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Component Selection

Roles and Responsibilities

I am responsible for the sensor system and using a PIC. The sensor system will include a solar panel with a voltage sensor to measure the output of the solar panel and a light sensor to detect the greatest light source in the area. I will use I2C to communicate the data from the sensors and send them through the daisy chain from UART communication. This data will help control the motors and move the solar panel towards the greatest light source.

MCC Configuration

PIC Microcontrollers

  1. PIC32MX250F128B-I/SS

    Pros Cons
    Supports UART and I2C Expensive product
    Performance Heavy Increased power consumption due to high specs
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

  2. PIC18F14Q20-I/SS

    Pros Cons
    Supports UART and I2C Low Memory
    Small yet capable has lower specs compared to other options
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

  3. PIC18F27Q10-I/SO

    Pros Cons
    Supports UART and I2C Extremely Long Datasheet
    Great performance May cause spacing issues
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

Choice: Option 3: PIC18F27Q10-I/SO

Rationale: The PIC18F27Q10-I/SO is being chosen as it is relatively cheap while also providing great specs compared to option 2. The 28 pins provides room for error and improves the overall scalability of the circuit.

Voltage Sensors

  1. INA226AIDGSR

    Pros Cons
    High Accuracy Small size
    Good input voltage range Only measures current
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

  2. INA226AQDGSRQ1

    Pros Cons
    High Accuracy Only measures current
    Designed for rough use Small size
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

  3. MIKROE-2910

    Pros Cons
    Simple to use Less flexibility
    Less time required Expensive

Choice: Option 1: INA226AIDGSR

Rationale: Option 1 was most appealing as it was the cheapest option, while also providing similar specs as the rest of the options. OOption 3 is a possible second choice as it will help with time constraints.

Optical Sensor

  1. BH1750FVI-TR

    Pros Cons
    Simple ambient light sensor Extremely small dimensions
    Meets sensor requirements Difficult Solder job
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

  2. VCNL4035X01-GS08

    Pros Cons
    Biggest dimensions of all Small supply voltage range
    Meets sensor requirements Relatively small part
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

  3. AS7341-DLGT

    Pros Cons
    Supports color filtering Extremely small part
    Multiple Functions Difficult Solder job
    Meets surface mount constraint of project

  4. VCNL4035X01-SB

    Pros Cons
    Biggest dimensions of all Small supply voltage range
    Meets sensor requirements Relatively small part
    Easy to Implement

Choice: Option 4: VCNL4035X01-SB

Rationale: Option 2 was the most appealing, as the dimensions for surface mounting were less strenuous. Furthermore, additional functionality was appealing while also sensing for ambient light levels. Lastly, it provided the least time cost out of all other sensors.

Solar Panels

  1. P105

    Pros Cons
    Can provide more power than others No mounting Bracket
    Better Electrical Specs Most expensive

  2. 5366

    Pros Cons
    Decent sized panel No mounting Bracket
    decent electical specs Bit more expensive

  3. 313070004

    Pros Cons
    Cheaper than other options No mounting Bracket
    Great performance No Barrel Jack connecter for easy use

Choice: Option 3: 313070004

Rationale: Due to possible spacing constraints and pricing constraints, option 3 was more appealing than the rest.

Summary Table

|Component| Type | |PIC18F27Q10-I/SO| Microcontroller| |INA226AIDGSR|Voltage Sensor| |VCNL4035X01-SB|Optical Sensor| |313070004|Solar Cell|

Component Decision Process

The components were selected to help streamline the process of communication and reduce time costs. These components were also selected to demonstrate STEAM based innovation and advanced serial communication.