The Prime is the real-time controller of any mobile robot: the digital controller that saves both time and resources. The Prime combines industrial robustness with a compact form-factor and an energy-efficient processor.
It is a physically small and lightweight system, with powerful computation capabilities and enough options regarding programming language. Through its modularity, you can easily add or remove modules from your stack. This makes the system flexible, scalable and durable. There are three different types of Primes available at this moment, that differ in robustness, IO and weight: Prime Exploration, Prime Industrial and Prime Rugged.
There is a Prime for every use-case and price point. We have developed three different types of Primes, to cater to all needs. These three differ in robustness, IO and weight. What they all have in common is ease-of-use, powerful computation power and their compact, lightweight design.
The Industrial Prime is ideal when developing a new industrial application and its waterproofness makes it crucial for outdoor applications. Its high-end connectors are reliable, robust and waterproof. All Industrial expansion modules are waterproof.
The Rugged Prime is recommended for high-end applications and built with the strongest, most robust components available. The push-pull connectors ensure that it can also be used in applications that require a high number of mating cycles.
Engineers without prior embedded programming experience use intuitive yet powerful graphical notation of MATLAB Simulink to create advanced control algorithms and enjoy the live-optimization features of External Mode. Experienced developers enjoy the full flexibility of a programming language.
The Prime has the ability to log variables and events at the frequency at which they occur, i.e., the control model update rate. By virtue of the Avular Echo (bus), high performance logging is also supported for any auxiliary (expansion modules).
Programming, monitoring and optimizing parameters is done live through Cerebra Studio; Avular’s own PC interface for the Essentials products. Cerebra Studio is suitable for prototype development phases, but also for OEM production environments where product assembly and periodic maintenance are performed. Using Cerebra Studio does not require a MATLAB license.
The Prime can be easily connected to onboard devices, as the most popular I/O interfaces are supported. The Prime can be equipped with more onboard sensors, power sources and electronic interfaces, by expanding your stack. Simply click on extra modules that suit your application best. These modules communicate through our in-house developed Echo internal bus communication system. We are currently developing these expansion modules and will launch them soon.
The Prime enables the highest computing power for real-time systems available. The Prime uses the i.MXRT1061 Crossover MCU with Arm® Cortex®-M7 Core; a high-performance, low-power crossover processor. It runs at 600 MHz with 1MB SRAM, 4 MB flash, and runs on Avular ArtOs. This enables you to get FPGA-like performances with the Prime.
It only takes four key steps to configurate the ideal Prime for your solution.
The Rugged Prime is perfect for high-end applications, the Industrial Prime is ideal when developing a new industrial application (especially outdoor and/or waterproof) and the Exploration Prime is recommended for cost-saving prototyping.
In order to make a completely modular Prime, we have added the functionality to expand your Prime. We’re currently developing multiple auxiliary modules that simply click onto a Prime to expand the functionalities. This way, you can cherry-pick the modules that fit the application best. A maximum of 128 modules will be able to get coupled, but contact us if you need more.
The Prime can be fully accessed and programmed in a single model in MATLAB Simulink. You can access all the data via our own software program Cerebra, which allows you to monitor and adjust your sensors and actuators via an encrypted connection.
We have developed Cerebra Studio completely in-house, based on our years of expertise within the field of mobile robotics. The user-friendly graphical user interface enables even engineers without prior embedded programming experience, to create advanced control algorithms and enjoy the live-optimization features of External Mode..
The Avular Echo is our in-house developed system bus to connect the major components inside the Prime. The Echo guarantees real-time processing for your mobile robotic application.
The Echo has 30 times more data-throughput than CAN, with very low latencies. Its data-throughput is so fast that complex movements can be actuated and sensors can be read and logged on the Prime at their internal sample frequencies. The Echo’s bus system is comparable to contemporary PLCs, but with much higher data transfer capacity.
The Echo is a synchronous full duplex serial communication protocol for which you do not need an excessive number of cables, yet is easy to connect. The Echo is the top of the line for real-time systems.
The Prime is easily accessible for wireless programming and flashing via the built-in Wi-Fi or USB. Simply choose the communication method that suits your application best. All connections are encrypted to keep your data safe. Bluetooth will be available as additional datalink soon, including for Primes sold now.
We’re currently developing additional long-range communication modules to build your stack. Examples of these modules are a point-to-point high-rate data link module and a 4G/5G module.
The Prime, its end cap and its expansion modules or auxiliaries are a modular system. The entire stack can be programmed from one central point (the Prime) but it is also possible to address each module separately. The software is structured in such a way that new software modules can easily be added or removed, without affecting the rest of the stack.
The various modules are configured such, that they can be attached to each other in a certain order, in a fool-proof manner: with a clicking mechanism. The clicking mechanism can be locked using the specially designed Avular locking tool.
Although Avular mainly focusses on mobile robotics, the Avular Prime can also be used in other use cases – it can be used to program any type of actuator and sensor reading. As such, it can also be used to control mechatronic systems such as a robotic arm or any complete set-up.
The Prime is also a very useful tool for educational purposes. Students or new employees can familiarize themselves with MATLAB Simulink or embedded programming using the Prime. Please contact us about the possibilities.
