Contents

Overview

Brainstem hardware is built around a core set of hardware specifications and design criteria.  We have developed, published and rigidly adhere to adapting our defined standards across all products in our BrainStem hardware family. 

Our BrainStem controllers and accessories help accelerate robotics and automation developments by "playing well with others" and adhering to a published set of guidelines and standards. 

Modules

Acroname has developed suite of controll modules to encompass a range of application specific needs.  All modules are constrained in physcial dimensions in size and layout to create a common physical form factor.  This common form factor creates the potential for convienent module stacking that aligns common pins.  Interfacing pins are bent at a 90 degree angle to keep the lowest possible profile - ideal when stacking multiple modules.  Detail pinout specifications and dimensions can be found in the Reference Manual Hardware Section .  Each module has the following set of core hardware features:

• IIC Communication
• Serial Communication
• Heartbeat status
• Power status
• Standardized Form Factor and Connections

The General Purpose (GP) module provides a collection of I/O functions for robotics and control systems.  Combining programmability and a built-in command set, this module is both a stand-alone controller and real-world interfacing tool. 

The Motion Control (Moto) module supports two motor channels that can control the velocity and position of a variety of motor types.  The Moto module handles all aspects of closed-loop control of motors, enabling you to focus on when and where to move, not how.  Access to this control is easy from most computing platforms.  The module can operate autonomously as well. 

Accessories

We offer various adaptors, cables and kits to interface a Brainstem module's serial port across a variety of connections.  BrainStem controllers communicate with the host computer through a serial connection based around the Acroname Serial Standard . 

Most computers have a USB port that can be interfaced to the BrainStem modules with our USB Serial Interface Connector.  Instructional tips and specifics for interfacing a BrainStem to a USB Serial Adapter can be viewed at USB Interface Information page. 

A DB9 serial connection is another interfacing option available on most consumer computing hardware.  Serial voltage from the DB9 can be adjusted for the BrainStem by using the Serial Interface Connector. 

Networking

Every BrainStem module has an IIC port that provides the ability to interconnect a wide device range via the industry standard IIC bus based on the Acroname IIC Standard .  BrainStem modules are designed for being stacked and connected together across the IIC network.  IIC pins are commonly located on all BrainStem modules creating the potential for very short wiring lengths between stacked modules. 

Stack modules stack to create a CPU core as a robot's central nervous system.

Revision History:

• 2008-01-30: Changed article directory

Related Links:

Acroname Standards: Supported and Endorsed Robotics Standards

BrainStem USB Interface Details and Information