MT01: Dual UART Serial to CompactFlash Logger
Status: Limited Production
About:
This unit is designed as a field deployable data acquisition device. It logs serial data to a CompactFlash card
while consuming less than 15 mW of power. A control and display interface is provided over a second UART for status/debugging information. System operation can also by monitored by four
LEDS which can be disabled to reduce power draw. The board is small enough to easily fit within a
field deployable box occupying only a 12x8 cm footprint. The onboard high-efficiency switching power supply is designed to accept an external 5-18 VDC power source, however, a bypass connection is provided in
case external 3.3 V power is availiable. An in circuit programming connector allows for quick installation of firmware updates or custom
software.
Overview:
A graphical overview is availiable here.
Design:
This unit is based around an Atmel AVR ATMega 162L 8-bit RISC microcontroller operating at 3.6864MHz. This microcontroller provides two full
duplex hardware uarts which are run through a Linear Technology LTC 1386 transceiver for level translation and protection. The compactflash
accessed in memory mapped mode through a bit-banged 16bit interface. The onboard switching power supply accepts 5-18v DC which is well suited
to a solar panel/lead acid battery combination. Optionally, external regulated 3.3v power can be used. While power draw varies depending on
factors such as data rate, choice of compactflash, and supply voltage, consumption is generally under 50mW with a 12v source.