This is a controller for a vacuum pump, useful in pick-and-place machines. The controller adjusts the rpm of a vacuum pump to maintain a constant vacuum. The controller can be used over usb, as part of a pick-and-place machine, or standalone, with a footswitch.

Features:

• PID controller with autotuning
• controls one 12V 1A vacuum pump (diaphragm pump).
• up to 4 x BMP280 pressure sensors: 1 for outside pressure, 1 for vacuum pressure, and 2 for two pick-and-place nozzles. The pressure sensors on the nozzles are used to check whether a component has been picked up or fallen off.
• sensor pressure range 300 to 1100 hPa
• up to 2 x 12V NC solenoid valves, for up to two pick-and-place nozzles.

Sources and firmware at github