Future 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_DAQC

Description:

A high-resolution, high-speed data acquisition slice for BREADS, designed for precision analog signal measurement and generation. Intended for scientific, industrial, and control applications that require more capability than the basic IO slices.

Components:

  • Precision ADC (e.g. MCP3564, ADS1256)
  • Buffered DAC (e.g. LTC2637, MCP4922)
  • Voltage reference IC
  • Analog protection (TVS, clamps, filtering)
  • Optional analog mux
  • SPI or I²C interface to host MCU

Potential Applications:

  • Scientific instrumentation
  • Signal logging and playback
  • Sensor/transducer calibration
  • Precision feedback and control loops

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

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.