Kovan is another offering from Sutajio Ko-Usagi, the Open Source hardware company led by Andrew 'bunnie' Huang. Kovan is a smart robotics controller targeted at applications that require fully autonomous operation and high levels of integration. Kovan integrates onto a single PCB all the features you need to build a self-guided robot:
Actuator capability:
- 4x 1.2A H-bridge motor drivers
- 4x servo drivers
Sensing capability:
- 8x 10-bit analog inputs (5v/3.3v selectable range)
- 8x digital I/O (5v/3.3v selectable levels)
- Rapid-prototyping headers
- 3-axis accelerometer
Connectivity:
- 802.11b/g wifi
- 2x USB 2.0 ports
- 2x 3.3V UART (one console, one expansion)
- IR rx & demodulator
- IR tx (modulation done in FPGA)
UI:
- LCD + touchscreen connector (natively supports 3.5" screen)
- Mono audio output
- Pushbutton and status LED indicators
Processing:
- Linux core running on 800 MHz ARM w/128 MB DDR2 + microSD for firmware - FPGA co-processor enabling hard real-time control extensions & advanced image processing extensions
Battery:
- Integrated 2-cell Li-Ion battery charger (C=1.5A) (note: battery or battery emulator required for proper operation)
The native development environment for Kovan is based upon OpenEmbedded, the same system used by the Beaglebone. Sutajio Ko-Usagi's PCBA-only version of Kovan comes with C and Python support out of the box, so you can get started right away with development -- no need to set up cross-compilers. For more information on the software environment, please visit Kosagi's site.
The package offered in limited quantities at Adafruit for $249 is the Kovan main board and power supply for development use, configured as a battery emulator, intended for intermediate and advanced developers who can roll their own battery and casing solution.
This board is the heart of the 501©(3) non-profit KISS Institute for Practical Robotics' next-generation controller, valued at $400. KIPR's solution will come with a case, integrated battery, LCD, speaker, and an enhanced development environment suitable for entry level hobbyists and students; it will be available for purchase in January at the Botball store.
