Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

Can anyone explain the logic of <R55>- J to me?

If CAN-bus functionality is used, limit switch jumpers may be removed from a Jaguar speed controller and a custom limit switch circuit may be substituted (so that the cRIO-FRC may read the status of the limit switches).

I know that when using PWM to control the Victors, the Limit Switche inputs automatically stop the motors in either direction when the a switch is tripped (discovered by accident). This seems like a GREAT safety feature.

But these jaguar -connected switches are only permitted when using CAN.

The rule "looks" like it's permitting the use of limit switches with CAN ONLY to enable the cRIO to read them. Does this mean that when using CAN, the switches don't actually stop the motors automatically?

If they do stop the motors, it seems like permitting their use with PWM would also make sense.

Phil.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

When using Servo PWM or CAN to control a Jaguar, the Limit Switch inputs always stop their corresponding direction when the circuit it open.

It is my understanding* that the reasoning for this rule is that you cannot read the state of the limit switch inputs with the cRIO when using PWM. Not having the ability to know the state of the limit switches could potentially lead to undesired behavior.

When using CAN, the cRIO can request the state of the limit switches so it knows what is going on with a particular Jaguar.

*My understanding does not represent the intent of the GDC. So to get an official answer to this question, you should ask the GDC on the Q&A.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

One reason that I haven't asked GDC yet is that I don't think they usually like "why" questions... If they opened the gates for these they would be flooded with questions.

For me... Limit switches have three usefull purposes:

1) To tell you when a motion is complete in autonomous:
2) To stop a heavy handed student from braking something because they couldn't tell what was hapenning on the robot in teleop.
3) They protect the hardware while still developing the software.

Your thoughts make perfect sense for 1), but if all we want to do is prevent accidents on manual motions (like in 2), or during S/W development (like in 3) being able to wire the limit switches directly into the Jaguar even when using PWM provides the best protection.

Since you have verified that the limts do work automatically in both control modes if makes me feel more justified in asking GDC the question.

Thanks
Phil.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

Phil,
Under CAN the state of the limit switch must be read by the Crio and then a motor command is issued if the FMS is still allowing active motion. The limit switch in PWM mode controls the Jaguar directly, independent of the the Crio, and therefore, will continue to run the motor without interaction with FMS. Motion must stop under control of the FMS for either match play or safety disablement.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

The limit switch in PWM mode controls the Jaguar directly only in the sense that it can override a cRIO command and STOP the motor. The limit switch has authority only to stop the motor. It can't cause a motor to be powered if the cRIO isn't commanding power. If FMS shuts down the cRIO PWM outputs, the motor will stop regardless of the limit switch position.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

I think that is what I said.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

Al,

That doesn't seem right.

When using PWM, the only action of the N/C limit switch is to STOP the currently commanded PWM action if the limit circuit goes open. If the limit circuit is closed, the normal PWM command is in effect. This PWM is still fully under cRIO and FMS control. All the normal watchdog, comms, FMS safety protocols are still in full effect.

We know this because the two Jag jumpers that are normally installed just act as limit switches that never go open.

How can connecting N/C switches to these (which can only STOP the motors) create safety issues?

Phil.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

There's no rule preventing you from doing this to protect the hardware during software development. Just make sure you remove it after the software is developed and before showing up for competition.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

If motors are in motion due to the state of the limit switch(es), then the FMS cannot stop them.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

I do not believe this to be the case.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

I believe this is untrue. Can someone at TI please confirm.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

That's not how it works. When a NC limit switch opens the circuit, the Jaguar shuts off the motor, regardless of the commands being sent to it.

When the limit switch closes the circuit (or the jumpers are in place), the Jaguar responds to commands. When the FMS sends a disable command, the cRIO shuts off the PWM signal going to the Jaguar. The Jaguar needs to see a signal every 100ms or else it shuts off and goes into a no-signal safe state. Therefore, when the cRIO shuts off PWM at the request of the FMS, the Jaguar shuts off within 100ms.

You can think of the same thing happening with CAN, however it is implemented differently.

I hope this clarifies things.

-David

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

Good Point.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

Please remember that this rule was added when Jaguars were first introduced in 2009.

Re: Why are Limit Switches outlawed with PWM, but not CAN?
 

As a beta tester I don't remember having have CAN bus back in 2009, and I'm pretty sure direct connect Limit Switches were outlawed all together in 2010, regardless of the interface used.

So this is a new twist that seems only half baked.

Phil.