Wireless evaluation electronic system based on FPGA for micro probe

Abstract

In this project a wireless electronic system based on FPGA to integrate a new designed microprobe in a Coordinate Measuring-Machine is presented. A CMM is an instrument of direct measurement which function is to measure physical geometrical characteristics of an object. They consist of three parts: a motion system with 3 or more axis, a probing system and a controller. The probing system (microprobe) can be tactile or optical. Through it, it is possible to touch an object and determine the touch points. With the measured points, an object can be geometrically determined. In order to integrate a developed micro probing system in the CMM, a wireless electronic evaluation system has been developed. This electronic system is based on FPGA and digitalizes the analog signal using an Analog Digital Converter, sending wirelessly the values from the micro probe to the machine. Therefore, it allows the interfacing of the micro probing system without cables. In addition to this, the electronic system can be controlled and monitored through the computer. The developed system is able to send the values (selected by sending a command through the computer) from the micro probe to the machine and also to the PC, achieving a frequency of 1 kilohertz.