GPIO is the abbreviation of general purpose input and output, similar to P0-P3 of 8051, and its pins can be freely used by users from program control.The PIN can be used as a general purpose input (GPI) or general purpose output (GPO) or general purpose input and output (GPIO) depending on practical considerations, such as when clk generator, chip select, etc. 
Since a pin can be used for input, output or other special functions, there must be registers for selecting these functions. For input, it must be possible to read a register to determine the high or low of the pin potential; for output, it must be possible to write a register to make the pin output high or low potential; for other special functions, there are other registers to control them.
GPIO is a set of pins At the most basic level, GPIO is a set of pins on a computer's motherboard or add-on card. These pins can send or receive electrical signals, but they are not designed for any specific purpose. This is why they are called "general purpose" IOs. It is different from common port standards such as USB or DVI. With these cables, each pin for connection inside has a designated use, determined by the governing body that sets the standard. At the most basic level, a GPIO is a set of pins on a computer's motherboard or add-on card. These pins can send or receive electrical signals, but they are not designed for any specific purpose. This is why they are called "general purpose" IOs. This is different from common port standards such as USB or DVI. With these cables, each pin inside the connection has a designated use, determined by the governing body that sets the standard. GPIO puts you in charge of the actual function of each pin, though there are different types of pins on the GPIO array. GPIO port one is a relatively important concept. Users can use GPIO port to interact with hardware for data (such as UART), control hardware work (such as LED, buzzer, etc.), read the working status signal of hardware (such as interrupt signal), etc. GPIO port is very widely used in industrial computers. It is a bus expander that can provide additional control and monitoring functions for data acquisition and drive control use, so it is also divided into DI( digital input), DO (digital output).
1. GPIO is used for switch control, which is the most common application scenario.
Generally, GPIO is used to do LED light switch control, through the software code to realize the control by calling the GPIO port pull-up function when the light needs to be on, and calling the GPIO pull-down function when the light needs to be off.
2. GPIO is used to do key detection and input interrupt signal
Key detection, in fact, also refers to interruption, that is, switching between high and low levels and interrupting. Generally, the default state of GPIO port is low, when the key is pressed, it is pulled to the high level, and the system can automatically detect the level condition and make the corresponding judgment. For example, when a key is pressed, the system detects that it is high and the GPIO will be interrupted automatically. When the key is released, the GPIO port detects that the voltage returns to the low level, and it is determined that the key is released.
3. High-level application of GPIO
In addition to simple input and output, GPIO can also do some relatively complex operations, such as simulating I2C or SPI data lines, ADC voltage detection, outputting PWM waveform, etc.
Shenzhen Innovative Cloud Computer co.,Ltd. is a professional Mini Computer manufacturer. It provides kinds of Industrial PC, Firewall Appliance, as well as normal Mini Pc for home and office use. As a professional manufacturer, it provides appropriate ODM & OEM solutions.
If you would like to get more information about GPIO or about mini computers, please feel free to contact us for more information:
Company: Shenzhen Innovative Cloud Computer Co., Ltd.
Email: sales03@cnxcy.com.cn
Whatsapp: +8615019401196
Skype: yangyang32700
Shenzhen Innovative Cloud Computer Co., Ltd.
