Kart

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The Kart module is a Summer School module for students at the end of the first year.
+
 
 +
The Kart module (214_Pr1) is a Summer School module for students
 +
between the 2nd and the 3rd semester.
 +
It is a [[kart/gallery|home-made model car]] remotely controlled by a smartphone.
 +
 
 +
<!--
 +
[[File:Kart I2C.jpg|150px|center|Demo Kart]]
 +
-->
 +
[[File:Kart_batmobile.gif|center|Batmobile 2018]]
 +
 
 +
The work of the students can be summarized in four main tasks:
 +
* design and assembly of the chassis and the body
 +
* analysis of the DC motor
 +
* [[Kart#FPGA_Design|configuration of the controlling FPGA]]
 +
* [[Kart#Android_App|completion and extension of the control GUI on the smartphone]]
 +
 
 +
Take a look at the [[kart/gallery|karts gallery]]!
  
 
== System Architecture ==
 
== System Architecture ==
 +
The kart is controlled by a smartphone via Bluetooth.
 +
 +
=== Hardware ===
 +
The electronics is composed of a general purpose [[Kart/Daughterboard|FPGA daughterboard]]
 +
mounted on a dedicated [[Kart/Motherboard|motherboard]]
 +
with 8&nbsp;[https://wiki.hevs.ch/fsi/index.php5/Kart/Motherboard#PMOD PMOD connectors].
 +
 +
An Honor10 Lite smartphone running Android acts as the interface for the user.
 +
 +
=== Bluetooth control ===
 +
 +
A [[Kart/Bluetooth|Bluetooth - USB dongle]] on the kart communicates via an [[kart/serial link|UART serial link]] with the FPGA.
 +
The control values are stored in a set of [[kart/serial link#Registers|registers]] accessed through a simple [[kart/serial link#Serial link protocol|protocol]].
 +
 +
The design is separated into four different modules:
 +
* A [[Kart/DC motor controller|DC motor controller]] is controlling the propulsion motor.
 +
* A [[Kart/stepper motor controller|stepper motor controller]] is responsible for the Kart to turn.
 +
* A [[Kart/Sensors|sensor controller]] controls various I/Os (LEDs, buttons, range finder, hall sensors ...).
 +
* A [[Kart/serial_link#Control_Registers|control registers manager]] retrieve and control various status information (Bluetooth connection, hardware directions ...).
 +
 +
== Tasks ==
 +
 +
The [[Media:Programming_Introduction.pdf|RC Car introduction]] gives an overview of the structure of the software/hardware and the students' tasks.
 +
 +
They comprise:
 +
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Field-programmable_gate_array FPGA] design for driving the hardware and reading the sensors
 +
* [https://www.android.com Android] application development for the remote control
 +
 +
The students receive the FPGA board preprogrammed with a functional solution and Android phones with a demo application.
 +
This allows starting the development either with the FPGA design or the Android application.
 +
 +
=== FPGA Design ===
 +
 +
==== Design environment ====
 +
 +
The followings are required:
 +
* [http://www.mentor.com/products/fpga/hdl_design/hdl_designer_series/ HDL designer] for graphical design entry
 +
* [http://www.mentor.com/products/fv/modelsim/ ModelSim] for simulation
 +
* [http://www.microsemi.com/products/fpga-soc/design-resources/design-software/libero-ide Libero IDE] for synthesis and programming
 +
* The design, to download either:
 +
** [https://classroom.github.com/a/8pDuBWSQ With Github]
 +
** [https://github.com/hei-synd-did/did-kart-ebs3/archive/refs/heads/main.zip As a ZIP]
 +
 +
{{TaskBox|content=
 +
For the smoothest experience, and if you know how to, prefer using Git.
 +
 +
Otherwise, it is possible to download directly the corresponding <code>zip</code> and store it in you personal drive (<code>U:\</code>).
 +
While working on the project, it may be preferable to copy it locally for a quicker experience.
 +
 +
Do not forget to either commit and push your modifications to your Git repository, or save the modified files back on your <code>U:\</code> drive!
 +
}}
 +
{{WarningBox|content=
 +
Make sure there is no space character in the full projects path.
 +
 +
HDL may hang while booting or files not load/save correctly otherwise.
 +
}}
 +
 +
The design is made using [https://www.mentor.com/products/fpga/hdl_design/hdl_designer_series/ HDL Designer]
 +
as it was the case during the [[Main_Page#Semester_1|previous semester's]] labs and project.
 +
The FPGAs are [[Libero IDE presentation|configured]] using the [https://www.microsemi.com/product-directory/design-resources/1751-libero-ide Libero IDE].
 +
 +
==== Modules designs ====
 +
 +
Three of the different modules must be completed:
 +
* The [[Kart/DC motor controller|DC motor controller]] receives a '''prescaler''' and a '''speed''' value to build the corresponding '''PWM''' and '''direction''' signals.
 +
* The [[Kart/stepper motor controller|stepper motor controller]] receives a '''prescaler''' and the '''desired angle''' and builds the coil controls signals.
 +
* The [[Kart/Sensors|sensor controller]] manages I/O comprising '''hall sensors''' (to retrieve the driving speed) and a '''range finder''' (to get the distance from an obstacle).
 +
 +
==== Testing ====
 +
 +
In addition to the tests explained in the different modules, an [[Kart/Daughterboard#Testing|overall tester]] is available to test the whole board.
 +
 +
=== Android App ===
 +
One goal is to implement an Android application that controls and monitors the kart.
 +
 +
==== Starting point ====
 +
 +
* You can download the Kart template project with the minimal interface here: [[http://kart-javadoc.hevs.ch/Kart.zip Kart.zip]]
 +
* You can find the instructions on how to open the project in Android Studio in the [[http://kart-javadoc.hevs.ch/RC%20Car%20Introduction.pdf RC Car introduction]] presentation.
 +
* The online documentation of all Java classes that are at your disposition is [[http://kart-javadoc.hevs.ch here]]
 +
* The installable package of the (or rather a) solution can be found here: [[http://kart-javadoc.hevs.ch/KartSolution.apk KartSolution.apk]]
 +
* If you need timers, please do not use Java standard Timer and TimerTask, we provide a dedicated Timer class in the package <b>ch.hevs.utils.Timer</b>.
 +
* To be informed when a sensor has a new value or a register is modified by the kart (i.e. the hall sensor counter value has changed), your application has to implement the KartListener interface. Don't forget to register your listener to the Kart (kart.addKartListener(...)).
 +
 +
==== Common Problems ====
 +
* Don't block the main thread with an infinite loop
 +
* Don't change the orientation of the display during the execution, it can crash the BT communication. Do it in the Manifest.
 +
 +
== Components ==
 +
 +
=== Power supply ===
 +
 +
The main power is drawn from two 6 V / 2400 mAh battery packs in series
 +
The [[Kart/Motherboard|motherboard]] provides two connectors for the batteries, along with an extra one to wire an NiMh charger.
 +
 +
{{WarningBox|content=
 +
Make sure to shut the circuit off while charging to avoid higher voltage on the 12V rail.
 +
 +
The charge rate should be around 0.05C => 120mA here.
 +
}}
 +
 +
The 12V is reduced to a 5V rail through a buck converter.
  
The kart is controlled by a smartPhone via BlueTooth.
+
The [[Kart/Daughterboard|daughterboard]] is then fed with the 5V to provide an extra 3.3V rail.
  
A BlueTooth receiver on the kart control board communicates via an [[kart/serial link|RS232 serial link]] with the control  board FPGA.
+
Finally, an ADC converter provides the [[kart/Motherboard#Power state|battery level]] as both the battery voltage and consumed current can be read from it.
  
=== BlueTooth communication ===
+
=== FPGA board ===
A BlueTooth communication transfers serial port data.
+
A receiver chip creates the RS232 signals for the FPGA.
+
The [[kart/serial link#Serial link protocol|protocol]] defines how the [[kart/serial link#Registers|registers]] are accessed.
+
  
The FPGA receives following controls:
+
The [[Kart/Daughterboard|daughterboard]] is equipped with an [https://www.mouser.ch/datasheet/2/268/Microsemi_DS0110_IGLOO_nano_Low_Power_Flash_FPGAs_-1592764.pdf Igloo AGLN250] FPGA in a VQ100 package.
* the propulsion DC motor speed and direction
+
The clock is routed to the FPGA from a 10 MHz quartz.
* the steering stepper motor target angle and step period
+
* two LEDs
+
The FPGA sends following information back:
+
* the [[kart/battery level|battery level]]
+
* the actual steering angle
+
* the [[Kart/sensors/VCNL4000|distance sensor]] data
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* the [[Kart/sensors/SS311PT|hall sensor]] status
+
  
=== Sensors ===
+
It is designed as an SODIMM-200 RAM stick to be easily interchangeable and plugged into various motherboards.
* [[kart/sensors/VCNL4000|VCNL4000 i2c Distance/Ambience Light Sensor]]
+
* [[kart/sensors/SS311PT|SS311PT Hall Sensor]]
+
  
=== Board connectors ===
+
=== Pmods ===
The FPGA board has following connections:
+
* a [[kart/connectors/Header|26 pin Header]] connector
+
* a 9 pole DSub connector for RS232
+
* the FPGA JTAG programming connector
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* the PIC RJ11 programming connector
+
  
=== Boards ===
+
Motor drivers and sensors are connected to the motherboard via [[kart/Motherboard#PMOD|Pmods]].
For special designs, some boards have larger FPGAs:
+
* Board 29 has a AGL125V5
+
* Board 30 has a AGL250V5
+
  
Within the Actel Project manager, the settings of the FPGA have to be changed:
+
The sensors connected to the I/Os of the motherboard are:
* in Synplify: <code>Implementation Options… -> Device -> Part</code>
+
* 1 to 2 [[kart/Sensors#Hall_sensors|hall sensor(s)]]
* in the place & route tool: <code>Tools -> Device Selection… -> Die</code>
+
* 1 [[Kart/Sensors#Ultrasound_ranger|ultrasound ranger]]
 +
* 1 [[Kart/Sensors#End_of_turn_switch|end of turn]] contact switch
 +
* up to 4 [[Kart/Sensors#LEDs_.2F_Low-consumption_outputs|LEDs or digital outputs]]
 +
* up to 16 [[Kart/Sensors#Buttons_.2F_Digital_inputs|buttons or digital inputs]]
 +
<!--
 +
* 0 to 4 [[kart/Sensors#Proximity_sensors|VCNL4000 I2C Distance/Ambience Light Sensor]]
 +
-->
  
For the AGL250V5, pin 46 associated to <code>jtagIo[3]</code> is not available.
+
== Additional Information ==
Edit the <code>motorControl.pdc</code> constraints file and change the <code>jtagIo[3]</code> constraint to pin 43.
+
  
=== To do ===
+
* Additional informations [[kart/professor|for collaborators]]
Use the register to set the rate at which the FPGA sends status to the remote control.
+
* [[kart/toDo|To do list]]
 +
* When preparing the labs, follow the [[kart/setup|setup guide]]
  
Set-up a hall sensor wheel rotation counter.
 
  
[[Category:Kart]]
+
[[Category:Bachelor]] [[Category:SummerSchool]] [[Category:Pr1]] [[Category:Kart]]

Latest revision as of 12:56, 28 August 2023

Contents

The Kart module (214_Pr1) is a Summer School module for students between the 2nd and the 3rd semester. It is a home-made model car remotely controlled by a smartphone.

Batmobile 2018

The work of the students can be summarized in four main tasks:

Take a look at the karts gallery!

System Architecture

The kart is controlled by a smartphone via Bluetooth.

Hardware

The electronics is composed of a general purpose FPGA daughterboard mounted on a dedicated motherboard with 8 PMOD connectors.

An Honor10 Lite smartphone running Android acts as the interface for the user.

Bluetooth control

A Bluetooth - USB dongle on the kart communicates via an UART serial link with the FPGA. The control values are stored in a set of registers accessed through a simple protocol.

The design is separated into four different modules:

Tasks

The RC Car introduction gives an overview of the structure of the software/hardware and the students' tasks.

They comprise:

  • FPGA design for driving the hardware and reading the sensors
  • Android application development for the remote control

The students receive the FPGA board preprogrammed with a functional solution and Android phones with a demo application. This allows starting the development either with the FPGA design or the Android application.

FPGA Design

Design environment

The followings are required:


View-pim-tasks.png

For the smoothest experience, and if you know how to, prefer using Git.

Otherwise, it is possible to download directly the corresponding zip and store it in you personal drive (U:\). While working on the project, it may be preferable to copy it locally for a quicker experience.

Do not forget to either commit and push your modifications to your Git repository, or save the modified files back on your U:\ drive!

Dialog-warning.png

Make sure there is no space character in the full projects path.

HDL may hang while booting or files not load/save correctly otherwise.

The design is made using HDL Designer as it was the case during the previous semester's labs and project. The FPGAs are configured using the Libero IDE.

Modules designs

Three of the different modules must be completed:

  • The DC motor controller receives a prescaler and a speed value to build the corresponding PWM and direction signals.
  • The stepper motor controller receives a prescaler and the desired angle and builds the coil controls signals.
  • The sensor controller manages I/O comprising hall sensors (to retrieve the driving speed) and a range finder (to get the distance from an obstacle).

Testing

In addition to the tests explained in the different modules, an overall tester is available to test the whole board.

Android App

One goal is to implement an Android application that controls and monitors the kart.

Starting point

  • You can download the Kart template project with the minimal interface here: [Kart.zip]
  • You can find the instructions on how to open the project in Android Studio in the [RC Car introduction] presentation.
  • The online documentation of all Java classes that are at your disposition is [here]
  • The installable package of the (or rather a) solution can be found here: [KartSolution.apk]
  • If you need timers, please do not use Java standard Timer and TimerTask, we provide a dedicated Timer class in the package ch.hevs.utils.Timer.
  • To be informed when a sensor has a new value or a register is modified by the kart (i.e. the hall sensor counter value has changed), your application has to implement the KartListener interface. Don't forget to register your listener to the Kart (kart.addKartListener(...)).

Common Problems

  • Don't block the main thread with an infinite loop
  • Don't change the orientation of the display during the execution, it can crash the BT communication. Do it in the Manifest.

Components

Power supply

The main power is drawn from two 6 V / 2400 mAh battery packs in series The motherboard provides two connectors for the batteries, along with an extra one to wire an NiMh charger.

Dialog-warning.png

Make sure to shut the circuit off while charging to avoid higher voltage on the 12V rail.

The charge rate should be around 0.05C => 120mA here.

The 12V is reduced to a 5V rail through a buck converter.

The daughterboard is then fed with the 5V to provide an extra 3.3V rail.

Finally, an ADC converter provides the battery level as both the battery voltage and consumed current can be read from it.

FPGA board

The daughterboard is equipped with an Igloo AGLN250 FPGA in a VQ100 package. The clock is routed to the FPGA from a 10 MHz quartz.

It is designed as an SODIMM-200 RAM stick to be easily interchangeable and plugged into various motherboards.

Pmods

Motor drivers and sensors are connected to the motherboard via Pmods.

The sensors connected to the I/Os of the motherboard are:

Additional Information

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