Remote Fault Handling of a Teleoperated Robotic Power System

Abstract

This paper examines the use of telemetry on the power system of a prototype Mars rover designed to compete in the 2021 University Rover Challenge. The power system, comprising of the battery management system and power distribution boards, is controlled by two microcontrollers. These microcontrollers receive commands, transmit data, and monitor the status of the battery as well as the other subsystems on the rover. The microcontrollers provide remote current and voltage monitoring, as well as fault handling by the battery management system and the power distribution board. The microcontrollers communicate this telemetry to a remote base station over a 900 MHz ISM band radio link. This ensures the base station operators have accurate and timely information about the status of the rover and allows the operators to intervene or react quickly to any electrical issues.