Theory Of Operation; Controller Description - RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC3050 User Manual

4 RC3050 Antenna Controller

1.3 Theory of Operation

The RC3050 performs its functions via digital and analog electronic equipment interfaced to the antenna's
motor drive and position feedback systems. This equipment is controlled through embedded software
algorithms run by the RC3050's microcontroller. This section provides an overview of the equipment,
interfaces and major software functions.

1.3.1 Controller Description

The following figure is a block diagram showing the major components of the RC3050 :
AC
Power
Motor
Drives
J6 J7
Power
Entry
Analog Board
DC
Motor
Control
Power
Transformer
On / Off
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD). The 2 row by 16 column LCD provides the user interface for monitoring
the status of the RC3050 and for entering data.
KEYPAD. The 8 key keypad allows the user to enter data and commands to the RC3050.
DIGITAL BOARD. The digital board is essentially a small computer containing a microcontroller, memory,
real-time clock and circuitry to monitor and drive the keypad and LCD. The digital board performs the
following major functions:
- monitors user inputs from the keypad
- displays information on the LCD screen according to controller mode, antenna status and user input
- monitors antenna drive status
- battery backs up non-volatile memory (calibration data, etc.)
- performs analog to digital conversion of drive position
- performs automatic antenna movement algorithms (stow, deploy)
Research Concepts, Inc.; 5420 Martindale Road; Shawnee, Kansas 66218-9680 USA
Limit
Switches
Hand Remote Pot.
Feedback
J10 J3 J1
Digital Board
2 x 16 LCD
Chapter 1
Feature Board
Keypad
4
Introduction
www.researchconcepts.com