Alpha 11.0 to 11.2 - PCB Updates
An update on my first testing with PCB design from version a11.0 to a11.1.
First of all PCBway did a beautiful job manufacturing the PCBs! All errors and bugs are from my inexperienced design. Thanks to them for the support!
What worked:
- ESP32
- 240x240px LCD Screen
- USB-UART Bridge programming (only with reduced speed)
- LEDs
- Enable-, Boot Buttons, Auto-Reset
- UV Sensors
What i did wrong:
- the selected multiplexer PCF8575 only runs on 5v, but still worked on 3v3 as a LED sink
- I2C bus was throwing errors at all speeds, probably trace interference
- Serial upload threw errors sometimes, probably trace interference
- selected wrong pins on ESP32 and TFT, had to bridge 2 to make it work
Assembly of the previous version 11.0, which you can see here. It had an unfixable error with the USB-UART Bridge and non-available multiplexer, so i went on to the next one. (always double-check the schematics!)
Alpha 11.1 Working:
PCB#1 - Alpha 11.1 Front | Back (manufactured by PCBway) |
Next up...
a fully redesigned Alpha 11.2 and testable working prototype
I got some help to do an overhaul of the entire pcb designs, to make sure they are properly designed and so i don't have to keep reiterating too many times. The power and lamp side with PCB#3 + 4 will have to wait for now.
Design is already done and to be sent out to PCBway for manufacturing. Again, great gratitude to them for sponsoring, couldn't do it without them!
Alpha 11.2 Changes to PCB 1 + 2:
- path / power path improvement
- change PCB#1 to 4-layer design
- switched PCF8575 to PCA9535PW
- switched screen from 240x240px LCD to rounded bare240x280px LCD
- all remaining IO broken out
- switched GPS to M86-M33
- added dedicated power off control to sensors and peripherals for extreme power saving
PCB#1 - Alpha 11.2 Front | Back |
PCB#2 - Alpha 11.2 Front | Back |
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