Sensors and Servo's

25^th Nov 2012

Week Four:

With the block diagrams and software flow charts completed to prototype level a clearer picture has emerged as to the needs of the circuit and software.

The sensors:

The following reasons need to be addressed for the type of sensor to be used.

• A fast response time even at low voltages. 

• Visible light is the most energetic for solar panels which operate between(400 - 1100 nm),  Therefore the light spectrum of this device needs to cover visible to nearly infrared frequencies.

•  A shallow angle of sensitivity to be more directional and therefore less susceptible to noise.

• Low current suitable for interfacing with the Micro-controller.

·         Set as a common collector this will provide low voltage levels at low light levels suitable for the A/D of the Micro-controller.

Main control software.

The motors (servos):

As servos are the be used and there power supply to be turned on and off switching transistors will have to be used to protect the Micro-controller from the high currents needed for the servos, also protection diodes implemented across the power supply of the motors to prevent damage to the switching transistors from the collapsing coils in the motors.

The signal lines may also have to be protected depending on the current drawn by them, the signal lines will be programmed to move the servos as shown with the software flow charts.

Servo control software.