A microcontroller-based software framework for controlling a mechatronic system

Abstract

The proposed software framework is presented and an Application Programming Interface (API) is developed based on the Arduino Mega 2560. The API processes external commands that follow the operational logic of a gel electrophoresis device. The API acts as an intermediary layer between the gel electrophoresis mechatronic system’s microcontroller and the motors’ controllers. The microcontroller enables the basic functionalities of the gel electrophoresis system while the use of 2 axis (X, Z) motor controllers is necessary for controlling the moving parts of the mechatronic system. We control the movement’s direction, position, speed, and acceleration. The developed API controls the stepper motors drive axles and the DC motors for opening and closing the drawers and other moving parts of the mechatronic system.