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VEKTOR Core - USV Controller

SKU: 1504

What does the VEKTOR Core do:

  • Effectively manages all electrical subsystems.
  • Powerful telemetry and remote control capabilities.
  • Manages engines and propellers with specific control algorithms.
  • Controls surface movements.
  • Gathers and analyzes sensor data.
  • Enhances maneuverability.
  • Manages inbound and outbound communications.
  • Controls specific add-on parts.
  • Provides open architecture access to all functions.

The controller has to be configured to fit each vehicle's propulsion and electrical configuration. Currently it supports Voith-Schneider propellers, Z-Drives and fixed thrusters. Certain propulsion configurations limit access to advanced functions, which are exclusively available to vehicles capable of seamless movement along two axes of freedom.

Multiple firmwares are available, the current standard firmware is accessed via the industrial MODBUS protocol, a future commercial extension with MAVLink support is under development.

Enhanced maneuverability:

In order to provide enhanced maneuverability capabilities the VEKTOR Core is tightly integrated with the AHRS Module (SKU 2503). Many functions are strictly dependent on its precise attitude data.

Customization of control flows:

All internal control components, inputs, and outputs can be combined to perform in complex vehicle configurations. The visual editor in USV Studio simplifies and makes this process intuitive.

Compatible with industrial PLCs:

Every function and data point can be accessed via MODBUS registers, enabling complete control of the VECTOR Core through PLCs.

Conversely, the VECTOR Core can also control compatible PLCs.

Description

The control unit, VEKTOR Core, is the center of our broader hardware/software VEKTOR platform, which forms an integrated control system for unmanned vehicles. The VEKTOR Core board is a central part of micro to small USVs (Unmanned Surface Vehicles). It offers multiple inputs and outputs to connect commercially available hardware like speed controllers, servos, and sensors. Altough capable of working in standalone mode, this unit is meant to work in networked mode. Through its RS485 and CAN connections, an infinity of applications are possible.

The controller functions as a central control system for unmanned systems, managing electrical subsystems and executing precise algorithms to control engines, propellers, and surface movements. It gathers and analyzes sensor data, enhances maneuverability, handles communications, and allows for customization with open architecture access to integrate additional components.

We offer highly customized firmware adaptations to suit every requirement and use-case.

Our commercial firmwares are MISRA-C compliant.

  • STM32H743 processor - ARM M4 architecture 480MHz
  • Optional ST LSM6DSOX high precision intertial measurement unit with machine learning capabilities
  • 1Mb dedicated EEPROM, up to 5 Million write operations per cell
  • Industrial RS485 MODBUS compliant communication interface suited for sensor and expansion modules.
  • Optional CAN-BUS, NMEA2000 compatible communication interface
  • RS232, NMEA0183 compatible communication interface
  • 18x PWM Channels (12x Output, 6x Input)
  • Configurable input channels, either as PWM input or RPM sense
  • 5V to 9V operating voltage
  • USB-C programming/configuration interface
  • Raspberry Pi compliant 40pin interface with connected UART and I2C pins
  • 7pin connector with high current passthrough and UART port for proprietary accessory HATs
  • Corrosion resistant, gold-plated contacts

Multiple redundant units can work togheter in mission critical systems. Heartbeat interconnection can be assured via RS232, RS485, CAN-BUS.

Suited for:

  • Commercial USV, Rovers, Drones, Robots
  • Academia, schools, research
  • Optionally manned surface vehicles outside of regulated infrastructures.
Regulatory compliance has to be obtained by the system integrator/OEM.

This product is RoHS compliant.

This product is not an independently functional unit and DOES REQUIRE professional installation and configuration.

This product requires a complex configuration process with a prior use case planning, and is not plug-and-play by any means.

* The appearance and design of the board are subject to changes. The functionality and size always remain unchanged.

Manufactured on request
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