Abstract Details

Name: DVS Phanindra
Affiliation: Indian Institute of Astrophysics
Conference ID: ASI2021_570
Title : Design and Development of a dsPIC-based Versatile Controller Card
Authors and Co-Authors : D.V.S. Phanindra (Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Amit Kumar (Indian Institute of Astrophysics), Sanal Krishnan V U (Indian Institute of Astrophysics)
Abstract Type : Poster
Abstract Category : Instrumentation and Techniques
Abstract : A controller card based on Microchip's dsPIC33FJ128MC802 microcontroller was designed and developed, which extensively utilises the dsPIC's features. The dsPIC has a 16-bit architecture with 128KB program memory and 16MB SRAM. One of the features of the dsPIC, which adds versatility to our controller card is its Programmable Peripheral Select (PPS) feature. The card can provide pulses to two stepper motor drivers via its two MOTOR ports and simultaneously read two encoders via its two ENCODER ports. Although the board is designed to work with a stepper-motor driver, it can be programmed to control DC motors by designing an add-on card. With the microcontroller's PPS feature, this card can interface with Quadrature and SSI encoders from the same ENCODER port with a minor change in the firmware -adding to the card's versatility. It is capable of transferring data and receiving commands from the PC via RS232 port. It is also capable of controlling 16 slave cards through its RS485 port. Each of these slave boards can be programmed with a hardware address from the onboard 4-bit DIP switch. Other features, provided with PPS in multiplexed mode include 10-bit, 1.1 MSPS or 12-bit 500 MSPS ADC on four channels, PWM, three external interrupts, two SPI and I2C interfaces, LEDs for status indication, with most peripherals supporting DMA. Testing of some of these interfaces is under progress. Using these interfaces, a PID controller can be implemented on this card. The card runs from a 9V supply with a maximum current of 500mA. All the ICs used in the design are DIP and are readily available in the market so that the card can be serviced easily in the field. The components used in the controller have equivalent MIL-grade versions in case the card needs to be deployed in extreme environmental conditions.