Texas Instruments Robotics System Learning Kit
TI-RSLK to TI-RSLK MAX change document
Introduction: TI-RSLK to TI-RSLK MAX change document
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1.1. Curriculum focus
1. Fundamental differences
There is a fundamental shift in focus from the TI-RSLK to the TI-RSLK MAX,
trading some of the bottom-up “build the robot as you go” curriculum for the
speed and reliability of using pre-soldered circuit boards. In the classic version or
TI-RSLK, each module builds on top of the previous module, such that the robot
is not completed until module 12 is completed. Although there is a suggested
choice for TI SimpleLink™ MSP432 pins and resources, TI-RSLK is very openended, such that multiple design choices are possible. For example, although six
bump switches on the front are suggested for TI-RSLK, one could have had more
or less bump switches, and one could have placed the switches anywhere on the
robot. The goal of the TI-RSLK curriculum is to study each of the components
(hardware and software), module by module and aggregate the knowledge to
finally interface with the robot; then create, build and compete in challenges or
solve a maze. This is a natural progression to discover the robot’s abilities from a
component-level perspective.
In the new TI-RSLK MAX version of the curriculum, we “build the robot first” in a
more top-down curriculum. You also get to test the robot’s functionality with test
code that is made available to you. The goal is to have something moving and
running as early as module 5. With the construction out of the way, you can use
modules 6-20 to learn how the system works. Because you have a completed
robot at the beginning of the curriculum, it is now more natural to discover the
robot’s abilities from a system-level perspective. You also now have more time
for additional coding lessons, deeper learning and extended exercises using the
additional material provided in the lab documents. Refer the TI-RSLK MAX user
guide for more details.
1.2. Using TI-RSLK for competitions and challenges
Because the sensors and actuators on both platforms are essentially the same,
both robots can solve identical challenges.
However, because of the ease of assembly, the new TI-RSLK MAX provides the
opportunity for short-time (weekend) and segmented robot challenges. In
comparison, the final competition challenge that is provided with the TI-RSLK is
more suitable for curriculum where you build the robot component by component
in a bottom up fashion, and then use it to solve a master challenge.
1.3. TI-RSLK kits
Figure 1: TI-RSLK (Basic) v/s TI-RSLK MAX
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The TI-RSLK kit comes in two options: basic and advanced. Conversely,
there is a single TI-RSLK MAX kit with the following features:
•
The tachometer is included in the base kit of the TI-RSLK MAX. This,
enables you to add more concepts to your courseware such as closed
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•
•
•
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loop control systems, speed control, sensing and feedback without
having to buy additional encoders.
The overall assembly has also been simplified and does not require
additional items or any tools besides a screwdriver.
The SimpleLink MSP432P401R LaunchPad™ Development Kit comes
pre-soldered with the headers (J5) needed to connect to the TI-RSLK
Max robot chassis.
The motor driver and power distribution board that was part of TI-RSLK
has now been replaced with a more versatile TI-RSLK chassis board
which provides power to your robot system. It has connectors that easily
allow the LaunchPad and other sensors to plug-in, without soldering.
The TI-RSLK chassis board offers multiple headers and capability to
add accessory options, providing the flexibility to add more components
based on your class focus.
Examples of optional components that are part of the curriculum, but
are not part of TI-RSLK MAX kit includes: LCD and OLED displays (for
debug and display of the robots movements), pre-assembled Sharp IR
distance sensor kit, audio circuits with microphone and speaker to
enable robot-to-robot communication and voice command and TI
SimpleLink Bluetooth® low energy CC2650 Module BoosterPack™
Plug-in Module and SimpleLink Wi-Fi® CC3100 wireless network
processor BoosterPack plug-in module. Batteries are not included in
the TI-RSLK MAX kit to keep the cost low and to enable the use of high
capacity rechargeable NiMH batteries with chargers specifically for their
local use or country.
1.4. Wi-Fi
In the TI-RSLK MAX, we have switched from CC3120 to the CC3100, which
allows Wi-Fi to operate with the robot and use the same software framework as
the other labs. TI-RSLK Wi-Fi required TI-RTOS and couldn’t be used at the
same time as the robot hardware. Programming the TI-RSLK MAX is identical to
the other labs, and the Wi-Fi module allows robot data to be streamed onto the
cloud. This could be very interesting if you want to add internet of things (IoT)
capability to the robot or teach students about cloud computing.
1.5. Modules
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We have also added some new challenges and extended several modules such
as Module 5, Module 11, Module 15 and Module 20.
2. Similarities and improvements
2.1. Motors and drivers
Both robots use the DC motors with differential drive steering. Both robots use
two TI DRV8838s to drive the motors and essentially have the same motor
commands (each motor can be powered with 15000 different duty cycles in either
direction. The software for both robots uses two pulse width modulation (PWM)
outputs (to adjust power) and four general purpose input output (GPIO) outputs
(for direction and sleep).
2.2. Tachometer
Both robots use a tachometer/encoder to measure direction and speed of each
motor. The TI-RSLK MAX uses a new encoder/tachometer that contains the Hall
Effect sensor (TI DRV5013) on the sensor board. The tachometer is already
attached to the motor assembly of the TI-RSLK MAX.
2.3. IR line sensor (8 channel QTRX Sensor Array)
Although the line sensor has been updated in the TI-RSLK MAX, the basic
operation is essentially the same. The distance between sensors is the same,
and the software controller is very similar. However, the new updated sensor has
two IR outputs even and odd, while TI-RSLK has one IR output. Both have 8
inputs and take about 1ms to convert. The new sensor array is customized for
the TI-RSLK MAX and has extended male headers already soldered in, so it is
ready to plug directly into the chassis board. No additional wiring required.
TI-RSLK
https://www.pololu.com/product/961
TI-RSLK MAX
https://www.pololu.com/product/3672
The line sensor on the TI-RSLK MAX is easier to connect than the TI-RSLK.
2.4. Solderless breadboard
Both robots support a small solderless breadboard for flexibility and expansion.
The solderless breadboard on the TI-RSLK MAX is easier to connect than the TIRSLK.
2.5. Educational objectives
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Except for Labs 5, 11, 15, and 20, the educational objectives for the two curricula
remain unchanged.
2.6. Additional expansion
input/output pins on the MSP432 as the TI-RSLK, so the same LCDs, I2C,
analog, and servo devices can be connected to a TI-RSLK robot, but will require
headers on the board to make it easier to wire up. Please refer to TI-RSLK MAX
construction guide document and construction videos.
Both robots support interfacing components that are not specifically explained in
detail within the curriculum. Examples of expansion possibilities include: Lidar or
optical sensing using OPT3101 (2020), other distance sensors and Pololu’s
servo robot arm.
3. Improvements (simpler, faster)
3.1 Construction
TI-RSLK MAX is much easier and faster to build than TI-RSLK. Compare the
build times in the table below:
RSLK Base Robot with
Line sensor, bump,
tach, motor
Plus 3 IR sensors
TI-RSLK
2.5 hours
TI-RSLK MAX
15 minutes
3 hours
45 minutes
TI-RSLK build times will be slower if one is new to soldering. Building TI-RSLK
also requires you to drill (holes for solderless breadboard), cut/strip (wires for
cables), solder (wires onto motor power distribution board and J5 MSP432
LaunchPad) and shrink (heat shrink connections). The three Sharp IR sensors on
the TI-RSLK MAX require 12 solder connections, otherwise the TI-RSLK MAX
essentially snaps together. The pre-constructed components in TI-RSLK MAX
should result a more reliable robot.
3.2. Power reliability
Having to connect and disconnect the +5V line from MSP432 to +VREG on
motor power distribution board for TI-RSLK could create unsafe and potentially
unreliable situation. On the TI-RSLK MAX, the MSP432 Launchpad comes with
the 5V jumper permanently removed, using the robot in three modes (just
battery, just USB and both battery and USB) is easy and safe.
3.3. LCD, I2C and servo interfacing
The TI-RSLK MAX chassis board has headers for three different display panels,
three analog ports, five I2C ports, and three servo ports for interfacing with
future components like the OPT time of flight sensor. It uses the same
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Figure 2: TI-RSLK Chassis board for the TI-RSLK MAX robot
3.4. Analog signal processing
There are three analog LPF for IR distance sensors built into chassis board.
There is also one op amp that could be used for other purposes.
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4. New features in TI-RSLK MAX not possible with TI-RSLK
4.1. More current
The regulator on TI-RSLK MAX sources 8A at 5V, as compared to 3A at 5V for
TI-RSLK. This extra will allow you to drive multiple servo motors.
However total current load should not exceed 5A to ensure the temperature of
the board stays within the temperature requirements.
4.2. More display options
Lab 11 added OLED and UART as options in addition to the LCD. The TI-RSLK
MAX robot has 4 LEDs, one in each corner.
4.3. More data acquisition options
Lab 15 added audio input/output as an alternative to the Sharp IR distance
sensors. The audio lab allows the robot to play music or allows one robot to send
commands to the other via sound. If you can sing with moderately accurate pitch,
you can sing commands to your robot.
Arm analog height
Arm analog tilt
CC3100 Clk
CC3100 CTS
CC3100 NWP log
CC3100 RTS
CC3100 SPI CS
CC3100 SPI MISO
CC3100 SPI MOSI
CC3100 WLAN log
I2C SCL
I2C SDA
Reflectance odd
Servo PWM grip
Servo PWM height
Servo PWM tilt
Front right LED
Front left LED
Back right LED
Back left LED
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
na
P8.4
P8.3
P1.5
P5.6
P2.3
P6.6
P3.0
P1.7
P1.6
P5.1
P6.5
P6.4
P9.2
P5.7
P2.4
P3.5
P8.5
P8.0
P8.7
P8.6
5. Pin assignment changes (MSP432 pins and resources)
5.1. Moving pins
This means TI-RSLK code will not run on TI-RSLK MAX.
Signal
TI-RSLK
TI-RSLK MAX
Center IR
Motor DIR_L
Motor DIR_R
Tach ERB
Tach ELB
Tach ELA
P4.1
P1.7
P1.6
P10.5
P9.2
P8.2
P6.1
P5.4
P5.5
P5.0
P5.2
P10.5
5.2. Adding new pins
These pins reflect new features like CC3100, LEDs, robot arm and I2C.
Signal
Arm analog grip
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TI-RSLK
na
TI-RSLK MAX
P8.2
The kit consists of the following :
1. Modified SimpleLink MSP432P401R LaunchPad with 2 x19 stackable*
female headers and 1x2 female header soldered
and ready
2. TI-RSLK kit with Black Romi Chassis and redwheels which includes :
a. Black Romi Chassis kit with red wheels
b. TI-RSLK chassis board assembly
c. 8-Channel QTRX Sensor arrayfor ROMI/TI RSLK MAX
d. Left Bumper Switch assembly for TI-RSLK MAX
e. Right Bumper Switch assembly for TI-RSLK MAX
f. Gearmotor and encoder assembly (2)
g. 400-point breadboard with special mounting holes and four 1”- long
#2-56 M-F aluminium standoffs ( with scres and nuts for mounting
3. Cable USB-A to Micro USB-B 0.3M to connect your LaunchPad to PC
4. Male/Femaie Wires (10 pieces)
5. Male/Male wires (10 pieces)
6. Electronic components for lab experiments
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a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
LED RED DIFF 5MM ROUND T/H 10mA (1)
LED RED DIFF 5MM ROUND T/H 2mA(1)
RESISTOR 220 OHM 1/6W 5% AXIAL (1)
RESISTOR 470 OHM 1/6W 5% AXIAL(1)
RESISTOR 22K OHM 1/6W 5% AXIAL(1)
RESISTOR 33K OHM 1/6W 5% AXIAL(1)
RESISTOR 10 ohm Wirewound 10W, 5%, Axial
CAPACITOR Ceramic, 0.47 µF, 50 V, ± 5%, Radial (2)
CAPACITOR Tantalum, 10 uF, 20V, 10%, Radial (3)
Tactile push button Switch (3)
WARNING – If you have a LaunchPad that did not come with the TI-RSLK MAX
robot kit. Please assemble the MPS432 LaunchPad with a 2 X 19 stackable
female header and 1 x2 female header so that it can plug into the TI-RSLK
Chassis board for this TI-RSLK MAX robot and the LaunchPad 5V jumper must
be removed and disconnected prior to use with TI-RSLK MAX in order to avoid
shorting different power rails and potentially damaging the chassis board.
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Not included in the kit :
a) Six rechargeable, Nickel Metal Hydride,1300mAH, 1.2V, AA (required
to power the robot)
b) Black masking tape, maze for line following competition [several
modules]
c) TI SimpleLink Bluetooth low energy CC2650 Module BoosterPack Plugin Module (BOOSTXL-CC2650MA) [module 19]
d) SimpleLink Wi-Fi CC3100 wireless network processor BoosterPack
plug-in module (CC3100BOOST) [module 20]
e) Three Sharp GP2Y0A21YKOF analog distance sensors kit (distance
sensor kit) [ module15]
f) Nokia 5110/3310 monochrome LCD [module 11]
g) Monochrome1.3" 128 x 64 OLED graphic display [module 11]
h) Audio kit for robot to robot communication [module15]
a. Microphone, TLV9004 on the chassis board or LC2272CP
b. TPA731( Audio amplifier)
c. Resistors :1k, 10k, 20k,22k,200k
d. Capacitors : 100nF ceramic, 220nF ceramic,1uF
ceramic,2.2uF tantalum,4.7uF tantalum, SOIC to DIP,8 by 1
male header
Fuly assembled TI-RSLK MAX robot
In addition to the kit you will need some tools for assembly, in certain portions
you may require to solder, please use proper precausttion and follow lab safety
rules.
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