Variometer
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Variometer
The variometer signal is simply the derivative of the barometer signal. It gives a much more accurate vertical speed signal than is possible with GPS. It would probably be best to filter and differentiate the analog pressure signal and then digitize. This kind of measurement is used by the flee flying community (hanggliding, paragliding, ballooning). A device that allows teams of pilots to share position and speed (with accurate vertical speed) data would be lots of fun. Variometer Reference
Hardware
References to applicable transducers:
Signal Conditioning
The absolute pressure signal needs to be:
- Differentiated
- Filtered
- Operational amplifiers in the following configuration:
See the signal conditioning example in this Application Note
It might be best to use a single chip solution if we can find the right fit e.g.: Max1464
A/D
We would need two A/D channels:
- Absolute Pressure - 12 bit minimum (calc needed)
- Differential Pressure - 10 bit minimum (calc needed)
Extending 8 bit sampling to a usable range for pressure sensing
Driver Code
The driver code samples the input channels and converts the input values from pressure to altitude:
The relationship between static pressure and pressure altitude is defined in terms of the properties of the International Standard Atmosphere. Up to 36,090 ft this can be expressed as:
<math> z =\left (1-\left(\frac{P_{ind}}{101.325}\right)^{0.190263} \right ) \times \frac{87.828}{0.00198122} </math>
Where:
- z = pressure altitude (meter)
- <math>P_{ind}</math> = static pressure (kPa)
These values are provided to listeners in multiple applications. The sample rate should be application adjustable to conserve power.
Application code
Applications can use the altitude data or combine the data with GPS and accelerometer data. Commonly Kalman filter/observer techniques are used to combine data from multiple sensor types into a robust(with respect to sensor noise), high accuracy estimate of position and speed in 3 axis.
References:
- The Kalman Filter: Navigation's Integration Workhorse
- Kalman Filter Portal from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Kalman Filter article on Wikipedia
Variometer Code
Combine measurements as described above. Apply knowledge about the aircraft dynamics to increase accuracy:
- Total Energy compensation
- Relative Netto Compensation - use accelerometer data to sense when glider is turning in a thermal
User Interface
- Display speed data in ergonomic manner.
- Display speed for pilots in group.
- Visual and audible guidance to pilot with best climb rate (given reasonable proximity)