Theory Of Operation; Controller Description - RESEARCH CONCEPTS RC3000 User Manual

RC3000 Antenna Controller Chapter 1 Introduction

1.3 Theory of Operation

The RC3000 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 RC3000'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 RC3000 :
LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD). The 4 row by 40 column LCD provides the user interface for
monitoring the status of the RC3000 and for entering data.
KEYPAD. The 4 row by 4 column keypad allows the user to enter data and commands to the RC3000.
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 (configuration data, etc.) and the real-time clock
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