Hardware Design and Firmware Architecture of a Multi-Sensor Platform for Monitoring of Workpieces and Machines

This Thesis work focuses on the description of the curricular internship activity carried out in the R&D Division of Measuring Systems at MARPOSS S.p.A. company in Bentivoglio, BO, Italy. Part of this work has been performed in the context of the 5G-SMART European project, whose goal is to demonstrate, evaluate and validate the potential of the usage of 5G networks in real manufacturing environments. The Thesis provides a description of the project, focusing on the objectives, the organizational structure and work-packages, as well as future developments. An overview of the design steps for the realization of a Multi-Sensor Platform for Monitoring of Workpieces and Machines is given. The goal is to design a device equipped with different sensors, both internal and external, able to acquire multiple data from workpieces and machines of a shop floor. Sensors must be able to communicate wirelessly via the 5G network. The analysis of the architecture options proposed as a model for the device is then provided, with the description of the final modular layout. The design schematics are examined from a circuit viewpoint, focusing on the hardware design of the various electronic components, and on their interaction with the microprocessor. In order to verify the correct functioning of the board, a basic library of the individual peripherals is developed, which is going to be used as a basis for the final Firmware.