Project Files
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Force-Feedback Joystick Controller
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SensAble Technologies had built a high power force-feedback (Haptic) joystick for several years. They wanted to produce a moderate-cost desktop version in time for an upcoming show. |
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System Overview
Bolton Engineering worked with the client, an industrial
design firm, and a mechanical design firm to specify critical
design parameters and write a specification. Instead of
using the company’s PC-based control card (also designed
by Bolton Engineering), Bolton Engineering recommended interfacing
to the PC via the industry standard Extended Parallel Port
(EPP).
- Three 100 Watt PWM motor controllers.
- Three high-resolution encoder inputs with overspeed
error detection.
- Three 12-bit A/D interfaces to potentiometer position
sensors Integral 1mS system timer
- Interfaces to standard PC Extended Parallel Port (EPP).
- All digital electronics in single Programmable Logic
Device (PLD)
- Uses “off-the-shelf” external power supply.
- Over-current detection and shut-off.
- Created connector junction boards to simplify internal
wiring and reduce assembly time.
- Designed to meet FCC part 15 class B; EN 55022 class
B; IEC 1000-4-2, -3, -4; EN 60950
Results
- Product delivered on time, for critical show.
- Use of EPP interface allowed product to work with laptops,
and with Sun workstations.
- “Pass-through” EPP interface allowed two
joysticks to operate off of one computer.
- Electronics met or exceeded all design goals, and came
in 40% under budgeted cost.
- System won Computer Graphics World ‘s “Best
New Product Award.”
Project Scope
Bolton Engineering was responsible for writing the specification,
creating schematics, laying out the circuit board layout,
testing, writing documentation, and ensuring regulatory
approvals. |
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Consumer and Computer
