Characterization

Characterization

Normally before you even start to design a PCB, you write a document characterizing all of the requirements for that board. This would include defining power levels, inputs, outputs, etc. For this onboarding project, however, the board's requirements are very simple for the sake of learning:

Inputs:

• 12V Power, through XT-30U Female Connector
• CAN Signal, through JST-GH BM02B Connector

Outputs:

• 28V Power, through XT-30U Male Connector
• CAN Signal, through JST-GH BM02B Connector

XT-30 cables are standard to RoboMaster power components, hence their connector usage here
JST-GH cables are also standard to RoboMaster, for data connections. This includes CAN, UART, and other proprietary standards in DJI's components

Internal Circuits (high-level overview)

• Boost converter
• CAN differential pair routing

Size & Shape:

• Rectangular, 1200cm² or less, with filleted corners (rounded)
  • Often the board size and exact shape is directly constrained by the Mechanical team, here I've kept it simpler
• M2 Screw hole reliefs in board corners

Circuit Theory

This project assumes basic circuit knowledge and will definitely benefit from it, however you don't actually need any to simply complete the project and learn KiCAD's features. Regardless, taking ~20 minutes to read this overview on switched power supplies will be highly beneficial in your understanding of practical circuits. This project is an implementation of the Boost Switch Mode Power Supply topology.

Next Steps

For a quick overview of the process, see these slides from the earlier year.

See Schematic Design