Looks like this thread is a little stale, but there MIGHT be some interest?
Digilent have a PIC32 board that is basically an Arduino Mega form factor. (They call it a MAX32)
Link to MAX32
Sure, it's a 3.3V processor, but from what I can see, a standard RAMPS1.4 will work just fine at 3.3V.
The A4988 polulu stepper drivers are already 3.3V / 5V parts.
I don't envisage any problems with mechanical end stops.
The thermistor inputs will still produce readings at the 3.3V supply (although obviously different code is needed)
There _MIGHT_ be some issues trying to drive the heater/fan FETs from only 3.3V, but I'm already intending externally mounted FETs for these. (While the STP55NF06L datasheet seems to indicate it could still handle around 45A with a 3.3V Vgs, I doubt I'd 'risk' it above 15A or so)
Can anyone here tell me why I wouldn't be able to piggyback a RAMPS1.4 straight on top of a MAX32?
Obviously, the software aspect is COMPLETELY different and it'd be a big hurdle to overcome, but my simplistic brain seems to think that the hardware aspects are 'non-existant' in this case.
Aside from the software aspect (which I accept are HUGE), I think this would be quite an impressive 'upgrade path' for those who already have a RAMPS1.4 board...
An 80MHz PIC32 (which is a MIPS R4k core) should have ample 'grunt' and it DOS have a hardware divide instruction which should help overall execution speed.
Digilent have a PIC32 board that is basically an Arduino Mega form factor. (They call it a MAX32)
Link to MAX32
Sure, it's a 3.3V processor, but from what I can see, a standard RAMPS1.4 will work just fine at 3.3V.
The A4988 polulu stepper drivers are already 3.3V / 5V parts.
I don't envisage any problems with mechanical end stops.
The thermistor inputs will still produce readings at the 3.3V supply (although obviously different code is needed)
There _MIGHT_ be some issues trying to drive the heater/fan FETs from only 3.3V, but I'm already intending externally mounted FETs for these. (While the STP55NF06L datasheet seems to indicate it could still handle around 45A with a 3.3V Vgs, I doubt I'd 'risk' it above 15A or so)
Can anyone here tell me why I wouldn't be able to piggyback a RAMPS1.4 straight on top of a MAX32?
Obviously, the software aspect is COMPLETELY different and it'd be a big hurdle to overcome, but my simplistic brain seems to think that the hardware aspects are 'non-existant' in this case.
Aside from the software aspect (which I accept are HUGE), I think this would be quite an impressive 'upgrade path' for those who already have a RAMPS1.4 board...
An 80MHz PIC32 (which is a MIPS R4k core) should have ample 'grunt' and it DOS have a hardware divide instruction which should help overall execution speed.