I Hardware Overview
'The Stack' is a collection of printed circuit boards (PCBs). These PCBs collect sensor data, process it, then use it to actuate other rocket systems or send the data to be stored. The boards are connected vertically, and use sets of shared header pins to make electrical connections between the boards. These header pins carry power and data between the boards. This allows the connector board in the bottom of the stack to interface with the MCU board all the way at the top of the stack.
A brief description of each board is provided below.
The MCU Board contains the micro controller unit. This micro controller is responsible for running the code uploaded to the stack and controlling sensors, deployment circuits, and radio systems.
The radio board sends and receives data to/from the ground station board. It makes up one half of the bridge between the MCU board and the ground station computer.
The sensor board gathers information about the rocket's environment to be used by the MCU board. This data includes GPS, air pressure, and acceleration.
The power board converts and regulates the power that is delivered to the rest of the stack. It receives power from an external battery and steps down the voltage to 3.3, 5, and 12 volt rails to power other boards.
The deployment board is responsible for firing the rocket's ematches. It receives the signal to fire via GPIO logic high signal from the MCU board.
The connector board hosts the physical connections to other parts of the rocket. This includes connections to arming switches, ematches, and the external battery that powers the stack.
The ground station board is the second half of the bridge between the MCU board and the ground station computer. Power and data connections to the ground station computer are made via USB.
The nose cone boards are currently in development. When complete, the nose cone board should be able to compare pitot tube pressure readings to ambient pressure readings to extrapolate the velocity of the rocket. These boards will be located in the nose of the rocket.