This week, I focused on identifying technical challenges and quantitative and qualitative metrics for testing and verification to incorporate in the project proposal slides. In particular, I identified 4 primary technical challenges: the need for effective analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, picking a microcontroller with sufficient memory storage corresponding to our desired sampling rate and effects, sizing our pedal appropriately, and creating an easy-to-use user interface. I also identified the need for testing equipment such as an oscilloscope and simulation software to measure quantitative aspects of our input and output signals to verify functionality and the usage of qualitative feedback from experienced musicians to ensure that our pedal satisfies potential users of our product. In addition to detailing the above parts of our proposal presentation, I began researching ADC and DAC options online and within the Autodesk Fusion360 libraries, keeping the context of our project in mind. I am taking on hardware/PCB responsibilities for our project, so I looked into the PCB design process, namely the tapeout process and the rough timeline for the fabrication process. This was then incorporated into our Gantt chart. Finally, I looked into the specs of the Daisy microcontroller and conducted a preliminary inspection of its features to ensure that it meets the needs of our project (at least for now).
Most of my work for this past week was planning-related and there were not any tangible deliverables. Hence, my progress is on schedule.
Over the next week, I hope to be able to finalize all hardware components needed for our project. This includes any user interface LCD screens, knobs on the pedal, and PCB details. I would also like to begin working on the PCB schematics. I will continue to look into the Daisy microcontroller functionality, though that will primarily be handled by Josie.