ROV control console serial interface project

Whilst the current pilot control system provides pilots the ability to manoeuvre the underwater Remotely Controlled Vehicle (ROV) with a high degree of precision and accuracy, the control signals between the individual control panels and the central processing hub are still analog. Because of this the physical interconnection system and hardware is cumbersome when compared to its digital counterpart. The proposed solution was to replace the current ribbon cables with a serial communication network; forming the basis for this project. The main objective of this project was to establish a serial communication link between a central node and the multiple pilot control panels. The design must be able to interface with multiple panels whilst still being robust, provide modularity, be expandable and most importantly maintain efficient communication to reduce latency. This report documents the extensive research into serial communication networks that was required to aid in designing a system that would meet the requirements. Several prototype systems were developed using pre-existing microprocessors boards before the final prototype system was realised. The development and testing of each system has been individually documented to provide the reader with an in depth understanding of each system, whilst demonstrating the methodology used to realise the final system. The final prototype system whilst using existing microprocessor boards was able to conclusively prove a serial communication interface could be used to collect the control signals from all ten panels, whilst maintaining efficient communication. Because time permitted the idea of a potentiometer fault detection system was investigate and documented, whilst the system was found to work with a degree of accuracy the future work is still required