Starling EtherCAT Unit

About the Project

On behalf of MPS Microsystems, CSA modernized the control electronics and drive software of high-precision fiber positioners for astronomy. The positioners are used on large telescopes with mirrors in the 6.5 m range, where they align the optical receiving fibers with micrometer accuracy.

The core task was the technology migration from CAN-based communication to a high-performance EtherCAT system.

This upgrade considerably increases the efficiency of telescope operation and enables a significantly higher density of scientific observations.

CSA Activities

• Project management by CSA
• Hardware development
• Redesign of switching regulators and layout optimization
• Evaluation and development of the EtherCAT circuitry
• Implementation of additional low-power measures
• Embedded software development
• Integration of EtherCAT functionality
• Addition of bootloader and update mechanism
• Test and calibration software
• Configuration of the EtherCAT master with TwinCAT
• Integration of an EtherCAT communication module into the Python application
• Commissioning with the customer
• Industrialization of the electronics and execution of series production

Technologies

• STM32F4 microcontroller
• EtherCAT interface with LAN9253 SubDevice controller
• BLDC motor control
• Low-power, compact design under tight space constraints