Title says it all. USB, Ethernet, Video in and out, more processing power than beaglebone. Requires an external JTAG controller.
Monthly Archives: July 2012
Hummingbird – A processor with visual programming for robotics
A robotics kit from CMU developed with children in mind. It has a visual drag-and-drop programming paradigm. http://t.co/RJ5NcwY4
PID tuning method
Use the technique outlined in this document and attempt to tune one (or several) control systems.
A stepwise method for tuning PI controllers using ITAE criteria: http://t.co/bqd3CBY5
Background info on batteries for energy harvesting applications.
Some background information about battery choices for energy harvesting applications.
Very low power e-paper electronic sign
Use epaper and a very low power rf interface to create a programmable electronic sign (powered by solar cell or battery?). Can it be made completely wireless (no power or wired interface)?
6 axis MEMS sensor that does some of the preprocessing
Product: ST Electronics introduced a 6-axis sensor that actually does some analysis of the sensor data, freeing the host processor from continually having to poll the sensor. Part # is LSM330.
http://www.st.com/stonline/stappl/st/analog/product/253882.jsp
Micro Energy Harvesters Will Make Cyborg Insects Unstoppable
Using energy harvesting techniques to get energy from insects to power onboard sensors/controls. http://t.co/9Mn2ZrGL
Bidirectional motor controller
Build a bidirectional motor control – use an H-bridge with PWM to control a motor spinning in both directions. Put it on a PCB to control E72 robots.
Build robotic hand that relies on EMG to close and open
Measure EMG signal and use this to control a robotic gripper.
Measure median frequency of EMG
The median frequency of the EMG (electromyogram; the electrical signal from muscle) is related to fatigue (frequency decreases as fatigue increases). Build hardware/software to measure frequency. This can be done with either analog or digital circuitry.
Examine the theory (and practice) of equi-ripple group delay filters.
Research and build an equi-ripple group delay filter (mostly theory). This filter is to a Bessel filter as Chebyshev is to Butterworth (an analogy that will probably never make it to the SAT).
Build a lock-in amplifier.
Build a lock-in amplifier. This is a very useful device for finding small signals within noise.
Build an analog spectrum analyzer.
Build a spectrum analyzer using only (or mostly) analog components. This isn’t too difficult, but involves a few subsystems that must interact correctly.
Data garden (bio-interactive) display
From Rebecca Roberts in the Scott Arboretum:
The Scott Arboretum is exploring the opportunity to bring DATA GARDEN to the campus in fall 2013. We hope this will be a great opportunity to collaborate with other departments and involve students. Data Garden will design exhibits throughout the gardens that encourage exploration of the natural environment through live musical performance and sculpture that blurs the distinction between the biological and digital worlds. They exhibited at Bartram’s Garden last year, check out the video: http://vimeo.com/35915131
The “bio-interactive” art installations focus on connections between plants, music, and technology. They use electronic impulses produced by plants to generate music; crossing of biology, engineering, and musical disciplines. Making a unique blending of arts and sciences.
These exhibit will grace the campus for 3 days culminating a concert in the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater. Electronic musician and sound artist, Tim Hecker will headline the concert with 2 to 3 opening acts. This would be a great opportunity for student groups, classes, and projects.
With a proposed date of October 2013, there is plenty of time to incorporate efforts into syllabi for Fall 2013 semester.
Those interested in becoming involved in this project should contact Becky Robert at 610-328-8023 or rrobert1@swarthmore.edu by Aug. 31.
-- Rebecca Robert PR and Volunteer Programs Coordinator The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College 500 College Avenue Swarthmore, PA 19081 Phone: (610) 328-8023 Fax: (610) 328-7755 rrobert1@swarthmore.edu
Build a stepper motor controller
Stepper motors are very useful in situations where precise control of position is needed, but without direct feedback. Design and build such a controller.
Build motor controller for brushless motor.
Brushless motors are somewhat more complicated to control than standard (brushed) DC motors. Design and build a controller for a brushless motor.
Build motor controller that incorporates regenerative braking
Design and build a motor controller that charges up a battery when braking.
Build a motor controller that also measures motor speed.
Design and build a motor controller that also measure motor speed. It works by periodically stopping control for a few milliseconds and then reading the back emf of the motor before resuming control.
Measure distance with sound.
Localize a sound using two or more microphones.
Phase meter
Design and build a circuit that measures the phase difference between two signals.
Boost charger for energy harvesting
Many energy harvesting sources generate very low voltage and/or current. The link below is for a TI product that boosts the voltage to useful levels.