Package Summary

ROS1 package for Epson IMU using UART interface based on C++ wrapper of Linux C driver

Package Summary

ROS1 package for Epson IMU using UART interface based on C++ wrapper of Linux C driver

Epson IMU ROS1 Node UART ** Deprecated **

*** NOTE: This package has been superceded by Epson IMU ROS1 Driver Node***

*** This webpage will no longer be updated ***


ess_sensors/g552.jpg ess_sensors/g370.jpg ess_sensors/g365.jpg

Overview


  • The Epson IMU ROS software is C++ wrapper around a Linux C driver for communicating on a ROS system

  • This code assumes that the user is familiar with building ROS1 packages using the catkin build process
  • This is *NOT* detailed step by step instructions describing how to build and install this ROS driver
  • Refer to the README.md inside the ROS package for more detailed up-to-date technical info on usage or Github repository

UART Connection & Configuration


  • When connecting the Epson device to a ROS system using the UART interface:
    • direct connection to UART port must be compatible with CMOS 3.3V I/O
    • connection is also possible through a USB-UART 3.3V converter IC such as on the M-G32EV041 evaluation board

    • GPIO output for asserting RESET# pin on the IMU is optional, but recommended if possible (i.e. embedded platforms)
    • Below is an example IMU UART connection when using a Raspberry Pi:
      • Epson IMU

        Raspberry Pi

        EPSON_SIN Input

        RPI_GPIO_P1_8 (GPIO14/UART_TXD) Output

        EPSON_SOUT Output

        RPI_GPIO_P1_10 (GPIO15/UART_RXD) Input

        EPSON_RESET Input

        RPI_GPIO_P1_15 (GPIO22) Output *Optional

  • When connecting the Epson G552PR1/G552PR7 to a ROS system using a RS422 UART interface:
    • direct connection to RS422 UART port must be compatible with RS422 I/O signal levels
    • Below is an example IMU RS422 connection to a RS422 Host:
      • Epson IMU

        RS422 Host

        EPSON_TD+ Output

        HOST_RD+ Input

        EPSON_TD- Output

        HOST_RD- Input

        EPSON_RD+ Input

        HOST_TD+ Output

        EPSON_RD- Input

        HOST_TD- Output

ROS1 Node


Published Topics

  • For IMU models that support quaternion output function the orientation field in sensor_msgs/Imu can update with valid data and publish on imu/data

  • For IMU models that do not support quaternion output function the orientation field in sensor_msgs/Imu will not update with valid data and publish on imu/data_raw

Launch File

  • The roslaunch/XML in the launch folder of this package is used to pass the init parameters to configure the IMU at runtime using roslaunch

  • Changes to init parameters is made by editing the launch file which does not require rebuilding with catkin_make

  • Typically, the user only needs to modify imu_dout_rate & imu_filter_sel as needed based on system requirements

  • Only use the specific IMU model launch file associated with the same IMU model built using catkin_make

Timestamping With EXT Signal

  • The G3xx series Epson IMU has 3.3V I/O EXT (GPIO2) pin which can be connected to a cyclic external sync signal such as a GNSS 1PPS signal
  • When the init parameter time_correction is enabled in unison with ext_sel set to reset counter & count_out enabled

    • The ROS driver attempts to correct the time stamp field in sensor_msgs/Imu based on the reset counter value (measured delay since latest GNSS 1PPS)

    • This should give a more accurate timestamp of the inertial data by minimizing the effects of link delays or host processing overhead delays

Building & Installing ROS1 Node


1. Place this package (including folders) into a new folder within your catkin workspace "src" folder.

2. Modify the CMakeLists.txt to select the desired Epson IMU model that is being used in the ROS system.

  • NOTE: You *MUST* re-build using catkin_make when changing IMU models or any changes in the CMakeLists.txt

3. From the catkin workspace folder run catkin_make to build all changed ROS1 packages located in the <catkin_workspace>/src/ folder. 4. Reload the current ROS1 environment variables that may have changed after the catkin build process.

<catkin_workspace>/source devel/setup.bash

5. Modify the appropriate roslaunch/XML to set your desired IMU init parameters for the specific IMU model in the launch folder that you selected and built

  • Typically, only the dout_rate & filter_sel needs to be edited

Running the ROS1 Node


  • To start the Epson IMU ROS1 driver use the appropriate launch file (located in launch/) with roslaunch

  • For example:

<catkin_workspace>/roslaunch ess_imu_ros1_uart_driver epson_g370.launch

USB-UART Latency


  • When using USB-UART bridge ICs to connect between the Linux host & Epson IMU, it is possible to experience higher than expected latencies or slower than expected IMU data rates

  • This could be caused by the USB-UART bridge device driver software which sets the default latency_timer too large (i.e. typically 16msec)
  • There are 2 recommended methods to reduce this value to 1msec to improve the latency & IMU publishing data rate

Modify latency_timer by sysfs mechanism

  • The example below reads the latency_timer setting for /dev/ttyUSB0 which returns 16msec
  • Then, the latency_timer is set to 1msec, and confirmed by readback.
  • NOTE: May require root (sudo su) access on your system to modify.

cat /sys/bus/usb-serial/devices/ttyUSB0/latency_timer
16
echo 1 > /sys/bus/usb-serial/devices/ttyUSB0/latency_timer
cat /sys/bus/usb-serial/devices/ttyUSB0/latency_timer
1

Modify low_latency flag using setserial utility

  • The example below sets the low_latency flag for /dev/ttyUSB0.
  • This will have the same effect as setting the latency_timer to 1msec.
  • This can be confirmed by running the setserial command again.
  • NOTE: You may need to install setserial with sudo apt install setserial

user@user-VirtualBox:~$ setserial /dev/ttyUSB0
/dev/ttyUSB0, UART: unknown, Port: 0x0000, IRQ: 0

user@user-VirtualBox:~$ setserial /dev/ttyUSB0 low_latency

user@user-VirtualBox:~$ setserial /dev/ttyUSB0
/dev/ttyUSB0, UART: unknown, Port: 0x0000, IRQ: 0, Flags: low_latency

Technical Support


Wiki: ess_imu_ros1_uart_driver (last edited 2023-12-12 00:42:23 by RChow)