At the moment I have a system with a remote control unit producing 20 digital and 14 analogue signals 0-5V. It is connected with a 37way cable that is very fragile and unwieldy. So, I am looking for a way to replace it. Ideally, something to capture the 20 digital and 14 analogue signals, transmit over a 4 core cable, then something to output 20 digital and 14 analogue signals.
Any thoughts?
A schematic / wiring diagram would be useful.
Consider the use of shift registers or I2C/SPI port expanders for the digital side of things.
Are you generating those signals? If so, how? Or are you reading them?
Distance ?
Analogues are from a joystick and other potentiometers. The digitals from switching the 0V line.
Only 5 meters or so. The 37 way cable goes straight into the controller which is handled all the time. Often one of the wires breaks so we have to cut back and terminate all 37.
Try using a proper set of connectors with strain relief for the cable.
You can implement the "A/D Outputs" in the second image with a microcontroller and communicate with Serial over RS232 / RS422 / RS485 with the controller.
Over the given distance of 5 meters, I would not attempt SPI / I2C although it might be possible.
Even when reducing the number of wires you will need to make sure that the connections are solid. See post #6 by Paul_KD7HB.
34 12-bit analog inputs read into arduino #1
arduino #1 sends data via serial connection to arduino #2 (5m isn't very far)
arduino #2 writes to 20 DAC outputs and 14 digital outputs
Relevant concerns:
Basically a pretty simple project, just needs a lot of I/O
That's what I was thinking of. It's a real time control of a subsea vehicle so the smaller the delay the better. Any idea on which hardware boards to use?
The more precise the numbers you specify, the better!
