Project 20: Open Source Modular Computer System for Real-Time Control and Data Acquisition

Project Information

Sponsor: FREEDM Systems Center

Mentor(s):

Project Background and Need:

Many of our projects require specialized I/O and signal conditioning, but also have common DSP and FPGA components for control and data acquisition. Unfortunately, this leads to wasted time re-creating common circuits when only small tweaks are required for new projects. Single mistakes and minor changes can lead to a full board re-work of a large, expensive, long-lead time board.

Problem Description/requirements (List of high-level functionality you expect to see in the end product):

We would like to develop an open modular compute/control framework comprised of various pluggable modules to handle compute, data acquisition, I/O, etc. We anticipate a solution like stacked modules or cards/backplane, but are open to anything that fulfills the need. This is potentially a very large project so we propose that the work be 90% in hardware development, with only enough software to verify hardware operation. Proposed modules in order of importance:

i. Compute module mounting TI dual core DSP

ii. I/O interface module for fiber-optic gate drivers

iii. Boilerplate signal conditioning and DAQ module with signal conditioning and optional high speed ADCs

iv. Compute module mounting an FPGA. Likely Intel MAX10.

v. I/O interface module for Wolfspeed gate drivers

It is not critical to complete design all desired modules, but they should be approached in priority order. As an open source project the work shall be completely documented and available online to the public, including potential employers.

Required Skills / Desired Competencies (in order of importance):