2009 Distribution Block

[EricVanWyk]

Originally Posted by RyanN

I don't know them all. But I know there is current sensing so the controller can detect an issue before anything goes bad and trips a breaker. The 2005 controller had this, but I'm not sure how many teams actually used it as the interface was somewhat cumbersome using serial, and you only had 2 serial ports on the controller. If you attempted to use the camera, then you were down to one and had to share it with the "Program" port.

But basically, you don't have to use the features, and can use it like any other year's PD board. I do know it has current sensing, but I thought there was something else they mentioned in Atlanta.

Sorry Ryan, no current sensing on the 2009 PD. You might be confusing it with the 7 current sensing mechanisms in its power supplies.

The PD is basically a consolidation and prettification of the power distribution system. It combines the functions of the Rockwell Block, the small 20/30A fuse panels and the shiny 40A fuse panels. It is actually a bit smaller and lighter than the old system, AND has a insignificantly smaller total path resistance.

It carries 3 switching power supplies to generate the voltages necessary to power the cRIO, the camera, and the wifi.

It uses interesting connectors which do not require crimping, and has "blown breaker" blinky lights for each of its thermal breaker slots. Remember, more blinky is more better.

It can also leap tall buildings in a single bound, violate zeno's paradox of motion, cure cancer (in electrons), and (when flipped upside down) hold three slices of delicious pizza.