Hide soaking controlled by microcontroller with Ethernet interface

Abstract

The paper deals with utilization of Ethernet interface of microcontroller MC9S12NE64 in automatic control of hide soaking process. Microcontrollers are widely used in small or medium size technological processes. Microcontroller is usable for controlling the process described in this paper. The presented algorithm was developed to optimize the soaking process and prevent structural damage of hides that occurs while the hide is sunk and washed in plain water. Such damage is caused by large osmotic pressure that tears the fine structure of the hide. The algorithm was fully implemented into the microcontroller which controls the whole process. The Ethernet interface was used for interconnection with a computer. Web server is also part of the microcontroller so that the whole application is saved in the microcontroller's flash memory. The computer only requires installation of a common web browser to provide successful communication with the microcontroller.