Electrical Level 3 - Advanced Control Systems

Learning Objective

Design and implement genuinely custom sensor solutions (beyond the already-supported limit switches/encoders/gyro from Level 2), wire vision coprocessors and their dedicated power supplies correctly, develop sophisticated motor control systems with closed-loop feedback and motion profiling, design a well-planned electrical panel layout, and coordinate with the programming and mechanical teams on control system development. This level typically takes a full season and centers on a capstone project reviewed and signed off by a mentor -- this is where students move from following instructions to operating independently and making informed electrical design tradeoffs.

Prerequisites

• Electrical Level 2 - Robot Electronics
• Programming Level 2 - Robot Control Systems
• CAD Level 2 - Part Design & Assembly

Primary Resources

• PhotonVision -- Common Coprocessor Setups
• PhotonVision -- Selecting Hardware
• Littleton Robotics (6328): All Things Electrical and Wiring
• FRCDesign.org Design Handbook

Tasks

1. Custom Sensors

   • Design a genuinely custom sensor solution not already supported out of the box
   • Set up advanced feedback systems
   • Calibrate a sensor network

2. Vision & Coprocessor Systems

   • Select an appropriate coprocessor and camera for a vision task
   • Wire a coprocessor's dedicated regulated power supply from the PDP/PDH (not the VRM or USB power bank)
   • Wire networking (POE injector to radio/switch) for a coprocessor
   • Diagnose a coprocessor power or networking issue

3. Motor Control Systems

   • Implement closed-loop control
   • Design a motion profiling system (e.g. trapezoidal/S-curve)
   • Optimize motor performance
   • Configure multi-motor coordination (e.g. follower motors)

4. Electrical Panel & Layout Design

   • Plan component placement for accessibility, serviceability, and separation of signal and power wiring
   • Plan wire routing and lengths before building
   • Create electrical system diagrams
   • Maintain component specifications and a testing protocol

5. Cross-Team Integration

   • Coordinate with the programming team on control system interfaces
   • Support mechanical integration (component mounts, wire routing access)
   • Validate system performance
   • Capstone project: independently design, wire, and document a complete electrical panel for a robot or major subsystem, reviewed and signed off by a mentor

Level 3 Completion Requirements

• Mentor-reviewed capstone electrical panel/system, independently designed, wired, and documented
• Successfully implement a working closed-loop motor control system
• Successfully wire and troubleshoot a vision coprocessor
• Lead cross-functional integration with the programming and mechanical teams

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