3.3.2 Microcontrollers 3.3.2.1 Relevant Capabilities In general, the laser etching system consists of the user being able to take a 2-D image and etch a 3-D version of it into a pure crystal glass. The system’s interpretation of the 2-D image is strictly a matter of software capability. However, physically rendering (laser etching) the 3-D image into a glass is a matter of controlled motor movement, placing the laser’s focal point at specific locations inside of the glass. Therefore, the microcontroller(s) needs to have the capability of controlling each motor by stopping and moving them at various or constant speeds. The overall system knows exactly where the focal point of the laser needs to be located prior to that information reaching the microcontroller. The location of all points to be etched inside the crystal glass are stored in a file. Each line of Gcode instruction will be streamed to the microcontroller via its serial. For each Gcode instruction streamed, the microcontroller then interprets it and moves the 3 motors accordingly. Aside from embedded capabilities that interface the software with the hardware, each microcontroller is desired to have an operating voltage of approximately 5 VDC. This is important as it will serve as a constraint in selecting appropriate voltage regulators to power the microcontroller(s). In addition to the aforementioned capabilities, Table 3.6 that follows summarizes all needed features of the microcontroller(s) being used. Feature Purpose Priority 6 PWM Channels Two for each motor driver High Serial (UART) capability Communication method for High getting g-code instructions Operating Supply Voltage Compatibility with 5 VDC High ~ 5 VDC regulator specifications 32 KB Flash Memory Sufficient space for Gcode Medium interpretation software Multiple ADC and DAC Interface for potential Low channels sensors Table 3.6 - Microcontroller Relevant Features 3.3.2.2 ATmega 328P and ATmega 32U4 As described earlier in the relevant capabilities needed, it is imperative that the selected microcontroller have a Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) capability and a way to control motors. Methods for controlling the motors is dependent on the type of motors and their respective drivers (if any). Many motors are controlled using PWM signals. If this is the case, the microcontroller being used will need at least 3
3.3.2 Microcontrollers 3.3.2.1 Relevant Capabilities In general, the laser etching system consists of the user being able to take a 2-D image and etch a 3-D version of it into a pure crystal glass. The system’s interpretation of the 2-D image is strictly a matter of software capability. However, physically rendering (laser etching) the 3-D image into a glass is a matter of controlled motor movement, placing the laser’s focal point at specific locations inside of the glass. Therefore, the microcontroller(s) needs to have the capability of controlling each motor by stopping and moving them at various or constant speeds. The overall system knows exactly where the focal point of the laser needs to be located prior to that information reaching the microcontroller. The location of all points to be etched inside the crystal glass are stored in a file. Each line of Gcode instruction will be streamed to the microcontroller via its serial. For each Gcode instruction streamed, the microcontroller then interprets it and moves the 3 motors accordingly. Aside from embedded capabilities that interface the software with the hardware, each microcontroller is desired to have an operating voltage of approximately 5 VDC. This is important as it will serve as a constraint in selecting appropriate voltage regulators to power the microcontroller(s). In addition to the aforementioned capabilities, Table 3.6 that follows summarizes all needed features of the microcontroller(s) being used. Feature Purpose Priority 6 PWM Channels Two for each motor driver High Serial (UART) capability Communication method for getting g-code instructions High Operating Supply Voltage ~ 5 VDC Compatibility with 5 VDC regulator specifications High 32 KB Flash Memory Sufficient space for Gcode interpretation software Medium Multiple ADC and DAC channels Interface for potential sensors Low Table 3.6 - Microcontroller Relevant Features 3.3.2.2 ATmega 328P and ATmega 32U4 As described earlier in the relevant capabilities needed, it is imperative that the selected microcontroller have a Universal Asynchronous Receiver and Transmitter (UART) capability and a way to control motors. Methods for controlling the motors is dependent on the type of motors and their respective drivers (if any). Many motors are controlled using PWM signals. If this is the case, the microcontroller being used will need at least 3
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