Project overview through the design process timeline
See our Gantt chart below for more detailed information
Also check out our documentation page for more insights to the project
August 2021
Problem Identification
Dataforth submits a proposal for a battery charging/monitoring system which integrates and showcases their data acquisition products.
September 2021
Research
Research is completed on existing technologies and standards by which we can make adequate requirements.
September 2021
Requirements Specification
Combining research and client satisfaction into a single document, the requirements specification details the scope of the project.
October 2021
Concept Generation
Existing designs are considered when brainstorming solutions which will meet the requirements and fit within the constraints given by the client.
October 2021
Design
The large abstract block diagram we had been using is broken down into detailed sections. Each team member chooses an area of the system to prototype.
November & December 2021
Prototypes & Construction
Prototypes are constructed and tested for faults and robustness. Expected parameters and behaviors are set based on the prototypes.
January 2022
System Integration
Prototypes are refined relative to each other and parts were ordered to begin serious construction and integration of the entire system.
February & March 2022
System Test
Testing of the system for meeting requirements and constraints was documented.
April & May 2022
Delivery and Acceptance
The system is delivered to the client with a seal of approval by the team and project manager.
May 2022
Maintenance
Maintenance documentation is finalized. System manual gives full overview and maintenance procedures.
Looking forward...
Upgrades
Brief considerations for future upgrades are provided along with problem analysis and known issues/errors.
Gantt Chart
The following link provides access to the team’s Gantt Chart, which serves as a visual representation of the project’s schedule from January through May. All the events within this chart are organized chronologically from top to bottom. The arrows that connect the events show what events directly precede the events pointed to. The most important deadlines, such as the end of work date on April 1st and the Undergraduate Expo event from April 18th to April 22nd, have been highlighted in red as critical deadlines for the project.
Progress
As of May, 2022:
Our Gantt chart after March is entirely inaccurate to the representation of our progress. Unfamiliarity with SPI, RS485, and Modbus RTU communication protocols coupled with a complicated mess of the MSP430's UART and SPI abilities created a lag in development of the user interface and integration with the MAQ20 data acquisition modules. Battery cycling and all other hardware was completed, tested, and passed QA.
100%
Full System
100%
Software
100%
Hardware
100%
User Interface