pic: 2009 Distribution Block

[Tapoore]

Originally Posted by Woody1458

ok so as I understand it the small, apparently unused white box thing mid left is the new and improved version of the clunky large thing on top? to clarify, will we still have to fit that giant thing on top on our robot?

No. the long white breakout board at the top of the picture is just the 1st generation prototype of the FPGA/ Digital Sidecar and will not be in the 2009 KOP. The smaller board on the left is the 2nd generation Digital Sidecar and is similar to what will be in the KOP. Teams will probably be allowed to use two Digital Sidecars on their 'bots. The only reason why we used the larger board on this robot was that the smaller board didn't have a working firmware image when the 'bot was crated up for ATL.
The large PDB in the center of the picture will be included in the KOP, but as pufame said, it simplifies the power electronics system hugely.