This unit highlights some of the projects done previously. The week will also provide an opportunity to provide an outline of our final projects.
What will it do?
Project will provide input, output and datalogging capabilities to manage different types of information, react to that information and store/forward for later use. It is a part control system part data logger and has applications in a number of areas such as building management (swimming pool water consumption) and agriculture (valve control for watering with alarms and usage logging)
Who's done what beforehand?
This type of device is found in many shapes and forms; however, the costs are frequently elevated, features compartmentalized and programming interfaces are restricted. This device combines basic functionality found in different devices and combines them into a single device; hopefully at a price point that renders usage more economically feasiable.
What materials and components will be required?
The device will require the usual electronic components but will use the STM32 Cortex architecture due to its greater extendability then the AVR series. The STM 32 Cortex architecture was chosen for its programming model and the ability to extend to higher level functionality. One interesting challange is the fine pitch of the chips requires using a fabrication lab which is an important experience since high density double sided boards are very difficult to machine in a lab at a reasonable price.
Where will they come from?
The majority of items will be ordered overseas due to price constraints. Some products will be sourced locally due to difficulty in finding pieces or time constraints on order turnaround. The idea is not to use exotic parts due to pricing difficulties.
How much will it cost?
Costs should be reasonable running less then €50 for the prototype. Note that more then €25 is absorbed by the no-solder LQFP48 adapter which facilities working with such fine-pitch devices. Should the prototype prove succesful, a custom made board fabbed professionally will be generated. Prices are very variable depending on the source.
What parts and systems will be made?
The board will use a combination of information from all the electronics design units in the FabAcademy. The initial design was modular with a sensor board and a processor daughter board; however, time constraints have forced this into the background.
What processes will be used?
The electronics production tool chain described in previous elements of this web-site will be used.
What tasks need to be completed?
Principle tasks include - acquiring the necessary skills to program the STM32 Cortex platform for which a number of excellent resources exist on the internet. Next is understanding the basic hardware requirements required to drive the chip on a custom board - a relatively straightforward endevour. Next is programming the chip. This is the most complicated element and will require some decisions in relation to what technology available on the chip should be used in the project. Due to time constraints, only a very limited amount of programming will be made.
What questions need to be answered?
The most important question is how much functionality can be implemented in the available timeframe.
What is the schedule?
The final prototype will hopefully be finished before the end of June.
How will it be evaluated?
Evaluation will likely be based on whether it satisfies the number of units from the Fab-Academy required for the final project and that the project integrates the information presented during the lectures.
To-do
Add stuff that would be cool to investigate when time and resources permit.