Ideas

This is a master doc / wish list to brainstorm and start to plan out ideas for future additions to the BREADS framework.

Elaborated Ideas

SLC_RAMP

Description:

RepRap Actuator Motion Platform.

A BREADS-compatible motion control slice inspired by the RepRap ecosystem, integrating essential circuitry for stepper motor driving, heater control, and endstop sensing—designed for use in 3D printers, CNC machines, pick-and-place systems, or any precise multi-axis actuation system.

Key Specifications:

  • Motor Drivers: Up to 4 stepper drivers (e.g., TMC2209, A4988)
  • Heater Outputs: 2 high-current MOSFET channels for heated bed & hotend
  • Thermistor Inputs: 2 analog inputs for temperature sensing (100k NTC)
  • Endstop Inputs: 6 digital inputs with filtering and pull-ups
  • Power Input: 12–24 V input with onboard buck converter to 5 V
  • Outputs: Fan control, PWM accessory output

Components:

  • Motor Drivers: Socketed stepper drivers (A4988, TMC2209, etc.)
  • MOSFETs: Logic-level N-channel MOSFETs (e.g., IRLZ44N) with flyback diodes
  • Thermistor Inputs: Voltage divider circuits with filtering caps
  • Voltage Regulation: MP1584 12–24 V to 5 V buck converter
  • MCU Socket: Compatible with Nano-style headers
  • Fan Headers: Dedicated MOSFET output and flyback diode
  • Connectors: Screw terminals or XT30 for power, JST or dupont for I/O

Potential Applications:

  • Desktop 3D printers (FDM/FFF)
  • Laser cutters and engravers
  • Small CNC mills or routers
  • Pick-and-place and motion automation

References:

SLC_ECHM

Description:
A BREAD‑compatible electrochemical analysis slice providing three operating modes in a standard three‑electrode cell:

  1. Potentiostat – precisely controls WE‑RE potential (±2 V, 1 mV resolution).
  2. Galvanostat – sources/sinks cell current (±100 nA to ±100 mA across five decades).
  3. EIS – performs AC impedance spectroscopy (10 mHz–100 kHz, ≤10 mV rms, phase error <1° up to 10 kHz).

Key Specifications:

  • Voltage range: ±2 V, drift <100 µV/h
  • Current range: ±100 nA–±100 mA (0.1 Ω to 1 kΩ sense resistors)
  • EIS sweep: 10 mHz–100 kHz, 10 mV amplitude
  • Resolution: 16‑bit simultaneous voltage/current measurement; 12‑bit DAC

Components:

  • MCU: STM32F303RE (dual 12‑bit DAC, high‑speed ADC)
  • DAC: MCP4922 dual 12‑bit SPI
  • ADC: ADS131E08 8‑channel 24‑bit Σ-Δ
  • Control amps: OPA192 (low‑noise precision)
  • Buffer amps: OPA827 (wide‑bandwidth)
  • Analog switches: ADG5248 (mode), ADG5412 (range)
  • Sense resistors: 0.1 Ω, 1 Ω, 10 Ω, 1 kΩ (0.1 % tol.)
  • Regulators: LDOs for +3.3 V and ±5 V rails
  • Connectors: 3‑pin BNC/SMA for RE/WE/CE, test headers

Potential Applications:

  • Cyclic voltammetry & chronoamperometry
  • Corrosion monitoring
  • Battery and fuel‑cell impedance characterization
  • Real‑time biosensor readout in bioreactors

References:

SLC_CMPV

  • Idea from previous student at MTU

Description:

A slice utilizing a Pi Zero, the usual Nano, some peripheral circuitry, and python’s OpenCV to create a BREADS-compatible computer vision system. This project is inspired by work being done in OSHE at Michigan Tech. –> Why don’t we just use the Nano RP2040? - Cam

Components:

  • Pi Zero
  • Nano
  • Peripheral circuitry
  • Python’s OpenCV

Potential Applications:

  • Machine vision
  • Quality control

SLC_IICH

I2C sensor hub slice.

Description:

A slice that can read I2C data from multiple generic sensors at once and parse through it to enhance the data acquisition capabilities of the BREADS framework.

Components:

  • Multiplexer?
  • I2C to SPI conv? –> A software solution might be more elegant and effective long term if possible / feasible (Cam and Finn briefly discussed the merits and potential of using something like SoftI2CMaster, SoftWire or SoftwareWire to acheive this; requires)

Potential Applications:

  • Interfacing with existing devices / components that are I2C, broad applications

SLC_INVT

Description:

A full blown open source, BREADS-friendly inverter. This is essential for any AC or BLDC machine control applications, catering to the widespread use of induction motors.

Components:

  • Inverter circuitry
  • Control algorithms for AC and BLDC motors

Potential Applications:

  • Industrial machine control
  • Renewable energy systems
  • Electric vehicles

Rough Ideas

Laser Driver

Protected Analog Input

  • Differential or single-ended analog input with overvoltage protection, clamping, and optional filtering.
  • Ideal for measuring external signals in harsh or unknown environments.

Robust Analog Output

  • Buffered DAC output with selectable range and short-circuit protection.
  • Could include internal test waveforms or ramp generation.

Frequency Counter

  • High-resolution input capture for digital signal frequency or period measurement.
  • Useful for RPM sensing, PWM decoding, or external signal characterization.

Safety Interlock

  • Monitors and enforces hardware safety conditions using logic inputs, emergency stop, key switch, or watchdog timeout.
  • Designed to safely enable/disable critical functions.

Impedance/Capacitance Measurement

  • Precision excitation and response readout for estimating passive component values.
  • Useful for inline condition monitoring or sensor interface (e.g., soil moisture, touch).

General Purpose DAQ

  • Multi-channel, configurable analog input/output with digital I/O and signal generation.
  • Can include low-pass filtering, excitation, and software calibration. Ideal for lab or testbench automation.