OVERVIEW
The Smart-Sampler unit is an affordable and versatile unit. It has an integrated Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC), Digital-to-Analog Converter (DAC), and General-Purpose Inputs/Outputs (GPIOs). These units can function as endpoints within a GSOF_DCN network and communicated with each other or a host computer, typically a PC (or RPI). Additionally, they can operate independently as stand-alone devices.
Key Features:
The Virtual RPN Machine (VRM) can run a single user application witten in FORTH like programming language. This lets the user to tailor the controller's operations for hard real-time applications and stand-alone use.
With networking capabilities, users can distribute multiple units across a large area, whether indoors or outdoors, and maintain reliable control over them. This include updating the VRM user application and debugging it without physical access to the unit.
This solution combines stand-alone controllers running VRM applications for real-time control with the ability to be monitored and operated remotely via a network.
The basic remote commands that the unit responds to are defined by the System-Monitor-Protocol. The key functionalities include:
Access the units RAM & Flash memories.
Configure, read and write to device drivers (ADC, DAC, PWM, GPIO).
Enable or disables RTOS processes (ADC Sampler. PWM generator).
Besides the remote command control and VRM application, the unit can be set to perform periodic tasks, such as capturing/generating ADC and PWM signals, and then send these results back to the host computer over the network. This is done using the Raw-Data-Protocol, which enhances data transmission efficiency.
Configuration of the unit is achieved through memory write cycles to specific configuration registers, as detailed in this document. Users have the option to manually read the data using commands targeted at specific memory addresses or set the unit to automatic transmission mode as previously mentioned.
The Smart Sampler unit runs on the PIC16Fx.
The Enhanced Smart Sampler runs on the PIC18x and has larger RAM and flash memory to execute and store the VRM application.
