Modules

The BrainStem architecture is a combination of both software and hardware.  The hardware is in the form of BrainStem Modules.  All modules have the capability to run TEA Virtual Machine programs.  In addition, all modules can communicate with other modules over the IIC bus and route information to the host computer via the routing module.

The Heartbeat

Each module maintains a heartbeat indicating general status for the module.  This heartbeat is also used to determine the status of the link to the host computer.  Each module also has a heartbeat LED which can give useful diagnostic and status information at a glance.