Ocean Explorer AUV
Payload Interface Specifications

Available Power:

• 48 Volts (42-56V)
• 5A max. current

Cables/Connectors:

Power/LonTalk Network

• SeaCon FAWM Series
  • Pin 1 BATTERY GND
  • Pin 2 BATTERY +48V
  • Pin 3 BATTERY GND
  • Pin 4 BATTERY +48V
  • Pin 5 BATTERY GND
  • Pin 6 BATTERY +48V
  • Pin 7 LonTalk Data A
  • Pin 8 LonTalk Data B

Ethernet/Serial

• SeaCon FAWM Series
  • Pin 1 TD+ 10Base-T Ethernet
  • Pin 2 TD- 10Base-T Ethernet
  • Pin 3 RD+ 10Base-T Ethernet
  • Pin 4 RD- 10Base-T Ethernet
  • Pin 5 EIA-232 Common
  • Pin 6 EIA-232 TX
  • Pin 7 EIA-232 Common
  • Pin 8 EIA-232 RX

Power:

The Power/LonTalk network cable supplies 48 volt power. The maximum allowable current for a payload is 5A. The Ocean Explorer AUV total battery storage capacity is 40 Ampere-hours at a nominal voltage of 52V. This capacity is divided into eight 5 Ampere-hour battery packs. If the total capacity is insufficient, additional battery modules can be added to the payload compartment. BATTERY GND (pins 1,3 &5) should not be connected to the pressure vessel (i.e. seawater) which houses the payload electronics. If the payload circuit ground must be connected to seawater then an isolated power supply should be used.

Communications:

The preferred method of communication between the AUV and payload is through the LonTalk network (connections in the Power/LonTalk cable). The Lon/Talk network is used to communicate directly with any of the sensors or actuators that comprise the AUV's distributed control network. Typically a serial gateway module is provided to the payload manufacturer for incorporation into the payload. The serial gateway module provides a bridge between EIA-232 communications and the LonTalk network. Custom software for the serial gateway module must be written to implement the desired functionality.

The Ethernet/Serial cable contains a 3-wire EIA-232 serial communication channel which connects to a serial gateway module in the main pressure vessel. This module provides a EIA-232 to LonTalk network interface. Custom software for the serial gateway module must be written to implement the desired functionality . This connection would normally be used when installation of a serial gateway module in the payload is impractical.

The Ethernet/Serial cable also contains a 4-wire (two twisted pair) 10Base-T Ethernet channel. This is connected to a 10Base-T hub in the main pressure vessel. Either a cable or wireless Ethernet links the AUV to a surface vessel.

Pro-Engineer drawings are available of the Ocean Explorer AUV. These drawings are in postscript files.

To download: hold the shift key and click on your choice:

• Side view
• Nose Offsets
• Extended Payload sections are also available. This example includes additional battery packs for a payload with unusually high power requirements.General View
• Parallel mid-body payload extension section is another option that is available.