Difference between revisions of "RC08MicroController"
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
− | Just as in 2007 | + | The heart of the on-robot electrical system is the micro-controller. It is the central point from which commands are received from the wireless system, interpreted, and sent to the peripherals. Just as in 2007, an ARM based micro-controller is used in 2008, but unlike in 2007 the micro-controller will not be the sole device for all of the computational task. This year some tasks such as reading encoders are handled by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The micro-controller will still have the task of decoding packets, interpreting them, and executing commands. Since the wireless system will be a two-way protocol the micro-controller will also monitor and report the status information for the robot such as battery health, kicker charge, ball presence, and errors. |
+ | |||
+ | ===Selecting a Micro-controller=== | ||
+ | Even though the LPC2138 proved to have good performance for a relatively chip price other, similar controllers were evaluated. | ||
==Tasks== | ==Tasks== | ||
*[ ] Generate an I/O spec | *[ ] Generate an I/O spec | ||
+ | *[ ] This means we have to wait until all the other systems are fully spec'd and ready for design | ||
*[ ] Find a part | *[ ] Find a part | ||
− | *[ ] | + | *[ ] Evaluate based on number and type of I/O, availability of dev tools in linux, support in general community |
+ | package size, current and voltage characteristics, and cost. | ||
+ | *[ ] Purchase and begin development with a dev kit | ||
*[ ] Spec and find the support hardware. (Oscillator, LEDs, switches, etc.) | *[ ] Spec and find the support hardware. (Oscillator, LEDs, switches, etc.) | ||
*[ ] Schematic design | *[ ] Schematic design |
Revision as of 17:51, 26 September 2007
The heart of the on-robot electrical system is the micro-controller. It is the central point from which commands are received from the wireless system, interpreted, and sent to the peripherals. Just as in 2007, an ARM based micro-controller is used in 2008, but unlike in 2007 the micro-controller will not be the sole device for all of the computational task. This year some tasks such as reading encoders are handled by a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The micro-controller will still have the task of decoding packets, interpreting them, and executing commands. Since the wireless system will be a two-way protocol the micro-controller will also monitor and report the status information for the robot such as battery health, kicker charge, ball presence, and errors.
Contents
Selecting a Micro-controller
Even though the LPC2138 proved to have good performance for a relatively chip price other, similar controllers were evaluated.
Tasks
- [ ] Generate an I/O spec
*[ ] This means we have to wait until all the other systems are fully spec'd and ready for design
- [ ] Find a part
*[ ] Evaluate based on number and type of I/O, availability of dev tools in linux, support in general community package size, current and voltage characteristics, and cost.
- [ ] Purchase and begin development with a dev kit
- [ ] Spec and find the support hardware. (Oscillator, LEDs, switches, etc.)
- [ ] Schematic design
- [ ] Fabricate demo
- [ ] Implement wireless protocol in firmware
- [ ] Build base station using dev kit
- [ ] Build remote control.
- [ ] Implement closed-loop motor control in firmware
Specifications
Micro-Controller
- Serial Programable/Or Mini-JTAG
- 3.3V power
- At least 3 timers
- I/O list
- Matrix of Potential Microcontrollers
Schematics
Schematics
Parts
Micro-Controller
Quick Specs
Data Sheet
Articles
Links