Ptarmigan is a sophisticated sensor board equipped with two load cell connectors, an onboard linear inductive position sensor featuring a custom coil pattern, and CAN 2.0B communication. It is powered by a 120 MHz Cortex-M4 MCU, providing the necessary processing power for real-time applications. The board is designed to support array configurations, allowing multiple boards to connect to a single CAN bus network. Each board’s CAN arbitration ID is set using an onboard 8-bit DIP switch for easy identification in the network. The custom firmware I developed facilitates communication via a proprietary protocol, which also supports simultaneous firmware uploads through a custom bootloader, ensuring seamless updates. Additionally, the board includes an RGB LED for real-time status indication, enhancing usability.
In my role, I was responsible for the complete design and development of the Ptarmigan PCB. This involved creating the entire PCB layout, ensuring signal integrity and proper placement of components to optimize performance. I sourced all components from reputable distributors, validating their specifications to meet design requirements. I also prepared the Bill of Materials (BOM) and the position file for the assembly process, ensuring efficient manufacturing.
Furthermore, I wrote the entire firmware, including the custom communication protocol, tailored to the board’s functionality and the CAN 2.0B interface. My work extended to the rigorous testing of the board, validating its functionality and ensuring robustness under various conditions. By the third revision, I achieved a stable and reliable design, meeting all performance and durability standards.