6 MONTHS PROJECT SEMESTER REPORT ON

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT

OF PC BASED FIRING
CONTROL UNIT

Submitted by

Navdeep Ojha
225/99
ELECTRONICS (INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROL)
JULY 2002

DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF PC

BASED FIRING CONTROL UNIT

6 MONTHS PROJECT SEMESTER REPORT

Submitted to

ELECTRONICS & INSTRUMENTATION DEPTT

For the partial fulfillment of degree of

Bachelor of engineering
in
Electronics & Instrumentation Engg.

Harbans Lal
(Project Incharge)
Joint Director,
Zone III, TBRL,
Chandigarh.

Anu Sachdeva
BE 11706431
E.I.E
I.E.T. BHADDAL
ROPAR

TERMINAL BALLISTICS RESEARCH LABORATORY

DEFENCE R&D ORGANIZATION
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT. OF INDIA
SECTOR-30, CHANDIGARH, INDIA-160020
FAX: 91-172-657506
0172-651824,651825,651826

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Navdeep Ojha, Roll No. BE 225/99, of Thapar Institute of
Engineering and Technology (TIET), Patiala has undergone six months project semester
industrial training from Jan 9, 2002 to July 9, 2002 at Terminal Ballistics Research Lab
(TBRL), Chandigarh. He was assigned the project titled Design and development of
PC based firing control unit.
The work reported meets the standards necessary for partial fulfillment of requirement of
degree of B.E. Electronics (Instrumentation and Control) awarded by Thapar Institute of
Engineering and Technology (deemed university).

Place: Chandigarh

( Harbans Lal )

Date:

Deputy Director,
Zone-III

TERMINAL BALLISTICS RESEARCH LABORATORY

DEFENCE R&D ORGANIZATION
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT. OF INDIA
SECTOR-30, CHANDIGARH, INDIA-160020
FAX: 91-172-657506
0172-651824,651825,651826

DECLARATION
This is to certify that the project report titled Design and development of PC based
firing control unit submitted by Navdeep Ojha, Roll No. BE 225/99, student of B.E
Electronics (Instrumentation and Control), Thapar Institute of Engineering and
Technology, Patiala (deemed university) is a record of the students own work. The work
presented has been done by him under my supervision and guidance.
The reported work is of desired standards and has not been submitted in any other university or institution
for the award of any other degree or credentials.

(Harbans Lal)
Project Incharge

Acknowledgement
I would like to express my sincerest thanks to the director of TBRL,
Padam Shri Sh.V.S.Sethi, for permitting me to undergo 6-months industrial
training in this institute.
It is with deep affection and appreciation that I acknowledge my
indebtedness to Mr. Harbans Lal Joint Director (Zone 3), not only for his
enlightening guidance and enthusiastic interest but also for his ever available
help & cooperation.
I also express my gratitude to Ms. Rajesh Kumari (Scientist D) for
her constructive discussions, healthy criticism and persistent encouragement
that has brought this project to its present stage.
I sincerely thank Mr.Dhan Prakash, Pankaj Sajan, Jatinder Pal, Ms.
Shalini and all the others in the lab for their timely help and cooperation.
In the end I would like to thank my family who provided me help
backstage and whose blessings I always treasure.

HITESH PURI

About the organization

1.1 Terminal Ballistics Research Lab
Aim of the laboratory: To conduct basic and applied research work in detonics,
energetic materials, blast & damage, defeat of armour, immunity, lethality; design,
development and performance evaluation of new armament stores.
The Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh came into being in 1961 and
has been equipped with a set of sophisticated instruments/techniques to obtain accurate
and reliable data on terminal ballistics. By well thought of design of experiments, the
laboratory is capable of getting a complete picture of the complex phenomena of weapontarget interaction. The data obtained has immensely helped the armament designer and
has also provided very useful information to the engineers in designing protective
structures immune against weapon attacks.
The range is divided into eight specialized technical zones which have been so designed
to conduct trials independent of each other. The instrumentation techniques installed in
this lab can be broadly categorized into three groups namely oscillographic, radiographic
and photographic. Following are some of the specialized facilities available at TBRL:

High speed and ultra high speed framing and streak cameras

High velocity pin oscillographic techniques

Flash radiography

Blast instrumentation

Multi channel spark photography technique

Electron microscope and allied instruments for metallographic studies

Fragment launching gas gun for hyper velocity impact phenomena studies

High speed data acquisition systems

Precision casting and machining of explosives

Warm isostatic press for plastic bonded explosives

Pilot plants for HMX and PBX

Rail Track Rocket Sled a national test facility

During my training, I was associated with Blast and Damage Studies zone,
which is engaged in instrumentation studies carried out for assessment of response and
damage pattern of variety of structures. These structures may be above ground,
underground or underwater and hence are subjected to air blast, ground shock and
underwater shock. Various types of instrumentation techniques are employed to record
the terminal effects of explosives. Blast and damage study is related to effects and kill
mechanisms of blasts. It takes into consideration the various parameters related to blast
like peak over pressure, duration, impulse and shock. Damage due to blast is defined as
kill mechanism of the blast. Various kill mechanisms of air blasts are

Primary blast effect.

Tertiary blast effect.

Blast generating fragments.

Similarly are the kill mechanisms of underground blast

Minor or major cracks.

Broken windows.

Fallen of buildings.

For the underwater blasts the important effects are

Shattering effect, and

Heaving effect

The zone also deals with various sensors, signal conditioners and computer-based
data acquiring systems for measurement and analysis of intense shock and structure
response. I was associated with both lab and field activities for studying the effects of
free air explosions.
1.2 Study of blast phenomenon:
The detonation of explosive convert the original material into gases products at a very high temperature
(3000oC) and pressure (150Kbar) .The conversion takes place at very high speed releasing a large amount
of energy into the atmosphere in very short duration. The measurement of these events requires very
accurate and sophisticated instruments, having time resolution of the order of microseconds. I was involved
in use of various types of equipments and sensors to record the transient events occurring at the time of

explosion. During the training period I was associated both lab as well as field activities for studying the
effects of

1. Free air explosion

2. Under water explosion.
3. Under ground explosion.
Free air explosion:
Blast damage and evaluation studies are essential activities for assessment of terminal
effects of high explosive bombs /warheads. These studies also play a major role in design
and construction of blast resistant structures using innovate concept of shock observing
techniques and construction materials.
When there is an explosion in atmosphere a system of shock waves called blast waves are
generated. In explosion blast wave is formed due to release of high pressure gases into
atmosphere at a supersonic speed, surrounding atmosphere gets compressed due to this
and results in formation of blast wave. To study the blast profile at a particular distance
the following instruments are involved.
1. Blast gauge (Transducer)
2. Charge to voltage converter
3. Charge to voltage amplifier
4. Filter stage
5. Analog interfacing
6. Analog to digital converter
7. Charge simulator.
The measurement of blast events requires very accurate and sophisticated
instruments, having time resolution of few microseconds. In all the instrumentation
techniques, the basic system consists of a suitable transducer such as pressure sensor,
strain gauges, PZT gauge; a signal conditioner such as charge amplifier, strain meter etc.
and recording equipment such as an oscilloscope, or a magnetic tape recorder.

1.2.1 Sensors
Blast gauge:
The fact that some materials produce an electrical charge on their faces when
subjected to a mechanical strain along certain axis and thereby exhibiting the phenomena
known as piezoelectricity has for a long time been used in the construction of pressure
transducers. The choice of this type of transducer for air blast gauges is fairly obvious as
it is probably the most robust, reproducible and linear. These advantages have to be paid
for in terms of low signal output and need to pay considerable attention to electrical
insulation but this is considered worthwhile in order to make accurate measurements of
air blast parameters.
The choice of piezoelectricity type of transducer for free air blast gauges is fairly
obvious as it is
1. Mechanically robust
2. Offer the highest frequency response
3. Non - pyroelectric
4. Chemically stable
5. Insensitive to humidity
6. No hysterisis effects
7. Reproducible
8. Linear response
Pyroelectric effects (the appearance of the charge on the faces of crystal due to a
change in temp of crystal) are observed with materials such as Barium Titanate and
Tourmaline. Other materials such as lithium Sulphate, Rochelle salt, are very brittle and
sensitive to humidity conditions.
Advantages in selecting the quartz crystal as sensing element:
1. Chemically stable.
2. Free from hysterisis.
3. Mechanically stable.
4. Available as a high quality material.

5. Non-pyroelectric.
Disadvantages of quartz crystal:
1. Low piezoelectric constant.
2. It is not sensitive to hydrostatic pressure.
These disadvantages can be obviated by using multiple crystal piles and by ensuring that
pressure is applied only to certain faces of crystal.
A quartz crystal is oriented with respect to three orthogonal axes designated X, Y
& Z. Z-axis is one of the optical symmetry. Light passed through crystal along this axis
suffers no change in polarization. X and Y-axes are polar axis, mutually perpendicular to
each other and perpendicular to Z- axis. When the crystal is strained in the direction of a
polar axis only, charge separation occurs. Equal and opposite charges are induced in the
conductors placed on surfaces cut perpendicular to a polar axis and the charge is the
linear function of the strain.
Components required for the construction of a pile are

12 X-cut quartz crystals

13 Copper foil electrodes

2 Dural pistons

Locking rings and neoprene pads

Prior to assembly the quartz crystals are checked for polarity and faces are

marked accordingly. Essentially this involves placing the crystal on a grounded plate and
applying the pressure on a metal electrode placed on the other surface. The polarity of
charge collected by the electrode is determined by connecting the crystal to DSO and
observing the deflection.
The blast gauge consists of pile of 12- octagonal x-cut quartz crystal of
approximate 0.001-inch thickness, 1.0-inch diameter. The crystal faces are of evaporated
aluminium or gold. The pile is formed to increase the gauge sensitivity. All 12 crystals are
assembled with proper polarity axis marker with copper foil electrodes. Both sides of
copper foil are coated with a solution of pure bitumen dissolved in benzene and allowed
to dry. This assembly is kept in a temperature-controlled oven at 140oC for two hours.

The pile is cooled in vacuum for 24 hours after which it is cleaned with benzene to get
extra bitumen out. The following figure shows a gauge pile assembly.

ELECTRODE

Fig 1.1: Crystal and electrodes used in gauge.

Copper foil tabs, which form the alternate electrode, are grouped and soldered. The
insulation resistance measured from insulation tester is more than 50000 - 60000 M ohm.
CRYSTAL

+
secondary
explosive

+
+

Fig 1.2: Gauge pile construction.

A test pressure of 1kg/cm2 is applied at each side of the pile to confirm the proper
addition to crystal electrode .The complete pile is assembled in a brass body, having an

aerodynamic shape. The gage has sensitivity of 100pc/psi, and natural frequency of 200
kHz. It can be used for pressure measurement in the range of 1-200psi.

Fig 1.3: Blast gauge for measuring blast pressure.

The figure above shows a typical blast gauge used for measuring the pressure produced
during blast.

Fig 1.4 various

gages used for measuring blast parameters.

Various other gages used are Lollipop gage, under water gage and PZT gage normally
called as shock arrival gage. Figure above shows the four gages generally used in blast
and damage studies.
1.2.2 Signal conditioners
Charge amplifier:
The charge amplifier, which is the heart of blast instrumentation, converts charge into
voltage and is useful for carrying out field blast measurements. It can be used for
measurement of both free air as well as under water explosive pressures. Charge
amplifier consists of following stages:

Trans
ducer
out

Low Pass
filter
14KHz
Charge to
Voltage
Converter

Sensitivity
control

Amplifier
and gain
control

O/P
Low pass
filter
150 KHz

Charge
simulator

Fig 1.5: Block diagram of Charge amplifier.

Charge to voltage converter stage uses an Operational-amplifier as input stage. The
configuration of the Operational-amplifier with the capacitor of different values in the
ratio of 1:10:100 in the feedback loop operates as an integrator and integrates the current
at the input. This input current is the result of charge developed across the high
impedance piezoelectric elements inside the gauge. The amplifier works to nullify this
current and thus produces output voltage proportional to the charge. The low frequency
cut off limit of 1Hz is determined by feedback resistance placed parallel to the feedback
capacitors. These resistances are in the ratio of 100:10:1 with references to the capacitors.

Transducer Sensitivity Control: It is a voltage amplifier stage. The sensitivity control

varies the gain of this stage inversely with the transducer sensitivity, which establishes a
direct relationship between the applied pressure and the amplifier output making it
independent of the transducer sensitivity. The transducer sensitivity can be set accurately
upto three decimal places over a range of 1pc/psi to 110pc/psi (14.22 pC per Kg/cm 2 to
1564.20 pC per Kg/cm2)
The sensitivity of charge amplifier is not affected by the change in capacitance caused by
changing cable length. When very long cables are used, the high frequency response is
slightly attenuated.
Amplification and Gain Control: The output of the second stage is further amplified
nearly ten fold so that it can be measured easily and accurately. The
output is normalized at 1 volt for minimum range settings. It can deliver
the output voltage ten times of the normalized value. Thus it allows the
measurement of pressure over a wide range extending from 1psi to
10000 psi (0.703 Kg/cm2 to 703 Kg/cm2).
Filter stage consists of two low pass filters having 3db cut off frequency at 14KHz and
150KHz. With the introduction of these circuits, the charge amplifier is
made capable of measuring free air as well as under water explosive
pressures. The low frequency response of a charge amplifier is
determined by the time constant set by the feedback circuit along the
operational-amplifier and is unaffected by change in the input load
condition. Varying the feedback resistance changes the lower limiting
frequency.
Charge simulator: The feedback capacitors are put in the input stage must be accurately
set in the ratio of 1:10:100 in the three ranges. Practically there is slight variation in this
ratio due to tolerance limitation of capacitors. Therefore to maintain the accuracy of the
system, it must be calibrated for the particular range in use. For this purpose calibration
facility has been created with in the instrument itself. A charge simulator has been in

corrupted, which provides calibration signal in five steps from 10pC to 10000pC at
frequency of 1 KHz. The calibration signal can be fed internally to each channel one by
one through a channel select control. The output of charge simulator system is also
available externally in voltage form.
Gauge calibration:
It is necessary to determine the gauge sensitivity before the gauge is used in the field.
There are two types of calibration processes: static and dynamic. Static calibration is
done in the laboratory using a static calibration setup as shown.

Manometer

Blast
Gauge
Release
valve
Cellofin
Sheet

+
_

Compressor

Solenoid

Charge
Amplifier

Fig 1.6: Quasi-static calibration of blast gauges

DSO

The gauge is fitted inside a small chamber which is mounted on a bigger chamber. The
two chambers are separated by a cellophane diaphragm which is pre-heated in an oven to
avoid sagging when pierced. The big chamber is filled with air to a pressure of 10 psi.
The diaphragm is punctured by a solenoid with a pointed pin. The gauge senses the
sudden release of air pressure. The signal from the gauge is fed to a charge amplifier, the
output of which is fed to an oscilloscope.
The sensitivity of the gauge is calibrated from the relation:
G= (total charge in pc x gauge deflection)/ (Cal. Deflection x chamber pressure)
The deflection due to gauge and calibration signal is measured from the records. The
chamber pressure is taken from a mercury manometer, just prior to puncturing the
diaphragm. Total charge in pico-coulomb is obtained from the chart prepared from
measurements of the components of the preamplifier and calibration voltage.
Dynamic calibration
The blast gauges are subjected to dynamic calibration trials to determine errors in
measurements and spurious response of the gauges due to defective assembly. Standard
spherical explosive charge are utilized with blast gauges symmetrically positioned as
shown in figure below:

Fig 1.7 Field set up of free air blast.

G2

G3

G1 Charge

G4

Distance of gauges from the charge:

G1

One Meters

G3

Three Meters

G2

Two Meters

G4

Four Meters

In practice a minimum of four gauges are mounted around the explosive charge
either at the same distance or at different distances in a line, all depending upon the
experimental requirements.
1.3 Blast Wave
One of the most significant measurements in experimental study of an explosive
is the blast wave, generated in surrounding medium when charge is detonated. Blast wave
originates at the charge and is propagated outwards and away from the charge at a
velocity which depends on nature of the charge i.e. geometry, size, type of explosive.
Initially, the pressure rises abruptly at the leading edge of the wave (shock front),
and then decreases continuously. This decrease may reduce the pressure to below the
ambient pressure; phases of continuous increase may also be observed .The primary
shock moves with a velocity greater than the velocity of sound in the medium ahead of it.
Eventually the pressure at any point must revert to the measurement, dependent on
pressure being recorded.
Involving above mentioned instrumentation systems we have evaluated following
blast parameters. Figure below shows one of the blast results:

Peak-over
Pressure

Impulse

Negative
impulse

Duration

Fig 1.8: Blast wave showing various parameters.

PEAK OVER PRESSURE

This is the pressure jump of blast wave phase measured by excess pressure above the
atmospheric pressure. It is also defined as the maximum pressure above the atmospheric
pressure level of the positive phase of the blast wave.

DURATION
It is a measure of time period elapsed between the arrivals of shock wave at the

point up till the peak over pressure becomes zero i.e. equal to atmospheric pressure.

IMPULSE
This is the important parameter to determine extend of damage. In pressure time

curve, it may be defined as area under the curve i.e. specific impulse (impulse/unit area).
It depends on peak over pressure, duration and decay constant. The blast parameters
calculated from blast profile contribute to define the damage on different targets.
If the response time of the structure is high compared to blast duration then,
impulse is taken as damage criteria. If the response time is small compared to duration of
load then peak over pressure is the criterion for the damage. In case both are compared
the peak over pressure and impulse are considered for accessing the damage in structures.

Some typical damage effect of blast, based on pressure criteria is obtained by using above
set of instrumentation: 1. 14 Kg/cm2

Severe internal injury to human beings.

2. 2.5 Kg/cm2

Lungs injury.

3. 1.6 Kg/cm2

Damage to brick structure.

4. 1 Kg/cm2

Eardrum burst.

5. 0.02 Kg/cm2

Damage to windowpanes.

1.4 Underwater shock study

Under water techniques are used for studying the following phenomenon.
1. Comparison of explosive performance used in different types of naval warhead.
2. Heat of detonation /energy of unknown explosives can be determined.
3. Shock energy in primary & secondary shocks is estimated, for the performance
evaluation of explosive related with its shattering and heaving power.
Under water explosion facility in T.B.R.L consists of tank fabricated from 20 mm thick
mild steel plate. Tank is 6 m diameter & 6m in depth. 1/3 of tank is embedded in ground,
to make it able to with stand high pressure. Small spherical charge up to the weight of
100g of explosive can be carried out in the tank. Pressure transducers are required to
position at required depth and at predetermined distance from point of explosion to
record the blast profile.

Fig 1.9: Water tank used in under water trials.

The figure above shows the water tank of TBRL in which underwater trials are
conducted.
1.5 Underground shock study:
Underground shock studies are conducted for the following objectives:
1. The assessment of damage due to creating & ground shock effects to structures by
under ground explosive and optimization of depth of burst for maximum damage.
2. Used to calculate the safety distance for the structures
3. To define different damage on structures subjected to ground shocks.
In underground explosions most of the energy is released is irreversible, transferred to
the immediate neighborhood of explosion. In the near region it results in formation of a
crater depending on depth of burst. At far of region stress level falls off below the elastic
limit and it degenerates into seismic waves. These waves carry small amount of energy,
about 2-3%.

Depending on the proximity of the target from the point of explosion the ground motion
results in the damage of buildings and other structures. In evaluating the structure-ground
motion interaction, the work is divided under as
1. Measurement and prediction of ground motion.
2. Measurement and prediction of damaged structures as a result of ground shocks.
In close vicinity of underground explosion the particle acceleration is of the order of 10

g to 105 g. As this shock travels in the surrounding soil it decays very fast into ground
motion. The dominant frequency in ground motion lies between 1-30Hz.
The instrumentation system used for capturing ground motion in this region is as
under.
1. Geophone
2. Accelerometer
3. Blast mate
4. Etna accelerograph
1. GEOPHONE:
The geophone is velocity transducer consists of a permanent bar magnet, which
moves up, & down within a long coil of two windings. When frequency of vibration is
higher than natural frequency of suspended system, the seismic mass remains in fixed
position and the case with the coil vibrate about it. The sensitivity is constant above the
resonance frequency.
The typical transducers used for measurement of ground particle velocity are triaxial
geophone of sensitivity 29V/m/s are:
Vertical uniaxial geophone of sensitivity 20V/m/s and natural frequency of 10Hz.
Uniaxial horizontal geophone of sensitivity of 19V/m/s, with a natural frequency of
10Hz
2. ACCELOROMETER:
Accelerometer is an instrument used to measure shock and vibration. It can be
initialized by mass element connected to the case by spring and a damping medium. The
transducing elements produces an electrical output proportional to the displacement of

the mass element relative to the case and also proportional to the acceleration applied to
the case.
Accelerometer use a sensing method in which acceleration acts on a seismic mass
(proof mass) that is restrained by and whose motion is usually damped in a spring mass
system.
Damper
Mass

Spring

Simplified model of accelerometer

When acceleration is applied to accelerometer case the mass moves relative to the
case. When acceleration stops, the spring returns the mass to its original position. If
acceleration is applied in opposite direction to the transducer case, the spring would be
compressed rather than extended.
Under steady state conditions displacement of seismic mass is given by equation
We have

F= k X

Where , K =spring constant

X = displacement of seismic mass

3. BLASTMATE:
Blast Mate is used to record full field analysis of an event i.e., peak particle velocity, peak
acceleration, peak displacement, peak vector sum, zero crossing frequency and peak air
(sound) pressure.
Using the Blast Mate we can do event monitoring. Event monitoring measures both
ground vibrations and air pressure. Blast mate measures transverse, vertical and
longitudinal ground vibrations. Transverse ground vibrations agitate particles in a side to
side to motion. Vertical ground vibrations agitate particles in an up and down motion.
Longitudinal ground vibrations agitate particles in a forward and backward motion
progression outward from the event site. Events also affect air pressure by creating what

is commonly referred to as air blast. By measuring air pressures, we can determine the
effect of air blast energy on structures measured on the linear L scale or as perceived
by the human ear, measured on the A weight scale.
Theory of operation:
TRANSDUCER:
A transducer used is a geo phone, which measures ground particle vibrations. Geo-phones
can be categorized as uniaxial transducers and triaxial transducers. Uniaxial transducers
measure particle velocity in one direction. Triaxial transducers measure particle velocity
in three directions i.e. x ,y ,z .
GEO-PHONE OPERATION:
Functionally a geo-phone sensor is a coil of wire suspended around a magnet. The
magnet is free to move in a field of magnetic flux lines. By Lenzs law induced voltage is
proportional to the speed at which flux lines are traversed. Induced coil voltage is
therefore proportional to the relative velocity of the coil to the magnet. In practice, it does
not matter whether the coil or the magnet moves only the motion and speed relative to
each other are important.

COIL

INDUCED
VOLTAGE

Direction of motion of magnet

Relative to coil
Magnet

GEOPHONE SENSOR OPERATION

Geo-phone sensor specifications give a number known as the Intrinsic voltage
sensitivity. It is the coil voltage induced for a given coil versus magnet speed with units
of V/in/sec. In seismic applications, the magnet is moved by the blast energy because it is
coupled to the particles of the surrounding terrain. The coil, because of its inertia, doesnt
move and the resulting magnet versus coil motion induces a voltage, which is
proportional to particle velocity.
MICROPHONE:
The microphone measures air pressure. There are two types of microphones, linear L
(standard) and A weight (optional).
MEASUREMENT SCALES:
The Blast Mate supports two sound pressure measurement scale: linear L and A
weight:

LINEAR L:

Linear measurement is generally used to measure the effect of low frequency air pressure
on buildings. The linear scale records sound pressure without modification in the 2 to 300
Hz range. Measurement units may be in absolute, Pascal or relative dB scales.

A WEIGHT:

A weight measures noise levels people may consider an annoyance. The signal is then
converted to root mean square (RMS).
Units are measured using the decibel scale dB (A).
SOUND PRESSURE:
The Blast Mate III calculates two sound pressure parameters i.e., peak sound pressure and
zero crossing frequency, recorded by the microphone.

Peak sound pressure (psp):

The Blast Mater III checks the entire event waveform and displays the largest
sound pressure called the peak sound pressure, also referred to as the peak air
over-pressure.

Zero crossing frequency (zc freq):

The zero crossing frequency calculates the event waveforms frequency at the
largest peak for sound pressure.
FEATURES:
1)

Full waveform event analysis

2)

Multiple record modes---single shot, continuous, auto record

3)

300 full wave form event capacity

4)

Full PC compatibility

5)

Variable sample rates

6)

On-line Help

7)

Upgradeable

8)

Rugged design

SPECIFICATIONS:
Seismic:

Range

254 mm/s

Resolution

0.127mm/s to 0.0159mm/s

Trigger levels 0.127mm/s to 254mm/s in steps of 0.01mm/s

Air linear: Range
Resolution

2 Pa to 500 Pa
0.1 dB above 120 dB

Trigger levels 100 148 dB in 1 dB steps

Accuracy

A Weight (optional)

0.2 dB at 30 Hz and 127 dB

Range

50 to 110 dB in steps of 0.1 dB

(Impulse response = 35 ms)

Sampling rate

standard 1024 samples per second per

Channel to 16384 (8192 for 8 channel)

Event storage

Full wave

300 standard, 900 and 1500 optional

Form events

at standard sample rates of 1024.

Frequency response

2 to 300 Hz

Ground and air

Independent of record time

4. ETNA ACCELEROGRAPH:
Etna is used for the measurement of the ground particle acceleration at the time of under
ground explosion. The block diagram of the Etna is as shown.

Oscillator

Capacitive

Demodulator

Amplifier

Transducer

Calibration
Coil

Functional

Analog

Test Pulse

Output

Calibration
Control

Block Diagram Of Etna

WORKING PRINCIPLE:
The oscillator applies an AC signal of opposite polarity to the two moving capacitor
plates. When the accelerometer is zeroed and when no acceleration is applied, these
plates are symmetrical to the fixed central plate and no voltage is generated.
Acceleration causes the coil and Capacitive sensor plates, (which are a single assembly
mounted on mechanical flextures), to move with respect to the fixed central plate of the
capacitive transducer.

This displacement results in a signal on the center plate of the capacitor, which become
unbalanced, resulting in an AC signal of the same frequency as the oscillator being
passed to the amplifier. The amplifier amplifies this AC signal. This error signal is then
passed to the demodulator where it is synchronously demodulated and filtered, creating a
DC signal in feed back amplifier. The feed back loop compensates for this error signal by
passing current through coil to create a magnetic restoring force to balance the capacitor
plates back to their original null position.
The current traveling through the coil is thus directly proportional to the applied
acceleration. By passing this current through a complex impedance consisting of a
resistor and capacitor, it can be converted to voltage output proportional to acceleration
with a bandwidth of approximately 200 Hz. Selecting a particular resistor values are
determined by a high accuracy network, so the range can be set at 0.25g, 0.5g, 1g, 2g and
4g without re-calibrating the sensor span. The capacitor and overall loop is selected along
with resistor to ensure an identical transfer function on each range. The voltage output of
the resistor capacitor network is set at 2.5volts for the acceleration value corresponding to
the particular range. This voltage is then applied to the amplifier. The low power
amplifier amplifies this signal by either 1 or 4 to give a single ended output of either 2.5
or 10volts. A second amplifier is also present which inverts the signal form the first and
can be connected to the negative output lead. The system is used to study the ground
acceleration; it has built in triaxial forced balanced accelerometer, which has a range of
4g, with a nature of frequency of 100 Hz. The system has built ion 2Mb flash memory
with an addition of PCMCIA memory card to extend its memory capacity up to 8Mb. The
system has internal battery of 12V and 6.5 Ampere-hour and the sample rate of the
system is 100-250 cycles per second with 18- bit resolution. The system has three channel
frequency response is DC-80Hz Features:
(1) Each coil is equipped with a calibration coil. Applying a current to this simulates the
effect of acceleration applied to the sensor.
(2) The calibration coils are open circuit in normal, to prevent cross talk and noise pick
up. To utilize this, the enable signal must be activated by a DC voltage 5 volts to 12
volts with respect to ground.
SPECIFICATIONS:

Full scale range

: + 4g

Frequency response

: DC to 80 Hz @sps

Resolution

: 18-bit resolution @sps

sampling rate

: 100, 200, 250 sps.

Input range

: + 2.5volts.

The tables below show the damage pattern by ground acceleration and particle velocity.
Table 1: Damage pattern by ground acceleration
No damage:

<0.1g

Minor damage:

0.1-1g

Major damage:

>1g

Table 2: Damage pattern and ground particle velocity

No damage:

2.8 inch/sec

Fine cracking of plaster:

4.3 inch/sec

Cracking:

6.3 inch/sec

Serious cracking:

9.1 inch/sec

Table 3: Human Threshold for ground vibration

Just perception:

0.01- 0.03 inch/sec

Clearly perceptible:

0.03- 0.1 inch/sec

Annoying:

>= 0.1 inch/sec

1.6 Cables used for data transmission:

The signal from the blast gauge is brought into the control room using special coaxial
cables. The cable used in blast and damage study is anti microphonic low noise cable.
It has special graphite coating above the inner signal carrying wire to ground any noise
signal if present.
The important specifications of the cable used are:
1. Characteristic impedance:

75 ohm at 1MHz frequency in unbalanced condition

2. Frequency rate of operation:

1 MHz at 3dB gain

3. Breakdown voltage:

2.7KV

4. Nominal capacitance:

69pF/m

5. Nominal attenuation:

0.46 dB/100ft for 1MHz

6. Inner diameter:

0.193mm, 14 strands

7. Plain annealed copper polythene insulation: 5.08mm

8. Graphite conducting layer:

5.59mm

9. Outer conductor plain annealed copper:

6.48mm

10. Overall diameter with outer PVC sheath:

8.0mm

1.7 Other instruments used in blast and damage study:

1.7.1 LCR meter:
The LCR meter bridge is an instrument used to measure the inductance, capacitance,
resistance and Q-factor of any component. In blast and damage study, this meter is used
to calculate the parameters of anti-microphonic cables
There is a special input probe connected to the crocodile clips that hold the component.
The digital display on the meter directly gives us the value of the selected parameter. We
can select whether we want absolute values or relative values (with specified reference)
as percentages.
There are three modes in the instrument
1. Auto: This means that the instrument will itself select whether the device is an
inductor, capacitor or resistor. The value is displayed in Henry, Farad or ohm.
2. LC: In this mode only the inductance or capacitance of the component will be
reported and not its resistance, even if it is predominant.
3. R: This mode displays the resistance of the component, be it a capacitor or
inductor.
Other selections that are available are:
1. Series; and
2. Parallel
This LCR meter is actually an AC bridge with the component under test forming
one of the arms. As each component has its own resistance, capacitance and
inductance it can be denoted and tested as any of the following two ways.

INDUCTOR

INDUCTOR

parallel

series
R

The low value components are measured in series combination and the higher valued
components in parallel.
Frequency selection: There are four frequencies to choose from as the bridge source.
1. 100Hz
2. 1KHz
3. 10KHz
4. 100KHz
There are certain optimum recommended values by the manufacturers for the various
combinations. Polarizing voltage can also be given to electrolytic capacitors for providing
a bias.

1.7.2 Strain meter:

If a metal conductor is stretched or compressed, its resistance changes on account of
the fact that both length and diameter of conductor changes. Also there is a change in
the value of resistivity of the conductor when it is strained and this property is called
piezoresistive effect. The strain gauges are used for measurement of strain and
associated stress. The gauge factor of strain gauge is given by the following formula.
Gauge Factor, K= R/R/L/L
where, R = change in resistance
R = Initial Resistance
L = change in length
L = Initial length of element.

Strain meter is used to show corresponding voltage or current for the strain
produced. Method of measuring strain uses a bridge composed of one strain gauge and
other resistances of same resistance value i.e. 120. This has an advantage of higher
output so it is widely applied to strain gauge based system.
In the quarter bridge with two wires, the affection to the lead wires due to change in
ambient temperature is roughly estimated as a strain of 5210-6/oC, when 10m long 2
parallel cables are used with 120 strain gage. This can be avoided by connecting bridge
as a quarter bridge in 3-wire system using three parallel cables. The third line is used for
connection to dummy arm of the bridge formed in bridge box to compensate the affection
of ambient temperature to lead wires.

B
STRAIN GAGE

Output
Voltage
Input
Voltage

Fig 1.10 Quarter 3-wire bridge connections.

Other connections in which gages can be connected are Full bridge, Half bridge etc.
Features:

High frequency response ranging from DC to 200KHz.

Built in low pass and high pass filter.

Output can be obtained as voltage or current.

Digital sensitivity setting method: First select rated output of instrument from the

range of 1 to 10V. Secondly set the strain value corresponding to the output with digital
switch provided.

1.7.3 Sound level measurement:

Pressure can also be measured by measuring the sound pressure level. The transducer
used in this technique is a microphone, which converts sound pressure into electrical
signals.
The basic principle of a microphone is that when pressure is incident on it, its
membrane starts vibrating. This vibration is picked up and is transduced into an
electrical signal. Pressure level is calculated in decibels where the threshold level of
sound intensity, 2x10-10 bar is taken as the reference level of 0 dB. The formula used
for conversion of dB level to actual level is
DB = 20 log10(P/P0)
where p = pressure in bars
p0 = 2*10-10 bar
The sound level meters used in the lab measure the dB level of blast. Using above
formula the actual pressure level obtained from the blast can be found.
The important considerations in using the sound level meters are:
1. Choosing the correct microphone: A choice has to be made between free-field
and diffused-field microphones. The usage depends on where the microphone
is to be used and what their application is. Other options include pre-polarized
and non-polarized microphones. A good knowledge of these is necessary
before one can get a good result in actual conditions.
2. Frequency weighting: Depending on the expected frequency response of the
explosive, the correct frequency weighting on the SLM has to be used. This is
essential to make sure that the required response signals are not attenuated.
3. Octave filters: Accessories such as octave filters are also required if a detailed
analysis of the response is to be made.
The SLM used in the lab is Bruel and Kjaer make. It is a portable device and can be
operated on a 6V battery for 8 hours. The important specifications of the unit are:

Maximum peak level: 153 dB

Frequency weighing: A, C, linear, all pass

8KB ROM and 64KB RAM, total 99 memories

Resolution:

0.1dB

Polarising voltage:

0V, 28V, 200V

Storage rate:

1 value/sec

The microphone used is free field prepolarized condenser microphone. It has a linear
frequency response till 10 KHz and has a sensitivity of 50mV/Pa.
The unit gives a direct display of the dB level of the ambient pressure. Additional values
reported include maximum pressure level, overrange and underrange.
1.8 Data recording elements
The information about the quantity under measurement has to be conveyed to the
personnel handling the instrument or the system for monitoring, control, or analysis
purposes. This function is done by data presentation element called recorders. In blast
instrumentation this job is assigned to high-speed oscilloscopes as below:

Digital Storage Oscilloscopes (D.S.O.).

Dual Phosphorus Oscilloscopes (D.P.O.).

Magnetic Recorders.

1.8.1 Digital Storage Oscilloscopes:

Digital storage oscilloscope is a tool for acquiring, displaying, and measuring waveform
signals. The DSO provides simultaneous multi-channel operation, as well as
measurement automation and waveform storage. Digital storage oscilloscope is available
in processing and non-processing type. Processing type include built in computing power,
which take advantage of the fact that all the data is ready in digital form. The inclusion of
interfacing and a microprocessor provides a complete system for information acquisition,
analysis and output. Processing capability ranges from simple functions (such as average,
area, rms, etc.) to complete Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectrum analysis capability.
DSO contains a hard copy plotter, which serve as digital scope high-speed recorders.
Non- processing digital scopes are designed as replacements for analog instruments or
both storage and non storage types. Their many features seen set to replace analog scope
entirely (within the bandwidth range where digitization is feasible). A unique facility
provided by the DSO is waveform math for inverting, adding, subtracting and multiplying

of waveforms. The TDS oscilloscope provides a means to mathematically manipulate the

waveforms. For example, if we have a waveform, which is clouded by background noise,
we can obtain a clear waveform by subtracting the background noise from original
waveform. The basic principle of a digital scope is given in the figure. Considering a
single channel of figure. The analog voltage input signal is digitized in a 10 bit A/D
converter with a resolution of 25 KHz. The total digital memory storage capacity is 4096
for a single channel, 2048 for two channels each and 1024for four channel each.

Analog Outputs (To CRO)

Digital
Output

10 Bit
A/D

12 Bit
A/D

Amplifiers
Output Control

Input
1

Attenuation
&
Offset

10 Bit
A/D

Attenuation
&
Offset

10 Bit
A/D

Attenuation
&
Offset

10 Bit
A/D

Attenuation
&
Offset

10 Bit
A/D

1024
Word
Memory

1024
Word
Memory

1024
Word
Memory

Record Control
Internal
Trigger
Circuit

External Trigger

DIGITAL STORAGE OSCILLOSCOPE

Timing
&
Mode
Logic

1024
Word
Memory

The scope operating controls are designed such that all confusing details are placed on
the backside and one appears to be using a conventional scope. Some digital scope
provides the facility of switching selectable to analog operation as one of the operating
modes.
The basic advantage of digital operation is storage capability, the stored waveform can be
repetitively read out, thus making transient appear repetitively and allowing their
convenient display on the scope screen.
The voltage and time scales of display are easily changed after the waveform has been
recorded, which allows expansion (typically to 64 times) of selectable portions, to
observe greater details.
A cross hair cursor can be positioned at any desired point on the waveform and the
voltage/time values displayed digitally on the screen.
Pre-triggering capability is also a significant advantage of DSO. Pre-triggering recording
allows the input signal preceding the trigger points to be recorded
An adjustable trigger delay allows operator control of the stop point, so that the trigger
may occur near the beginning, middle or end of the stored information.
GENERAL FEATURES:

100MHz bandwidth

Memory:

1K/channel

Sampling rate:

400MS/s

High resolution, high contrast LCD display with temperature compensation and
replaceable backlight.

Setup and waveform storage is possible in non-volatile memory.

Auto set for quick setup.

Waveform averaging and peak detection.

RS 232 communication port available for printing.

IEEE-488 interface available

1. Fast Fourier transforms: The FFT computes and displays the frequency contents of a
waveform, which is acquired on a math waveform. FFT is used in the following
applications:

Testing impulse response of filters and systems.

Measuring harmonic content and distortion in systems.

Identifying noise sources in digital logic circuits.

2. Waveform differentiation: This capability allows us to display a derivative math

waveform that indicates the instantaneous rate of change of the waveform acquired. The
derivative waveform is used in the measurement of slew rate of amplifier and in
analytical applications.
3. Waveform Integration: This capability allows display of integral math waveform as
an integrated version of acquired waveform.
Integral waveforms find use in the following applications:
1. Measurement of power and energy, such as in power supplies.
2. Characterizing the mechanical transducers, as in integration of output of accelerometer
to obtain velocity.
1.8.2 Digital Phosphorous Oscilloscope
Digital Phosphorous Oscilloscope is used for high-speed acquisition. The DPO
acquisition is made to produce a display that provides intensity information. DPO
acquisition mode reduces the dead time between waveform acquisition that normally
occurs when digitizing storage oscilloscope (DSO) acquire waveforms. The dead time
reduction enables DPO mode to capture and display transient deviations, such as glitches
or pulses often missed during longer dead times that accompany normal DSO operations.

Fig 1.11 Digital Phosphorous Oscilloscope.

DPO acquisition mode differs from the normal acquisition mode used by digital storage
oscilloscope. A normal DSO mode follows a capture waveform-digitize waveform
update waveform memory display waveform cycles. Normal modes misses short-term
deviations occurring during the long dead times. Typical waveform capture rate are 50
waveforms per second. DPO mode increases the waveform capture rate to 200,000
waveforms per second, updating the waveform array many times between displays. This
very fast capture rate greatly increases the probability that runts, glitches and other in
frequent events will accumulate in waveform memory.
The only disadvantage that DPO mode provides is that storage and later display of
waveforms is not possible.
General features:

Bandwidth:

500MHz

Memory:

50K/channel

Maximum sampling rate:

Computer compatible: waveform storage in floppy

Other display features also available

1GS/s

1.8.3 Magnetic recorder:

In recent years, need for recording and analyzing ultra wide-band measurements
such as acoustic data higher than the audible frequency are increasing rapidly in various

fields. Data recorders with ultra wide band frequency characteristics, portability,
compatibility etc are available. These have 4 channel * 160 KHz * 16 bit ultra-wide band
high-speed data recording capability. They apply new AIT technology, which enables
them to record 4 channel * 160 KHz measured data on the one cartridge in digital format
for 2 hours continuously.
AIT (Advanced intelligent tape) is new standard for high speed, large capacity
streamers (computer data backup). Today high-density magnetic recording technology
has achieved 25GB of storage capacity and 24 Mbps data transfer rate. The newly
developed AME (Advanced metal evaporated) tape assures remarkable output with
reliability and durability. The table of contents (TOC) information and file position
information is written into the in built memory.
The difference in the operation of magnetic recorders and digital storage
oscilloscopes is that a DSO is a trigger-based device. It would not store the signal if it is
not triggered. But the magnetic recorder is always ready and stores all the signals that are
input without any need for triggering.
Major Features:

Multichannel with analog wide band.

LSB digital channels with some sub channels.

Large capacity of AIT cartridge.

Error free recording.

Compatible i.e. data can be read out directly using computer.

Easy operation.

High quality recording and playback with low power consumption i.e.
1.6A at AC 100V and 7A at DC 12V.

1.8.4 GMM Graphical Multimeter:

The most widely used device in an instrumentation lab is a multimeter. The Fluke
863 GMM used in our lab has a wealth of new features that makes taking measurements
easier.

1. It has different displaying modes such as Combo mode, View mode, Meter mode
etc.
2. It also provides Auto Diode Test Mode.
3. It has one important key namely "Save and Print". GMM can use an optical serial
interface cable to communicate with a PC or printer.
4. Frequency display can be obtained in many ways such as Hz, duty cycle, pulse
width or period.
5. It provides a component test mode: It is used to measure the characteristics of
passive components in or out of circuit with no power applied. On connection
with the component it results in a pattern, which provides information about that
component.

Fig 1.12 The Fluke graphical multimeter.

The specifications of GMM are listed below:

Input Impedance:

10Mohm

Accuracy:

0.05% of reading + 2 digits

Amplitude resolution:

8 bits

Battery operating time:

6hrs

Battery recharge time:

16 hours minimum from full discharge

Measurement range:

3V 1000V

PC-based firing control unit

2.1

Introduction

2.1.1

Explosive:
A firing unit is a system used to detonate an explosive. An explosive consists of a

primary explosive and a secondary explosive. The primary explosive is a highly sensitive
substance that requires very little energy to explode and release shock which is used to
detonate secondary explosive. The secondary explosive is the one which actually releases
energy to be delivered to the surroundings for damage.

+
-

Det wire

Primary
explosive

Secondary
explosive

Fig 2.1: Explosive train showing detonator wire and explosive.

2.1.2

Firing control unit:

A firing control unit is a system that fires a detonator. It provides requisite energy

(20 mJ) to the detonator for its explosion. This is a very controlled process and requires
stringent safety measures. The firing is done when a safe signal is given by the trial
officer of the trial signifying that the area has been cleared.
The present firing control unit is a mechanically controlled device and has a lock
and key arrangement. After checking the detonator wire and the unit for any malfunction,
the trial officer locks the firing unit and gives the key to the safety officer. When the area
is cleared the safety officer passes back the key to the trial officer and the trial can then
be conducted.
The design and development of a computer controlled firing control unit to
obviate such a primitive-looking system is my assignment.
During my project semester I have been working on
1. Design, development and testing of prototype of PC controlled firing control unit.
2. Software development to make system computer controlled.

2.2

Block diagram and general working:

The general block diagram of the firing unit is shown below.

DC
Power
supply

Charge
storage
(Capacitor)

Discharging
circuit

Fig 2.2: Firing control unit block diagram

Continuity
check
circuit

Firing
circuit

Detonator

The circuit is compact and is operated by a 9 V DC power supply. The voltage

that charges the capacitor is generated by a 12V-300V DC-DC converter. The 300V DC is
used to charge a capacitor which holds the charge till the firing command is to be given.
A discharging circuit is also incorporated if firing is to be aborted.
The continuity check circuit allows us to check any discontinuity in the detonating
circuit before firing pulse is given. This is done to avoid any misfire. The last part is the
firing circuit which gives the trigger to the detonator and the full voltage across the
capacitor is made available to the detonator.
The most important aspect of the firing unit is safety. As the detonator is a highly
sensitive device which can be triggered even by static charge, the current to be passed
through the detonator must be very low during continuity check routine. Before the firing
pulse is given one should ensure that there should not be any leakage in the circuit
consisting of firing lead and detonator.
2.3

Features of the firing unit:

1.

Computer controlled:
The unit is interfaced to the computer with the parallel port. The application
executes the tasks asked for by the user and no other manual switching by the user
is required.

2.

No unauthorized access:
The unit is controlled by a computer and to enter the firing unit application a
password is required. This removes any glitches of the lock and key arrangement.
The unit hardware has no controls on the outside and is thus immune from
tampering.

3.

User-friendly:
The computer application is menu-based and can be easily operated by anyone
and on any computer. The present firing unit has been simulated on the computer
with a nice look and feel.

4.

Safety:
The firing unit has been designed for utmost safety. The system comprises of
many safety features starting from the password-enabled access. Then the

software initiates a hardware check where the computer port, cables and the
components are checked for any malfunction. When the system is running, the
software checks the hardware before and after any action is taken. If the firing is
aborted, the system itself goes into safe mode and then aborts.
System requirements:
1.

12V-300V, 30 mA max. output DC-DC converter: It is used for charging the

capacitor. The output voltage must be spike free and output current should not be
more than 50 mA. The converter is operated from a 12V, 4A battery.

2.

Capacitor 10 microF, 350V: It stores the charge for firing the detonator. The
capacitor should be able to store charge for some time (10 min) after switching off
its supply and not leak through the air.

3.

Solenoid relay 6V, 100 ohm: These are the heart of the firing unit. Each firing
routine is managed by control of the relays that are being used. I am using SPDT
solenoid relays which switch at 6V. An SPDT relay (single pole double throw) has
one pole and two connections NO (normally open) and NC (normally closed).
When no input is given to a relay it is connected to NC and when it is energized
the connection shifts to NO. Thus a switching action can be performed with the
control of a relay.
The computer operates the in a specific sequence and the firing procedure can be
completed successfully.

NC

NO

Fig 2.3: Internal view of a 6V solenoid relay

Six relays have been used in my circuit for the following applications:
Charging of capacitor
Discharging of capacitor
Checking continuity of detonating circuit
Firing pulse
5.

Solid state relay: These are also incorporated in the hardware in modules where
fool-proof operation is required. These relays have lower ranges but higher
accuracy.

4.

Optoisolator: It is a device used for isolation of the computer port from the
external power supplies. It has been explained later in detail.

5.

BJT: These have been used in the circuit for current amplification. A series of
transistors are used for higher beta amplification.

6.

Comparator: It is used in various modules for checking signal levels and errors
in the hardware.

A prototype of the circuit was first designed and tested. The relays were controlled using
separate power supplies.
Considerations while selecting a relay:
The relays used in the circuit are solenoid relays which are also known as non-polarized
DC relays. Their working principle is to open and close a series of contacts attached to a
movable magnetic core in an electrical coil by exciting/de-exciting the coil.
The essential characteristics of these relays are

Safety ensured by the electrical isolation between contacts of relay and driving
circuit.

Stability of the relay when subjected to impulse interference and other variations
in the supply voltage.

These relays are generally used in rugged environments and have poor accuracy in terms
of switching voltages and switching frequency. The important points to check out while
using a relay are
1. Control voltage (generally 6V-24V)

2. Power consumed by coil (this value is necessary to calculate the circuitry which
will control the relay).
3. Maximum current which can pass through the power contacts of the relay.
4. Maximum voltage that can be switched by the power contacts.
5. Switching capacity of power contacts (in AC or DC).
6. Switching time of relay.
2.4

Working of the system:

The system operates in a set procedure although there is room for flexibility. The

user can select what action he wants to perform from the software menu. The interaction
with the hardware is done through the bidirectional parallel port. The following diagram
helps to understand the system better.

K1

K1
3

1
2

9V DC

1
2

12V
DC

R ELAY SPD T

K1
3
1
2

300V
DC

5
4

K1

K1
R 1
R

R ELAY SPD T

3
1
2

C 1
C

R ELAY SPD T

1
2

R 2

5
4

R ELAY SPD T

0
5

R 3

4
R

Continuity
check
module

R E L A Y S O L ID S TA TE

D E TO N A TO R

Fig 2.4: Simplified circuit diagram of the system.

After the user has entered the correct password, he can move about in the software and
perform the following procedure to conduct a trial.
1.

Charging of capacitor to requisite voltage level:

The minimum energy required to explode a detonator is about 20 mJ.
The capacitor being used is 10,000 nF, 350 V which gives an energy of about 4 J.
The capacitor should be able to hold charge for a long time, about 10 min. Also,

the charging resistance should be adjusted so that charging time is low, preferably
less than 10s.
2.

Discharging of capacitor:
An arrangement for discharging of the capacitor to the ground has also been
made. This is required in times of emergency when the firing is to be aborted.

3.

Checking continuity of detonator:

This routine is followed to check the continuity of the detonator. A very small
current (less than 10 microampere) is passed through the det. An open circuit
means that the det wire is open somewhere or the det itself has a snag. A closed
circuit shows the loop resistance.

4.

Firing of detonator:
When this command is given the whole energy stored in the capacitor is made
available across the det in a very small time.

2.5 Interfacing the hardware

All IBM PC and compatible computers are typically equipped with two serial
ports and one parallel port. Although these two types of ports are used for communicating
with external devices, they work in different ways.

Parallel Port: A parallel port sends and receives 'n' data bits at a same time over

(n+1) lines along with common ground line. This allows data to be transferred very
quickly; however the cable required is more bulky. Parallel ports are generally used to
connect PC to printer and are rarely used elsewhere.

Serial port: A serial port sends and receives data one bit at a time over one wire.

While it takes eight times as long to transfer each byte of data this way, only few wires
are required. In fact, two-way (full duplex) communications is possible with only three
separate wires - one to send, one to receive, and a common signal ground wire.
2.5.1 PC parallel port:
The PC parallel port adapter is specifically designed to attach printers with a
parallel port interface, but it can be used as a general input/output port for any device or
application that matches its input/output capabilities. It has 12 TTL-buffer output points,
which are latched and can be written and read under program control using the processor

In or Out instruction. The adapter also has five steady state input points that may be read
using the processors instruction.

Fig 2.5 Parallel Port Connector.

This port allows the input of up to 9 bits or the output of 12 bits at any one given
time, thus requiring minimal external circuitry to implement many simpler tasks. The port
is composed of 4 control lines, 5 status lines and 8 data lines. It's found commonly on the
back of your PC as a D-Type 25 Pin female connector. There may also be a D-Type 25
pin male connector. This will be a serial RS-232 port and thus, is a totally incompatible
port.
Newer Parallel Ports are standardized under the IEEE 1284 standard first released in
1994. This standard specifies five modes of operation, each mode providing data transfer
in either the forward direction (computer to peripheral), backward direction (peripheral to
computer), or bi-directional (one direction at a time).

Compatibility mode is the original Centronics parallel interface and intended for
use with dot matrix printers and older laser printers. The compatibility mode can
be combined with the nibble mode for bi-directional data transfer.

Nibble mode allows data transfer back to the computer. The nibble mode uses the
status lines to send 2 nibble (4-bit units) of data to the computer in two data
transfer cycles. This mode is best used with printers.

Byte mode uses software drivers to disable the drivers that control the data lines
in order for data to be sent from the printer to the computer. The data is sent at the
same speed as when data is sent from the computer to the printer. One byte of data
is transferred instead of the two data cycles required by the nibble mode.

ECP mode (Enhanced Capability Port mode) is an advanced bi-directional mode

for use with printers and scanners. It allows data compression for images, FIFO
(first in, first out) for items in a queue, and high-speed, bi-directional
communication. Data transfer occurs at two to four megabytes per second. An
advanced feature is channel addressing. This is used for multifunction devices
such as printer/fax/modem devices. For example, if a printer/fax/modem device
needs to print and send data over the modem at the same time, the channel address
software driver of the ECP mode assigns a new channel to the modem so that both
devices can work simultaneously.

EPP mode (Enhanced Parallel Port mode) was designed by Intel, Xircom, and
Zenith Data Systems to provide a high-performance parallel interface that could
also be used with the standard interface. EPP mode was adopted as part of the
IEEE 1284 standard. The EPP mode uses data cycles that transfer data between
the computer and the peripheral and address cycles that assign address, channel,
or command information. This allows data transfer speeds of 500 kilobytes to 2
megabytes per second, depending on the speed of the slowest interface. The EPP
mode is bi-directional. It is suited for network adapters, data acquisition, portable
hard drives, and other devices that need speed.

2.5.2 Hardware Properties:

Below is a table of the "Pin Outs" of the D-Type 25 Pin connector and the Centronics 34
Pin connector. The D-Type 25 pin connector is the most common connector found on the
Parallel Port of the computer, while the Centronics Connector is commonly found on
printers. The IEEE 1284 standard however specifies 3 different connectors for use with
the Parallel Port. The first one, 1284 Type A is the D-Type 25 connector found on the
back of most computers. The 2nd is the 1284 Type B which is the 36 pin Centronics
Connector found on most printers.

Figure 2.6: 25-way Female D-Type Connector

IEEE 1284 Type C however, is a 36 conductor connector like the Centronics, but smaller.
This connector is claimed to have a better clip latch, better electrical properties and is
easier to assemble. It also contains two more pins for signals which can be used to see
whether the other device connected, has power. 1284 Type C connectors are
recommended for new designs.
Pin No (D- Pin

No

SPP Signal

Direction

Type 25)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

(Centronics)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11

12

12

Paper-Out / Paper-End In

Status

13
14
15

13
14
32

Select
nAuto-Linefeed
nError / nFault

Status
Control
Status

nStrobe
Data 0
Data 1
Data 2
Data 3
Data 4
Data 5
Data 6
Data 7
nAck
Busy

In/out
In/Out
Out
Out
Out
Out
Out
Out
Out
Out
In
In

Register

In
In/Out
In

Control
Data
Data
Data
Data
Data
Data
Data
Data
Status
Status

Hardware
Inverted
Yes

Yes

Yes

16

31

17

36

18 - 25

19-30

nInitialize
nSelect-Printer
nSelect-In
Ground

In/Out

Control

In/Out

Control

Yes

Gnd

Table 2.1: Pin Assignments of the D-Type 25 pin Parallel Port Connector.
Hardware inverted means that line is active low or in other words the signal is inverted by
the parallel card's hardware. The above table uses "n" in front of the signal name to
denote that the signal is active low e.g. nError. If the printer has encountered an error then
this line is low. This line normally is high, should the printer be functioning correctly. The
"Hardware Inverted" means the signal is inverted by the Parallel card's hardware. Such an
example is the Busy line. If +5v (Logic 1) was applied to this pin and the status register
read, it would return back a 0 in Bit 7 of the Status Register.
The output of the Parallel Port is normally TTL logic levels. The voltage levels are the
easy part. The current you can sink and source varies from port to port. Most Parallel
Ports can sink and source around 12mA. However these are just some of the figures taken
from Data sheets, Sink/Source 6mA, Source 12mA/Sink 20mA, Sink 16mA/Source 4mA,
Sink/Source 12mA. The best bet is to use a buffer, so the least current is drawn from the
Parallel Port.
2.5.3 Port addresses:
The Parallel Port has three commonly used base addresses. These are listed in
table 2, below. The 3BCh base address was originally introduced used for Parallel Ports
on early Video Cards. This address then disappeared for a while, when Parallel Ports
were later removed from Video Cards. They has now reappeared as an option for Parallel
Ports integrated onto motherboards, upon which their configuration can be changed using
BIOS.
When the computer is first turned on, BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) will determine
the number of ports the computer has and assigns device labels LPT1, LPT2 & LPT3 to
them. The BIOS first looks at address 3BCh. If a Parallel Port is found here, it is assigned
as LPT1, and then it searches at location 378h. If a Parallel card is found there, it is
assigned the next free device label. This would be LPT1 if a card wasn't found at 3BCh or

LPT2 if a card was found at 3BCh. The last port of call is 278h and follows the same
procedure than the other two ports. Therefore it is possible to have a LPT2 which is at
378h and not at the expected address 278h.
In the MS-DOS operative system three parallel ports, called LPT1, LPT2 and LPT3, are
supported. So we can find three addresses dedicated to these ports in the memory map of
the PC.
ADDRESS
3BCh-3BFh

NOTES
Used for parallel ports which were incorporated into video

cards and now commonly used for ports controlled by BIOS.

378h-37Fh
Usual address for LPT1 (Line PrinTer)
278h-27Fh
Usual address for LPT2
Table 2.2: Parallel port addresses.
Each parallel port uses three addresses of the I/O map. For LPT1 these addresses are
378H, 379H and 37AH.
2.5.4 Software Registers - Standard Parallel Port (SPP):
I have used the parallel port in this mode (SPP) for controlling the hardware of the firing
unit. The port has been configured to work with all computers, even where bidirectional
data transfer is not possible in SPP mode.
The base address, usually called the Data Port or Data Register is simply used for
outputting data on the Parallel Port's data lines (Pins 2-9).

Offset
Base + 0

Name
Read/Write Bit No.
Data Port Write (Note- Bit 7
Bit 6
1)
Bit 5
Bit 4
Bit 3
Bit 2
Bit 1
Bit 0

Properties
Data 7
Data 6
Data 5
Data 4
Data 3
Data 2
Data 1
Data 0

Table 2.3: Data Port

Note: If the Port is Bi-Directional then Read and Write Operations can be performed on
the Data Register.

This register is normally a write only port. If you read from the port, you should get the
last byte sent. However if your port is bi-directional, you can receive data on this address.
Offset Name
Base + 1 Status

Read/Write Bit No.

Read Only Bit 7

Port

Bit 6
Bit 5
Bit 4
Bit 3
Bit 2
Bit 1
Bit 0

Properties
Busy
Ack
Paper Out
Select In
Error
IRQ (Not)
Reserved
Reserved

Table 2.4: Status Port

The Status Port (base address + 1) is a read only port. Any data written to this port will be
ignored. The Status Port is made up of 5 input lines (Pins 10,11,12,13 & 15), an IRQ
status register and two reserved bits. Bit 7 (Busy) is an active low input. E.g. If bit 7
happens to show a logic 0, this means that there is +5v at pin 11. Similarly if Bit 2 (nIRQ)
shows a '1' then an interrupt has not occurred.
2.5.5 Relay control using parallel port:
The first circuit I made to use the parallel port is shown below.
P1
1
1
2
1
3
1
4
1
5
1
6
1
7
2
8
2
9
2
1
2
1
2
1
2
1

4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
0
3
1
4
2
5
3

C O N N EC TO R D B25

330
330
330
330
330
330
330
330

Fig 2.7: Simple circuit to operate parallel port.

This port operates the LEDs when the command is given by the computer. The LEDs
are connected to the data pins and grounded with the port. TTL levels of the port generate
enough current for the LED to glow brightly. The corresponding software is written
below.
/* File LED_GLOW.CPP
**
** Illustrates simple use of printer port for LED glow in binary.
** Navdeep Ojha
*/
#include<iostream.h>
#include<dos.h>
void main()
{
for( int i=0; i<128; i++)
{
outport(0x378, i);
delay(1000);
}
}
My objective was to control switching of the relays using the parallel port and also
ascertain the dynamic parameters of the hardware like voltage levels at certain points.
This required both data input and output from the computer.
To understand data input and output from port, I used the following circuit. The
controlling software was written in C/C++.

Fig 2.8: Practical application of parallel port.

This typical application shows a normally open push button switch being read on the
BUSY input (Status Port, Bit 7) and an LED which is controlled by Bit 0 on the Data
Port. A C language program causes the LED to flash at the rate of 5 times per second
when the push-button is depressed. The following code is used with the above circuit.
/* File LED_FLSH.CPP
**
** Illustrates simple use of printer port. When switch is
** depressed LED flashes. When switch is not depressed,
** LED is turned off.
**
** Navdeep Ojha
*/
#include <iostream.h>
#include <dos.h> /* required for delay function */
#define DATA 0x03bc
#define STATUS DATA+1
#define CONTROL DATA+2

void main()
{
int in;
while(1)

/* condition is always TRUE */

{
in = inportb(STATUS);
if (((in^0x80)&0x80)==0)
/* if BUSY bit is at 0 (switch is closed) */
{
outportb(DATA,0x00); /* turn LED on */
delay(100);
outportb(DATA, 0x01); /* turn it off */
delay(100);
}
else
{
outportb(DATA,0x01);
/* if PB not depressed, turn LED off */
}
}
}
This program helped me understand how to output data and use the hardware inverted
bits. After having successfully operated an LED circuit from the port, I operated the relay.
The relay being used can switch at 5V, which is the TTL output level of the port. Thus the
voltage level is not a problem. I found out that a single relay sinks about 95 mA current
and the parallel port can safely sink only about 20 mA. So there was the need to amplify
the current from the port to avoid its loading. I tried the following amplifier circuit to
control the relay.

VC C
K1
3
1
2

parallel port
data pin

4 .7 K

R ELAY SPD T

1
3

BC 547A

parallel port
ground pin

Fig 2.9: Amplifier circuit.

But this circuit did not satisfy the needs of the relay as one single transistor is not capable
of amplifying current to requisite level. This circuit needs external power supply which
has the output voltage which is right for controlling the relay (9V). The transistor does
the switching of current.
Since coils (solenoids and relay coils) have a large amount of inductance, when they are
released (when the current is cut off) they generate a very large voltage spike. It is
necessary to have some protection circuit to block that voltage spike from hitting the rest
of the circuit. If not, then the voltage spike might destroy the "sink" transistor or even the
motherboard or the I/O card over a period of time. The mode of failure for the sink
transistor might be short circuit, and consequently the solenoid would be shorted to
ground indefinitely.
The protection device used for the port is an optoisolator. It is an optical device that
isolates the input (port) from the output. A standard optoisolator 4N25 is shown below:

port pin

6
5

ground pin

4
4N 25

Fig 2.10: Optoisolator used for isolation of the port.

There are no connections between the port's electrical contacts to any outside supply. The
circuit is powered from external power supply which is not connected to PC as if there is
no need for that. The output side of the opto-isolator is just like a transistor, with the
collector at the top of the circuit and the emitter at the bottom. When the output is turned
on by the input light from the internal LED in the opto- isolator, current flows through the
resistor and into the transistor, turning it on. This allows current to flow into the relay.
Turning the input on the parallel port off causes the output of the opto isolator - to turn
off, so no current flows through it into the transistor and the transistor turns off. This
arrangement prevents any currents on the external circuits from damaging the port.
Other protection devices that can be used are diodes in reverse direction to that of
the relay. This helps in preventing any voltage peak to enter back into the interfacing
circuit. Since the transistors used are of much higher ratings than levels present in the
circuit, the only device in danger is the port itself which has been isolated from the
external circuit. Thus, this design proves to be safe and fool-proof.
In addition to isolation, another requirement is 2-stage amplification of current.
This is necessary as a single transistor heats up if used for longer intervals or does not
provide enough beta-amplification.
The block diagram of the actual interfacing circuit being used is shown below.

Power supply
Pin o/p
Power supply

Opto-isolator

Amplifier 1

Amplifier 2

Output

Fig 2.11: Interfacing circuit block diagram.

The actual interfacing circuit used is shown below. This is a high amplification circuit
and satisfies the current and voltage requirements for switching the relays from the
computer. When a TTL signal is given at the input of the optoisolator the relay is
energized and requisite circuitry can be worked.
The circuit uses 2 amplifiers for higher beta-amplification 2N3904 (NPN) and
2N2905 (PNP) in a darlington pair. The circuit operates from an external power supply of
9V. This battery is the same that is used to operate the DC-DC converter, thus avoiding
the need for separate supplies. The circuit has enough current amplification capacity to
operate two relays together. The first transistor actually does the switching and the second
transistor provides the amplification.
VC C
R 11
1

U 1

P3
1
14
2
15
3
16
4
17
5
18
6
19
7
20
8
21
9
22
10
23
11
24
12
25
13
C O N N EC TO R D B25

R 16
6
5

R
4N 25

R 12
1

U 2

U 3

U 5

4N 25

R 8
2

2
3
Q 3
12 N 3 9 0 4

R ELAY SPD T

R ELAY SPD T

2N 2905A
K5
R 5

Q 10
R 10
2

2
3
Q 5
12 N 3 9 0 4

5
4

1
2

5
4

K4

3
1
2

R 4

2
3
Q 4
12 N 3 9 0 4

K3

R ELAY SPD T

2N 2905A

Q 9
R 9

2N 2905A

Q 8

R ELAY SPD T

1
2

R 3

2
3
Q 2
12 N 3 9 0 4

R E S IS T O R

4N 25

R 15

R 7

4N 25
U 4

3
2N 2905A

Q 7

K2

2
3
Q 1
12 N 3 9 0 4

5
4

1
2

R 2

4N 25

R 14

R 6

R 13

Q 6

K1

1
2

1
3

2N 2905A

5
4

R ELAY SPD T

Fig 2.12: Interfacing circuit. Shown above are the parallel port connector, optoisolator,
amplifier and corresponding relays.
A HIGH from the port at pin 3 for instance, allows current to flow into the optoisolator
from pin 5 to 4 and into the first transistor. It switches on and a low voltage develops at
its collector. This low voltage switches on the second transistor (NPN) which allows
current to sink into the relay at voltage level of Vcc. This operation takes negligible time
and the total time delay that occurs is just because of the switching time of the relay,
which is about 100ms. This delay is acceptable in the operation of this circuit.
Thus a HIGH at a port pin, which is controlled entirely by the software, can switch ON or
OFF a solenoid relay using the interfacing circuitry as shown. The following pins have
been used for data output.
Pin (port address 0x378)
3,4
5
8
3,6,7
Table 2.6: Pins used for control of hardware.

Action
Charging
Discharging
Firing
Continuity check

Practical problem in switching:

The above operation posed one problem which was not because of a logical error in
designing the module but due to the construction of the relays. The relay, an on-off
controller, switched on at about 3.5V and while switching off it needed the voltage level
to go below 2.5V.

Fig 2.13: Relay as on-off controller.

2.5V

3.5V

The problem here is that the relay switches on at a HIGH from the port but does not
switch off when a LOW is given. This was because of the fact that about 3V remained
across the relay arm of the circuit even after the transistors had switched off. To obviate
this problem I added a 56ohm resistance in series with the relay which has a resistance of
100ohm. This 56ohm resistance shared some voltage of the arm and left less than 2.5V
for the relay. The relay could then be switched off with a 0 at the corresponding pin.
2.5.6 Data input:
Some data is required to be input into the computer to check the voltage level at various
points and also to monitor the state of the hardware. The first problem was to decide what
was to be input and how. The circuit requirements are such that the following need to be
checked before firing:
1. Charge across capacitor
2. Continuity of firing leads and detonator
3. Status of relays
4. Any malfunction in the circuit
I have used the SPP configuration in which data is input at status port.
Pin (port address 0x379)
Action
10 (nACK) : D6
Discharging
11 (BUSY) : D7
Det 5V
12 (PAPER OUT) : D5
Charging
13 (SELECT) : D4
Det 8V
Table 2.7: Pins used for data input.
1. Capacitor voltage measurement: This is required to see whether the capacitor is
charged to the requisite voltage level of 275V for firing to be conducted. Instead of using
an analog-to-digital converter to measure the capacitor voltage which requires a lot of
additional hardware and makes the circuit very complex, I am using a comparator to
compare the voltage across the capacitor with a reference voltage. When the capacitor
voltage exceeds the reference level, the output of the comparator goes from low to high
and this can be input into the status port.

The comparator I am using is LM339, a low power low offset quad comparator. These
operate from a single power supply over a wide range of voltages. The following module
shows the circuit required for monitoring the capacitor voltage.
V C C _ C IR C L E

V C C _ C IR C L E

6
R

+
-

LM 339_A
1

R
R

7
6

LM 339_B
1

12

12

300V

Fig 2.14: Capacitor voltage measurement module.

When the capacitor is charged to about 275V, this voltage is reduced to 3.25V using a
series of resistances. This level is compared to a reference level of 3.25V. When the
capacitor is charged to a level below 275V the output of the comparator is '0. As the
voltage across the capacitor rises above 275V (3.25V) the output of the comparator
changes to 1. This level is input into the port and is read by the software. In the above
circuit LM339_A is used to sense the charging of the capacitor. This bit is input into pin
12 (paper out).
To check whether the capacitor has been discharged, a second comparator is also
used. The earlier comparator tells us only whether the voltage level is over or below
275V. But we want to know if the capacitor is near 0V. Thus the second comparator,
LM339_B is kept at a reference level of 6V. When the capacitor is charged to a value less
than 6V the output of the comparator will be 0 and can be read into the port. This also
helps us to check if there is any malfunction in the system. For example, if 339A reads 1
(voltage above 275V) and 339B reads 0 (voltage below 6V), we can come to know that
there is some error in the system. The second reference level has been kept 6V and not
something less because when it is reduced using a series combination, there is
disturbance due to very low voltage levels. This bit is input into pin 10.

2. Continuity of firing leads and detonator: This module is the most important check in
the whole procedure and requires fool-proof operation. The vital point to be kept in mind
is that the current through the detonator must be as small as possible. Additionally, this
module must not be run for a long time as enough heat can be produced by even small
currents flowing through the detonator to cause it to explode. The following circuit
diagram shows the continuity check module.
9V

5.5V

3
7
6

C1

U6
1

NOT

12

Busy(11)

DETONATOR

5V

3
7
6

C2

Select(13)

12

8V

Fig 2.15: Continuity check module. One of the outputs of the comparators has to be
inverted to match the level of hardware inverted busy bit.
The 9V battery also powers this module. The two resistances used in series with the
detonator are in Megaohms and limit the current flowing in the circuit to 4 microamperes.
Here again two comparators are used. The basic aim to check continuity is that the loop
comprising of the firing leads and the detonator is closed. This is done to avoid any
misfire. There are two options available to us:

We can measure current in the circuit and display the loop resistance for the user.
If the loop resistance is infinity, the circuit is open.

We can measure the voltage in a modified circuit and ascertain the continuity.

Because measuring voltages is a less complex job than measuring loop resistance, I have
used the latter method.

The 9V source voltage is reduced to 5.5V and is compared with two reference levels
one at 5V and the other at 8V. If there is no discontinuity in the loop, then C1 will give
output 1 and C2 will give output 0. Assuming that the detonator is open and the circuit
is not complete, the input voltage for the comparators will become 9V and both will give
output 1. These combinations are incorporated into the software logic and the status of
the comparators is read. The various combinations are summarized below.
C1 output
1
1
0

C2 output
0
1
0

Status
Continuity OK
R2 / det open / R1 short
R1 open / R2 short

For this module, a solid state relay has been used.

Another important operation to be done after this module has run is to reset the system
the system to its previous state. This is because the user may have run this module after
having charged the capacitor and the system has to be returned to that state. This requires
that the previous state be read and stored at the start of this module for later use by the
software.
2.6 Software Development
The system is controlled by software written in C++. It provides all the requirements to
conduct a trial in a systematic manner. The software interacts with the hardware using
parallel port. The connector is joined to the computer and the hardware at the time of
firing. The software has been written to enhance safety during the trial. The software is
more important as it monitors and analyzes the hardware for errors and takes suitable
action when required. Some of the main features of the software are:
1. Password protected: The present firing unit has a lock and key arrangement for
protection against unauthorized use. This system is password protected for safety. As
the hardware has no controls on the outside, firing cannot be done without the user
inputting the correct password. This password is encrypted and cannot be read by
anyone. The encrypted password is stored in a file in the computer but in a coded
form and cannot be read directly. This makes sure that no sabotage takes place. To
change the password, I wrote a separate program. It asks for the previous password

before changing the password. This means that only someone who knows the earlier
password can change it.
2. Menu-based: The software is very easy to operate as it is menu driven. The user just
has to select the module to run by pressing a key and the software does the rest. The
user does not have to input anything from the keyboard but just has to select from the
menu present on the screen.
3. Graphical interface: The code written in C++ uses graphics to display the messages
and animations. This makes the application very attractive program to use.
4. Safety: This is the primary concern in the firing control unit. The system has many
safety layers and can detect an error in itself, if present. While conducting the firing,
many events are continually monitored by the software and emergency actions are
taken if required. The following are some such events.
a. At start of the application, system initializes itself to safe mode and then runs.
b. If capacitor is charged and user presses the EXIT button to exit the program,
then the capacitor is discharged automatically and then the application closes.
c. When firing is aborted, the software monitors the voltage across the capacitor
for 20s. If the capacitor has not discharged fully, an error message is
displayed. The user can then continue or exit.
d. If command for capacitor charging is given but the user immediately wants to
exit, this is possible by just pressing any key. The message Press any key to
discharge capacitor is flashed on the screen while charging. The system goes
into safe mode after this.
e. While checking continuity of the loop, previous status of relays is read and
stored. The system is set to that same status after checking the continuity.
f. If the user goes into the firing menu without charging the capacitor, or if the
capacitor has been discharged slowly to a value less than 275V, a message is
flashed on the screen. The user can continue or exit from that point.
g. While final countdown is being done before firing, pressing any key at that
point will put the firing on a standby. The countdown can then be started
again. This is extremely important as many times firing has to be stopped
moments before the firing pulse is given.

h. While exiting, the system again goes into safe mode and exits.
The software provides a host of features and proved reliable in testing. However if an
error is encountered by the software, for instance a graphics error, the error would be
displayed on the screen before aborting the software. This helps the user to ascertain the
problem.
The full software code is written below. Comments are written at places where
instructions are required.
/* File MAING.CPP
**
** Software for firing control unit. This is the graphical
version of the software. The
** non graphical version is not written here
** Navdeep Ojha
*/
#include<iostream.h>
#include<fstream.h>
#include<conio.h>
#include<dos.h>
#include<math.h>
#include<string.h>
#include<graphics.h>
#include<process.h>
#include<stdio.h>
#include<bios.h>
int errorcode;
void screenwel();
int screen_ct(char *[],int,int);
char screen(char *[],int,int);
void screen_init(char *[],int,int);
char screenarr(char *[],int,int);
void enter();
void stop();
void password()
{
//password using C++//
ifstream in;
in.open("passwd.txt",ios::in);

char *s,ch,passwd[100];
int i=0;
while(!in.eof())
{
in.get(ch);
s[i]=ch-127;
cout<<s[i++];
}
char chinp;
int j=0;
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
gotoxy(25,10);
cout<<"Enter password";
gotoxy(25,11);
while((chinp=getch())!='\r')
{
passwd[j++]=chinp;
cout<<"*";
}
passwd[j]='\0';
gotoxy(25,13);
int cmp=strcmp(s,passwd);
if (cmp==13)
{
for(int k=0;k<30;k++)
{
gotoxy(25,13);
cout<<"Password matched!";
delay(100);
gotoxy(25,12);
for(int l=0;l<500;l++)
{
int a=255;
char b=(char)a;
cout<<b;
}
}
}
else
{
cout<<"Password incorrect! Exitting........";
//cout<<cmp;
delay(1400);

exit(0);
}
/*password using C
FILE *fp;
fp=fopen("passwd.txt","r");
char *s,ch,passwd[20];
int i=0;
fseek(fp, 0, SEEK_SET);
while((ch=fgetc(fp))!=EOF)
{
s[i]=ch-127;
cout<<s[i++];
}
fclose(fp);
char chinp;
int j=0;
cout<<"Enter password"<<endl;
while((chinp=getch())!='\r')
{
passwd[j++]=chinp;
cout<<"*";
}
passwd[j]='\0';
cout<<passwd<<endl;
int cmp=strcmp(s,passwd);
if (cmp==0)
{cout<<"Passwd matched!";
delay(3000);}
else
cout<<"ki gall hai oye??";
cout<<cmp;
}*/
}
void red(int rad)
{
setcolor(RED);
setfillstyle(1,RED);
pieslice(getmaxx()/2,getmaxy()/2,0,360,rad);
}

void black()
{
setcolor(BLACK);
setfillstyle(1,BLACK);
pieslice(getmaxx()/2,getmaxy()/2,0,360,25);
}
void initialize()
{
char *ch[]={"System resetting", "Please wait..."};
screen_init(ch,2,2);
outp(0x378,04);
int inp = inp(0x378);
if(inp!=04)
{
cout<<"Initialization error\n";
getch();
exit(1);
}
}
int key;
keypress()
{
key = bioskey(1);
return(key);
}
void authfail()
{
char *ch[]={"You are not authorized.","Exitting........"};
screen_init(ch,2,1);
exit(0);
}
void screenwel()
{
int gd=9,gm=1,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(6,0,4);

int y=140;
outtextxy(100,y,"PC based Firing Control Unit");
delay(4000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
void screen_n()
{
int gd=9,gm=1,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(5,0,4);
int y=140;
outtextxy(120,y,"Made by NAVDEEP OJHA");
delay(7000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
char screen(char *text[],int len,int size)
{
int gd=9,gm=1,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,size);
int y=140;
for(int i=0;i<len;i++)
{
outtextxy(150,y,text[i]);
y+=20;
}
char ch2=getch();
cleardevice();
closegraph();
return ch2;
}
void screen_dis(char *text[],int len,int size)
{

int gd=9,gm=1,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,size);
int y=140;
for(int i=0;i<len;i++)
{
outtextxy(150,y,text[i]);
y+=20;
}
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
int screen_ct(char *text[],int len,int size)
{
int gd=9,gm=1,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,size);
int y=140;
for(int i=0;i<len;i++)
{
outtextxy(150,y,text[i]);
y+=20;
}
int ct;
//cin>>ct;
ct=getch();
cleardevice();
closegraph();
return ct;
}
void screen_init(char *text[],int len,int size)
{
int gd=9,gm=1,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);

rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,size);
int y=140;
for(int i=0;i<len;i++)
{
outtextxy(150,y,text[i]);
y+=20;
}
delay(5000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
int screen_passwd(char *text[],int len,int size)
{
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,size);
int y=140;
for(int i=0;i<len;i++)
{
outtextxy(150,y,text[i]);
y+=20;
}
char first[50]="bds",second[50];
gets(second);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
return( strcmp(first,second));
}

void stop()
{
char input,input1;
char *ch[]={"Do u want to start counter again?"," Press y or
n."};
input=screen(ch,2,2);
if(input=='y'|input=='Y')
{enter();}

else
{
char *ch[]={"Are u sure u want to exit?","Press y or n."};
input1=screen(ch,2,1);
if(input1=='y'|input1=='Y')
{outp(0x378,00);
exit(0);}
else
stop();
}
}

void discharging_routine()
{
outp(0x378,4);
char *ch[]={"Discharging capacitor.......\n"};
screen_dis(ch,1,1);
for(int l=0;l<15;l++)
{
int in_dis=inp(0x379)&64;//this is bit number
10 i.e. nACK
//It
is
active
low.If capacitor is below
//0.28V then 0 is read into
the pin
if (in_dis==0)
{
char *ch[]={"Firing aborted. Status :
Safe","Press any key to continue"};
screen_dis(ch,2,1);
enter();
}
else
{
char *ch[]={"Wait..."};
screen_dis(ch,1,1);
}
if(l==10)
{
char *ch[]={"Problem with connecting
cable or","Capacitor not discharged","Continue ? Press \"y\" or \"n\"
"};
char cap_dis=screen(ch,3,1);
switch(cap_dis)
{

case 'y':
enter();
case 'n':
exit(0);
default:
exit(0);
}
}//if ends//
}
}
void enter()
{
clrscr();
char choice;
char *ch[]={"Press","1 for checking detonator continuity","2 for
arming the charge","3 to abort firing","4 for firing","5 to exit"};
choice=screen(ch,6,1);
switch(choice)
{
case '2':
{
clrscr();
char *ch[]={"Press","\"s\" to start charging","\"b\" to go
back\n"};
char charge_ch=screen(ch,3,1);
switch(charge_ch)
{
case 's':
{
clrscr();
outp(0x378,3);
char *ch[]={"Charging begins.....","Press any key to
stop and discharge"};
screen_dis(ch,2,1);
int input;
//input routine starts//
for(int i=0;i<100;i++)
{
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{
discharging_routine();

}
input=inp(0x0379);
if((input&32)==0)
{
cout<<i<<"\tcapacitor charged\n";
cout<<"Press any key to continue";
getch();
break;
}
else
{
cout<<i<<"\tcapacitor not charged\n";
}
delay(800);
if(i==99)
{
cout<<"Capacitor not charged!! Press any key
to continue";
outp(0x378,04);
getch();
}
//input routine ends//
}
enter();
}
case 'b':
{
clrscr();
enter();
break;
}
default:
{
}
}
break;
//enter();
}
case '1':
{
clrscr();
int det_cont=inp(0x378);

outp(0x0378,32);
char *ch[]={"Checking continuity of detonator......\n"};
screen_dis(ch,1,1);
for(int m=0;m<19;m++)
{
int check_5=inp(0x379)&128;//this is busy bit bit no.
11.
//it is hardware inverted and I am
//inputtin 0 from NAND gate and
the comp
//reads it as 1. Finally, 1 means
that det
//continuity is established//
int
output of the second

check_8=inp(0x379)&16;//This
//comparator

and

is

the

should

direct
be

under normal
//circumstances.It is input into pin
13, Select.
//

outp(0x0378,16);
if((inp(0x379)&8)==0) //This is direct output of last

comparator
//into pin no. 15, nError. A high at
this pin
//shows that det is open. This pin is
active low
//and is thus read accordingly.
{
if((check_5==128)&&(check_8==0))
{
char *ch[]={"Continuity established !!","Press
any key to continue"};
screen(ch,2,1);
outp(0x378,det_cont+16);
enter();
}
if((check_5!=128)&&(check_8!=16))
{
char
*ch[]={"R1
is
open
short !!","Press any key to continue"};
screen(ch,2,1);
outp(0x378,det_cont+16);

or

R2

is

enter();
}
if((check_5==128)&&(check_8==16))
{
char *ch[]={"Either det or R2 is open or R1 is
short","Press any key to continue"};
screen(ch,2,1);
outp(0x378,det_cont+16);
enter();
}
}
/*
else
{
char *ch[]={"Det is open !!","Press any key to
continue"};
screen(ch,2,1);
outp(0x378,det_cont+16);
enter();
}
*/ }
outp(0x378,det_cont+16);
enter();
break;
}
case '3':
{ clrscr();
char *ch[]={"Are you sure you
firing?","Press \"y\" or \"n\"\n "};
char discharge_ch=screen(ch,2,1);
switch(discharge_ch)
{
case 'y':
{
discharging_routine();
}

want

to

abort

case 'n':
{
char *ch[]={"Capacitor not discharged\n","Press any
key to continue."};
screen(ch,2,1);
enter();
break;
}

}
enter();
break;
}
case '4':
{
clrscr();
if((inp(0x0379)&32)!=0)
{
char conti;
char *ch[]={"Arming of charge not done !!","Continue ??
Press 'y' or 'n'"};
conti=screen(ch,2,1);
switch(conti)
{
case 'n':
enter();
case 'N':
enter();
default:
enter();
case 'y'|'Y':
break;
}
}
char *ch[]={"Go ahead ,enter the countdown value \n"};
int n=screen_ct(ch,1,1);
switch(n)
{
default:
{
char *ch[]={"You must enter a number between 3 and
9.","Press any key to continue"};
screen(ch,2,1);
enter();
}
case '10':
{
clrscr();

keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics error: %s\n", grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"10");
settextstyle(1,0,3);
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
case '9':
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics error: %s\n", grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");

getch();
exit(1);

/* return with error code */

}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"9");
settextstyle(1,0,3) ;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
case '8':
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics error: %s\n", grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"8");
settextstyle(1,0,3) ;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);

cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
case '7':
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics error: %s\n", grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"7");
settextstyle(1,0,3) ;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
case '6':
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");

/* read result of initialization */

errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics error: %s\n", grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(270,180,"6");
settextstyle(1,0,3) ;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
case '5':
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics error: %s\n", grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);

rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(270,180,"5");
settextstyle(1,0,3)
;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
case '4':
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics error: %s\n", grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"4");
settextstyle(1,0,3)
;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
case '3':

{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics
error:
grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"3");
settextstyle(1,0,3)
;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{

%s\n",

printf("Graphics

error:

%s\n",

grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"2");
settextstyle(1,0,3)
;
outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");
cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics
error:
grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,4);
outtextxy(250,200,"1");
settextstyle(1,0,3)
;

%s\n",

outtextxy(170,230,"Press \"enter\" to stop\n");

cout<<"\a";
delay(3000);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}

{
clrscr();
keypress();
if(key!=0)
{enter();}
int gd=DETECT,gm,errorcode;
initgraph(&gd,&gm,"\\");
/* read result of initialization */
errorcode = graphresult();
if (errorcode != grOk) /* an error occurred */
{
printf("Graphics
error:
grapherrormsg(errorcode));
printf("Press any key to halt:");
getch();
exit(1);
/* return with error code */
}
setfillstyle(3,BLUE);
floodfill(0,0,RED);
rectangle(0,0,getmaxx(),getmaxy());
settextstyle(1,0,5);
outp(0x378,8);
outtextxy(250,200,"FIRE");
sound(3000);
delay(3000);
nosound();
delay(1000);
outp(0x378,00);
cleardevice();
closegraph();
}
}
enter();

%s\n",

}
//case ends//
case '5':
{
outp(0x378,04);
delay(500);
exit(0);}

}
}

default:
{
enter();
}
//switch ends//
//enter fx ends//

void main()
{
clrscr();
screenwel(); //This is a welcome screen //
screen_n();
password();
initialize();
enter();
getch();
}

Following code is for the program that changes the password. The user is asked for the
previous password before the password is changed.

/* File PASSWORD.CPP
**
** Program for changing the password of the main software.
**
** Navdeep Ojha
*/
#include<iostream.h>
#include<conio.h>
#include<dos.h>
#include<bios.h>
#include<process.h>
#include<string.h>
#include<stdio.h>
check()
{
clrscr();
FILE *fp;
fp=fopen("passwd.txt","r");
char *s,ch,passwd[20];
int i=0;
fseek(fp, 0, SEEK_SET);
while((ch=fgetc(fp))!=EOF)
{
s[i]=ch-127;
cout<<s[i++];
}
fclose(fp);
char chinp;
int j=0;
cout<<"Enter password"<<endl;
while((chinp=getch())!='\r')
{
passwd[j++]=chinp;
cout<<"*";
}
passwd[j]='\0';
cout<<passwd<<endl;
int cmp=strcmp(s,passwd);
if (cmp==0)
{

cout<<"Passwd matched!";
}
else
{
cout<<"Passwd not matched!";
exit(0);
}
getch();
}
change()
{
clrscr();
FILE *fp;
fp=fopen("passwd.txt","w");
char passwd[100],ch;
int i=0;
cout<<"Enter password to set\n";
while((ch=getch())!='\r')
{
passwd[i++]=ch;
fputc(ch+127,fp);
cout<<"*";
}
passwd[i]='\0';
cout<<passwd;
getch();
}
void main()
{
check();
change();
}

This is a master program and must be stored away on disks. This program can change the
password without asking for the earlier password. It must be used only in cases when the
password is forgotten.
/* File PASS_MAS.CPP
**
** Program for changing the password of the main software.
**
** Navdeep Ojha
*/
#include<iostream.h>
#include<conio.h>
#include<dos.h>
#include<bios.h>
#include<process.h>
#include<string.h>
#include<stdio.h>
main()
{
clrscr();
FILE *fp;
fp=fopen("passwd.txt","w");
char passwd[100],ch;
int i=0;
cout<<"Enter password to set\n";
while((ch=getch())!='\r')
{
passwd[i++]=ch;
fputc(ch+127,fp);
cout<<"*";
}
passwd[i]='\0';
cout<<passwd;
getch();
}

2.7 Printed Circuit Board

After finalizing the circuit of the firing unit, the PCB of the circuit was to be made.
The complete circuit diagram of the system is shown on the next page. There are two
connectors, one for the parallel port and the other for power supply. The DC-DC converter
is not placed on the board but its leads are connected. All other components are placed on
the board itself.
The PCB of this schematic has been made using ORCAD Release 9. The PCB has been
designed so that it is compatible on all CNC machines. This 2-layered PCB is about
15X12 in size. I have also performed post-processing on the PCB software and generated
Gerber files. These files have all the information about where to drill holes on the copper
sheet and of what diameters.
To generate a PCB, first a schematic has to be made in ORCAD Capture. This schematic
shows all the components and the wires that complete the circuit. The schematic also
shows ports and other special components that are being used. If that component is not
available in any of the libraries, it has to be manually drawn. The components have to be
named correctly as in quads and gates. The Design Rules Check must show 0 errors for
the schematic to be used to generate a netlist, the blueprint for a PCB.
The PCB is made in ORCAD Layout. According to the style of the PCB to be generated a
strategy file is used. This file dictates how auto routing and placing will be done. The
important part of generating a PCB is deciding what footprints to be used. As the PCB is
only a set of holes drilled into a copper sheet and joined by wires, the designer has to
decide on the component sizes and shapes. A standard 14-pin IC has a built in footprint in
Layout whereas other components like relays need customized footprints. With this done,
one can perform either manual or automatic placement and routing. I have performed
manual placement and automatic routing. The number of layers on the PCB have to be
defined here. The PCB size and spacing between components and vias also have to be
specified. Finally, the DRC must be done and the design has to be checked till all errors
are removed.

//vacant//

//vacant//

Field trial:
During the training period I was also involved in the fieldwork.
Trial in which I was engaged is:-

Protective Footwear Trial

The aim of trial was to evaluate the performance of shoe if
worn while walking on mines. The shoes were to be tested against
pressure released during explosion. The boots are designed in such
a way that wearer should feel comfortable while walking on plains,
deserts/ semi-deserts. The body of the shoe is made of very hard
leather with a complete inner lining of a poly-matting cloth. The
sole is thick and made of hard ballistic material wedge with
vulcanized rubber covering. The sole material is designed to
absorb the blast. The shoe flexibility is minimal due to thickness
and rigidity of material and hampers the normal walking.
The trial was carried out in the field by arranging the set up
as shown in the figure. Pressure gage used is Kistler type 6215,
whose sensitivity is 1.479 Pc/bar and range is up to Kbar. The
recording instrumentation used inside the lab includes Digital
Storage Oscilloscope, Digital Phosphorous Oscilloscope, Magnetic
Recorder, and TTL device called pulse generator.

The charge was placed under the muddy surface. Four blocks
of 18 Kg each were placed above the gauge holder of 3 Kg. This
means that the total weight on shoe was 75 Kg. Sensor was placed
inside the pipe filled with sand and was hold by the gauge holder.
Gauge holder was fitted into the shoe. The shoe was placed above
the mine and below the mine detonator along with TTL probe was
placed. TTL probe is an aluminium foil, which is pasted upon two
wires. Normally connection is open but on arrival of detonating
pulse it gets shorted, indicating a high pulse. This helps in
calculating the delay between the supplying of high voltage from
firing unit and energizing of detonator.

MS Block 18 Kg each

Rigidly fixed fixture

Gauge housing

Pressure
sensor
TTLProbe
Soil

EXPLOSIVE

Electric detonator

SET UP FOR PROTECTIVE FOOTWEAR TRIAL

Future improvements:
The system is fully functional but there is lot of scope for improvement. The
system is presently DOS-based and does not run directly under windows. If the software
is written in Visual Basic or Visual C, the graphical interface would be enhanced and the
operation would become much easier. This would also take care of errors that DOS
applications encounter while running in Windows.
Also, this system presently makes use of a 9V, 4A battery as power supply. In the
long run, a rectifier has to be incorporated into the system for the system to be operable
on 230V mains.
Although the system is fully computer controlled, a system reset switch must be
present on the hardware device to be used at times when software fails to respond at a
critical juncture. This would help the user to counter the idiosyncrasies of computers.
Scope and applications of the project:
My project titled Design and development of PC based firing control unit is
based on the fact that a computer be used to control some hardware. Here, this hardware
is a firing unit circuit. The interfacing circuit that has been designed can also be used for
controlling some other hardware.
The basic action of switching of a relay with a command from the computer lends
a lot of versatility into the applications that this project can handle. A small DC motor can
be operated from this circuit which in turn can control some other process. Having used
the bidirectional parallel port means that an interrupt can be generated in the running
software when an event occurs. For example, when the temperature of a room falls below
a certain level, a logical bit can be generated and input into the computer. The computer
can then initiate heating using a relay switch.
The system designed for controlling the firing unit uses heavy duty components
like solenoids which consume a lot of current. Thus it can easily be used for smaller
devices which take up less than 100 mA current.

Conclusion:
The PC based firing control unit is a comprehensive design
and has the capability to conduct firing trials successfully with no
problems whatsoever. The versatile design also permits its use for
various other applications where the requirements may be
different. The flexibility in the system makes it possible to make
future modifications in hardware and software.
This system has been built at a low cost and provides very
efficient workability because of resourceful usage of various
resources. With no inherent sources of noise present in the system,
it can provide trouble-free usage for a long time. I have worked on
my project titled Design and development of PC based firing
control unit for the last six months and have designed a PCB and
model. I look forward to a chance for implementing this design
later.

REFERENCES
(i)

The Modern Electronics Manual by Matthew Pulzer.

(ii)

Information about the parallel port including visuals from: Website of University
of New York.

(iii)

Data sheets of devices from: Website of Texas Instruments

(iv)

Communication in C++ by Judy Palmer.

(v)

Interfacing the parallel port by Ronald J. Hopkins.

GLOSSARY
Blast: Blast is the principle mode of transferring explosive energy to the target,
producing damage by giving a crusting blow, displacing and tumbling the target.
Terminal Ballistics: Terminal Ballistics is defined as study of effect of blast or explosion
on a particular target.
Explosion: Explosion is defined as a chemical reaction in a substance, which converts
original material into a large volume of gaseous products developing sudden high
pressure with liberation of large amount of heat in a short time at supersonic speed". The
temperature in the product gases is of the order of 3000 oC and the pressure 100-350
Kbars.
Deflagration: It is defined as the release of a large amount of energy in a long time and
at subsonic speed. E.g. burning of coal.
Detonation: The explosion is initiated through the process of detonation. A reaction can
be initiated if sufficient energy is provided at one point in the explosive. This is done by
means of a heated wire, which acts directly upon a small amount of especially sensitive
material thus generating a small low energy impulse (shock). It is subsequently
accelerated and intensified by slightly less sensitive but more powerful material called a
booster. The sufficiently energetic shock wave in turn initiates the main explosive. This
whole process is called 'detonation'.
Lethality: Lethality is the antipersonnel efficiency of a high explosive, that is, the ability
of an explosive to cause damage to others. It is measured in terms of MAE, that is, mean
area effect. In this the area of damage is calculated and the number of targets is known,
by which lethality is calculated.

Tertiary Injury: Injury related to whole body translation and deacceleration impact is
called tertiary injury. The acceleration and deacceleration of the objects placed near to
explosive causes injury to living being, as these objects get accelerate due to high
pressure produced during explosion.

APPENDIX
1. LM339:
The LM139 series consists of four independent precision voltage comparators with an
offset voltage specification as low as 2 mV max for all four comparators. These were
designed specifically to operate from a single power supply over a wide range of
voltages. Operation from split power supplies is also possible and the low power supply
current drain is independent of the magnitude of the power supply voltage. These
comparators also have a unique characteristic in that the input common-mode voltage
range includes ground, even though operated from a single power supply voltage. The
LM139 series was designed to directly interface with TTL and CMOS.

Specifications:

Wide supply voltage range

LM139/139A Series 2 to 36 VDC or 1 to 18 VDC

LM2901: 2 to 36 VDC or 1 to 18 VDC

LM3302: 2 to 28 VDC or 1 to 14 VDC

Very low supply current drain (0.8 mA) independent of supply voltage

Low input biasing current: 25 nALow input offset current: 5 nA

Offset voltage: 3 mV

Input common-mode voltage range includes GND

Differential input voltage range equal to the power supply voltage

Low output saturation voltage: 250 mV at 4 mA

Output voltage compatible with TTL, DTL, ECL, MOS and CMOS logic systems

Advantages:

High precision comparators

Reduced VOS drift over temperature

Eliminates need for dual supplies

Allows sensing near GND

Compatible with all forms of logic

Power drain suitable for battery operation

2. 4N25 (optoisolator)
The general purpose optocouplers consist of a gallium arsenide infrared emitting diode
driving a silicon phototransistor in a 6-pin dual in-line package.

3. 2N2904(PNP)
The 2N2904, 2N2905, 2N2906 and 2N2907 are silicon planar epitaxial PNP transistors in
Jedec TO-39 (for 2N2904, 2N2905) and in Jedec TO-18 (for 2N2906 and 2N2907) metal
cases. They are designed for high-speed saturated switching and general purpose
applications.

4. 2N3053 (NPN)
Features:
VCEO = 40V
IC = 0.7A
Ptot = 5W