Moving from FAR to GAP, we’re building a whole (almost flight worthy) rocket. This includes the corresponding Avionics, which we will look at in more detail here.
This first version of the avionics PCB should function as a trial and guide for subsequent flight-ready boards. Accordingly, it should have equivalent or at least similar components and layout.
Requirements
The Avionics has to meet certain requirements, for all the stuff it needs to do:
- Connected to launch control computer (10’s of meters away). For GAP, which is not supposed to lift off, a telemetry connection is viable as cable or via radio link. Connection is neccessary to ensure a safe (by sitting far away) operation of the system
- Control the valve actuation of main and depress valves of the rocket AND fill and vent valves of the ground support system
- Control the thrust-vector-control and quick-disconnect servos
- Measure the rotation rates of the rocket for the stabilisation control loop
Because we want to use a radio connection for Poseidon, we’re going use an XBee radio as the telemetry connection here also.
To control the valves (and possibly servos) of the ground support system, we will use one of the avionics PCBs. This GSE PCB will have its own controller and radio.
The avionics get an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) to measure the rotational rates of the rocket.
Schematic
You can find the final schematics as a PDF here:
// Explanation coming soon…
Layout
// Explanation coming soon…