // Change XYZ to the UID of your Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0

    // Callback function for illuminance callback
    static void IlluminanceCB(BrickletAmbientLightV2 sender, long illuminance)
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Illuminance: " + illuminance/100.0 + " lx");
    }

    static void Main()
    {
        IPConnection ipcon = new IPConnection(); // Create IP connection
        BrickletAmbientLightV2 al = new BrickletAmbientLightV2(UID, ipcon); // Create device object

        ipcon.Connect(HOST, PORT); // Connect to brickd
        // Don't use device before ipcon is connected

        // Register illuminance callback to function IlluminanceCB
        al.IlluminanceCallback += IlluminanceCB;

        // Set period for illuminance callback to 1s (1000ms)
        // Note: The illuminance callback is only called every second
        //       if the illuminance has changed since the last call!
        al.SetIlluminanceCallbackPeriod(1000);

        Console.WriteLine("Press enter to exit");
        Console.ReadLine();
        ipcon.Disconnect();
    }
}

Threshold

Download (ExampleThreshold.cs)

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using System;
using Tinkerforge;

class Example
{
    private static string HOST = "localhost";
    private static int PORT = 4223;
    private static string UID = "XYZ"; // Change XYZ to the UID of your Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0

    // Callback function for illuminance reached callback
    static void IlluminanceReachedCB(BrickletAmbientLightV2 sender, long illuminance)
    {
        Console.WriteLine("Illuminance: " + illuminance/100.0 + " lx");
        Console.WriteLine("Too bright, close the curtains!");
    }

    static void Main()
    {
        IPConnection ipcon = new IPConnection(); // Create IP connection
        BrickletAmbientLightV2 al = new BrickletAmbientLightV2(UID, ipcon); // Create device object

        ipcon.Connect(HOST, PORT); // Connect to brickd
        // Don't use device before ipcon is connected

        // Get threshold callbacks with a debounce time of 10 seconds (10000ms)
        al.SetDebouncePeriod(10000);

        // Register illuminance reached callback to function IlluminanceReachedCB
        al.IlluminanceReachedCallback += IlluminanceReachedCB;

        // Configure threshold for illuminance "greater than 500 lx"
        al.SetIlluminanceCallbackThreshold('>', 500*100, 0);

        Console.WriteLine("Press enter to exit");
        Console.ReadLine();
        ipcon.Disconnect();
    }
}

API

Generally, every method of the C# bindings that returns a value can throw a Tinkerforge.TimeoutException. This exception gets thrown if the device did not respond. If a cable based connection is used, it is unlikely that this exception gets thrown (assuming nobody plugs the device out). However, if a wireless connection is used, timeouts will occur if the distance to the device gets too big.

Since C# does not support multiple return values directly, we use the out keyword to return multiple values from a method.

The namespace for all Brick/Bricklet bindings and the IPConnection is Tinkerforge.*.

All methods listed below are thread-safe.

Basic Functions

class BrickletAmbientLightV2(string uid, IPConnection ipcon)
Parameters:
  • uid – Type: string
  • ipcon – Type: IPConnection
Returns:
  • ambientLightV2 – Type: BrickletAmbientLightV2

Creates an object with the unique device ID uid:

BrickletAmbientLightV2 ambientLightV2 = new BrickletAmbientLightV2("YOUR_DEVICE_UID", ipcon);

This object can then be used after the IP Connection is connected.

long BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetIlluminance()
Returns:
  • illuminance – Type: long, Unit: 1/100 lx, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

Returns the illuminance of the ambient light sensor. The measurement range goes up to about 100000lux, but above 64000lux the precision starts to drop.

Changed in version 2.0.2 (Plugin): An illuminance of 0lux indicates an error condition where the sensor cannot perform a reasonable measurement. This can happen with very dim or very bright light conditions. In bright light conditions this might indicate that the sensor is saturated and the configuration should be modified (SetConfiguration()) to better match the light conditions.

If you want to get the illuminance periodically, it is recommended to use the IlluminanceCallback callback and set the period with SetIlluminanceCallbackPeriod().

Advanced Functions

void BrickletAmbientLightV2.SetConfiguration(byte illuminanceRange, byte integrationTime)
Parameters:
  • illuminanceRange – Type: byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3
  • integrationTime – Type: byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3

Sets the configuration. It is possible to configure an illuminance range between 0-600lux and 0-64000lux and an integration time between 50ms and 400ms.

New in version 2.0.2 (Plugin): The unlimited illuminance range allows to measure up to about 100000lux, but above 64000lux the precision starts to drop.

A smaller illuminance range increases the resolution of the data. A longer integration time will result in less noise on the data.

Changed in version 2.0.2 (Plugin): If the actual measure illuminance is out-of-range then the current illuminance range maximum +0.01lux is reported by GetIlluminance() and the IlluminanceCallback callback. For example, 800001 for the 0-8000lux range.

Changed in version 2.0.2 (Plugin): With a long integration time the sensor might be saturated before the measured value reaches the maximum of the selected illuminance range. In this case 0lux is reported by GetIlluminance() and the IlluminanceCallback callback.

If the measurement is out-of-range or the sensor is saturated then you should configure the next higher illuminance range. If the highest range is already in use, then start to reduce the integration time.

The following constants are available for this function:

For illuminanceRange:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_UNLIMITED = 6
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_64000LUX = 0
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_32000LUX = 1
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_16000LUX = 2
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_8000LUX = 3
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_1300LUX = 4
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_600LUX = 5

For integrationTime:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_50MS = 0
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_100MS = 1
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_150MS = 2
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_200MS = 3
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_250MS = 4
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_300MS = 5
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_350MS = 6
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_400MS = 7
void BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetConfiguration(out byte illuminanceRange, out byte integrationTime)
Output Parameters:
  • illuminanceRange – Type: byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3
  • integrationTime – Type: byte, Range: See constants, Default: 3

Returns the configuration as set by SetConfiguration().

The following constants are available for this function:

For illuminanceRange:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_UNLIMITED = 6
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_64000LUX = 0
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_32000LUX = 1
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_16000LUX = 2
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_8000LUX = 3
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_1300LUX = 4
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.ILLUMINANCE_RANGE_600LUX = 5

For integrationTime:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_50MS = 0
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_100MS = 1
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_150MS = 2
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_200MS = 3
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_250MS = 4
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_300MS = 5
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_350MS = 6
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.INTEGRATION_TIME_400MS = 7
void BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetIdentity(out string uid, out string connectedUid, out char position, out byte[] hardwareVersion, out byte[] firmwareVersion, out int deviceIdentifier)
Output Parameters:
  • uid – Type: string, Length: up to 8
  • connectedUid – Type: string, Length: up to 8
  • position – Type: char, Range: ['a' to 'h', 'z']
  • hardwareVersion – Type: byte[], Length: 3
    • 0: major – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 1: minor – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 2: revision – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
  • firmwareVersion – Type: byte[], Length: 3
    • 0: major – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 1: minor – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 2: revision – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
  • deviceIdentifier – Type: int, Range: [0 to 216 - 1]

Returns the UID, the UID where the Bricklet is connected to, the position, the hardware and firmware version as well as the device identifier.

The position can be 'a', 'b', 'c', 'd', 'e', 'f', 'g' or 'h' (Bricklet Port). A Bricklet connected to an Isolator Bricklet is always at position 'z'.

The device identifier numbers can be found here. There is also a constant for the device identifier of this Bricklet.

Callback Configuration Functions

void BrickletAmbientLightV2.SetIlluminanceCallbackPeriod(long period)
Parameters:
  • period – Type: long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Sets the period with which the IlluminanceCallback callback is triggered periodically. A value of 0 turns the callback off.

The IlluminanceCallback callback is only triggered if the illuminance has changed since the last triggering.

long BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetIlluminanceCallbackPeriod()
Returns:
  • period – Type: long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Returns the period as set by SetIlluminanceCallbackPeriod().

void BrickletAmbientLightV2.SetIlluminanceCallbackThreshold(char option, long min, long max)
Parameters:
  • option – Type: char, Range: See constants, Default: 'x'
  • min – Type: long, Unit: 1/100 lx, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0
  • max – Type: long, Unit: 1/100 lx, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Sets the thresholds for the IlluminanceReachedCallback callback.

The following options are possible:

Option Description
'x' Callback is turned off
'o' Callback is triggered when the illuminance is outside the min and max values
'i' Callback is triggered when the illuminance is inside the min and max values
'<' Callback is triggered when the illuminance is smaller than the min value (max is ignored)
'>' Callback is triggered when the illuminance is greater than the min value (max is ignored)

The following constants are available for this function:

For option:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_OFF = 'x'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_OUTSIDE = 'o'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_INSIDE = 'i'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_SMALLER = '<'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_GREATER = '>'
void BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetIlluminanceCallbackThreshold(out char option, out long min, out long max)
Output Parameters:
  • option – Type: char, Range: See constants, Default: 'x'
  • min – Type: long, Unit: 1/100 lx, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0
  • max – Type: long, Unit: 1/100 lx, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 0

Returns the threshold as set by SetIlluminanceCallbackThreshold().

The following constants are available for this function:

For option:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_OFF = 'x'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_OUTSIDE = 'o'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_INSIDE = 'i'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_SMALLER = '<'
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.THRESHOLD_OPTION_GREATER = '>'
void BrickletAmbientLightV2.SetDebouncePeriod(long debounce)
Parameters:
  • debounce – Type: long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 100

Sets the period with which the threshold callbacks

are triggered, if the thresholds

keep being reached.

long BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetDebouncePeriod()
Returns:
  • debounce – Type: long, Unit: 1 ms, Range: [0 to 232 - 1], Default: 100

Returns the debounce period as set by SetDebouncePeriod().

Callbacks

Callbacks can be registered to receive time critical or recurring data from the device. The registration is done by appending your callback handler to the corresponding event:

void MyCallback(BrickletAmbientLightV2 sender, int value)
{
    System.Console.WriteLine("Value: " + value);
}

ambientLightV2.ExampleCallback += MyCallback;

The available events are described below.

Note

Using callbacks for recurring events is always preferred compared to using getters. It will use less USB bandwidth and the latency will be a lot better, since there is no round trip time.

event BrickletAmbientLightV2.IlluminanceCallback(BrickletAmbientLightV2 sender, long illuminance)
Callback Parameters:
  • sender – Type: BrickletAmbientLightV2
  • illuminance – Type: long, Unit: 1/100 lx, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

This callback is triggered periodically with the period that is set by SetIlluminanceCallbackPeriod(). The parameter is the illuminance of the ambient light sensor.

The IlluminanceCallback callback is only triggered if the illuminance has changed since the last triggering.

event BrickletAmbientLightV2.IlluminanceReachedCallback(BrickletAmbientLightV2 sender, long illuminance)
Callback Parameters:
  • sender – Type: BrickletAmbientLightV2
  • illuminance – Type: long, Unit: 1/100 lx, Range: [0 to 232 - 1]

This callback is triggered when the threshold as set by SetIlluminanceCallbackThreshold() is reached. The parameter is the illuminance of the ambient light sensor.

If the threshold keeps being reached, the callback is triggered periodically with the period as set by SetDebouncePeriod().

Virtual Functions

Virtual functions don't communicate with the device itself, but operate only on the API bindings device object. They can be called without the corresponding IP Connection object being connected.

byte[] BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetAPIVersion()
Output Parameters:
  • apiVersion – Type: byte[], Length: 3
    • 0: major – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 1: minor – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]
    • 2: revision – Type: byte, Range: [0 to 255]

Returns the version of the API definition implemented by this API bindings. This is neither the release version of this API bindings nor does it tell you anything about the represented Brick or Bricklet.

bool BrickletAmbientLightV2.GetResponseExpected(byte functionId)
Parameters:
  • functionId – Type: byte, Range: See constants
Returns:
  • responseExpected – Type: bool

Returns the response expected flag for the function specified by the function ID parameter. It is true if the function is expected to send a response, false otherwise.

For getter functions this is enabled by default and cannot be disabled, because those functions will always send a response. For callback configuration functions it is enabled by default too, but can be disabled by SetResponseExpected(). For setter functions it is disabled by default and can be enabled.

Enabling the response expected flag for a setter function allows to detect timeouts and other error conditions calls of this setter as well. The device will then send a response for this purpose. If this flag is disabled for a setter function then no response is sent and errors are silently ignored, because they cannot be detected.

The following constants are available for this function:

For functionId:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_ILLUMINANCE_CALLBACK_PERIOD = 2
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_ILLUMINANCE_CALLBACK_THRESHOLD = 4
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_DEBOUNCE_PERIOD = 6
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_CONFIGURATION = 8
void BrickletAmbientLightV2.SetResponseExpected(byte functionId, bool responseExpected)
Parameters:
  • functionId – Type: byte, Range: See constants
  • responseExpected – Type: bool

Changes the response expected flag of the function specified by the function ID parameter. This flag can only be changed for setter (default value: false) and callback configuration functions (default value: true). For getter functions it is always enabled.

Enabling the response expected flag for a setter function allows to detect timeouts and other error conditions calls of this setter as well. The device will then send a response for this purpose. If this flag is disabled for a setter function then no response is sent and errors are silently ignored, because they cannot be detected.

The following constants are available for this function:

For functionId:

  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_ILLUMINANCE_CALLBACK_PERIOD = 2
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_ILLUMINANCE_CALLBACK_THRESHOLD = 4
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_DEBOUNCE_PERIOD = 6
  • BrickletAmbientLightV2.FUNCTION_SET_CONFIGURATION = 8
void BrickletAmbientLightV2.SetResponseExpectedAll(bool responseExpected)
Parameters:
  • responseExpected – Type: bool

Changes the response expected flag for all setter and callback configuration functions of this device at once.

Constants

int BrickletAmbientLightV2.DEVICE_IDENTIFIER

This constant is used to identify a Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0.

The GetIdentity() function and the IPConnection.EnumerateCallback callback of the IP Connection have a deviceIdentifier parameter to specify the Brick's or Bricklet's type.

string BrickletAmbientLightV2.DEVICE_DISPLAY_NAME

This constant represents the human readable name of a Ambient Light Bricklet 2.0.