登录查看更多内容

What are some design considerations for PCBs used in robotics?

由人工智能和领英社区提供技术支持

PCBs, or printed circuit boards, are essential components of any robotic system. They provide the electrical connections and support for the sensors, actuators, microcontrollers, and other devices that make up a robot. However, designing PCBs for robotics is not a straightforward task. There are many factors to consider, such as size, shape, weight, durability, power consumption, noise, heat dissipation, and reliability. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important design considerations for PCBs used in robotics and how to address them.

此文章中的业界达人

由社区从 3 条内容中精选。了解更多

Shahid Ahmed Kazmi

■Learning is my obsession■Teaching my passion■Instrumentation & control my profession■ Founded Instrumentation…
PardhaSaradhi Kuppili

Hardware Project Manager

1 Size and shape

One of the first design considerations for PCBs used in robotics is the size and shape of the board. Depending on the type and function of the robot, the PCB may have to fit into a tight space, conform to a specific geometry, or allow for flexibility and movement. Therefore, the PCB designer has to optimize the layout and placement of the components, minimize the number of layers and vias, and use appropriate connectors and mounting methods. For example, a flexible PCB may be suitable for a robot with a curved or articulated body, while a rigid PCB may be preferred for a robot with a fixed or stable structure.

添加您的观点

2 Weight and durability

Another design consideration for PCBs used in robotics is the weight and durability of the board. The weight of the PCB affects the balance, mobility, and energy efficiency of the robot, especially for those that fly, swim, or walk. The durability of the PCB determines how well it can withstand the mechanical stresses, shocks, vibrations, and impacts that the robot may encounter in its environment. Therefore, the PCB designer has to choose the right materials, thickness, and coating for the board, as well as avoid unnecessary components and wires that may add weight or create weak points. For example, a lightweight and durable PCB may be made of aluminum or FR-4 with a protective layer of solder mask or conformal coating.

添加您的观点

3 Power consumption and noise

A third design consideration for PCBs used in robotics is the power consumption and noise of the board. The power consumption of the PCB affects the battery life and performance of the robot, especially for those that operate autonomously or remotely. The noise of the PCB refers to the unwanted electrical signals that may interfere with the communication and control of the robot, such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) or radio frequency interference (RFI). Therefore, the PCB designer has to optimize the power supply and distribution, reduce the parasitic capacitance and inductance, and implement proper grounding and shielding techniques. For example, a low-power and low-noise PCB may use a switching regulator or a low-dropout regulator for voltage conversion, as well as a ferrite bead or a filter capacitor for noise suppression.

添加您的观点

PardhaSaradhi Kuppili

Hardware Project Manager
(已编辑)
举报内容
I beg to differ here because it is not the job of PCB engineer to ensure the optimisation of power consumption and noise immunity. It is the responsibility of Hardware Design engineer.While designing he/she needs to consider the worst case power consumption considering the PCB trace resistances also and ensure that the power consumption is within the accepted range.Noise immunity aspect of design requires care both from schematic and PCB layout so it's a combined effort of HW engineer and PCB engineer.HW engineer has to consider the required filtering components in circuit whereas PCB engineer has to ensure the effective layout to reduce parasitics.Signal integrity has to be verified post the layout to ensure noise immunity.

已翻译

赞

4 Heat dissipation and reliability

A fourth design consideration for PCBs used in robotics is the heat dissipation and reliability of the board. The heat dissipation of the PCB affects the temperature and stability of the components, which may degrade their performance or cause them to fail over time. The reliability of the PCB refers to the ability of the board to function correctly and consistently under different conditions and scenarios. Therefore, the PCB designer has to consider the thermal characteristics and ratings of the components, use adequate cooling and ventilation methods, and avoid thermal cycling and hot spots. For example, a high-heat dissipation and high-reliability PCB may use a heat sink or a fan for cooling, as well as a thermal relief pad or a via for heat transfer.

添加您的观点

PardhaSaradhi Kuppili

Hardware Project Manager
举报内容
Again it's not just the PCB that needs to be focused here.For better thermal performance, The primary aspect is to estimate the worst case power consumption by each component in the schematic and estimate the temperature rise.Then identify the thermal hotspot (components with high temperature rise) and make sure that these components were placed on the board at enough distance such that thermal transfer through radiation won't happen and then identify cooling methods for the required components (high power switching MOSFET/Inductors) For ICs consider the land patterns a bit bigger with thermal vias to ensure a better thermal performance. Humidity performance is improved by taking care in the distance between traces.

已翻译

赞

5 Testing and debugging

A fifth design consideration for PCBs used in robotics is the testing and debugging of the board. The testing and debugging of the PCB involves checking the functionality and quality of the board, identifying and correcting any errors or defects, and verifying the compatibility and integration with the robot. Therefore, the PCB designer has to include test points, headers, jumpers, and indicators on the board, as well as use appropriate tools and software for testing and debugging. For example, a testable and debuggable PCB may use a JTAG or a serial port for programming and communication, as well as a multimeter or an oscilloscope for measuring and analyzing.

添加您的观点

6 Documentation and maintenance

A sixth and final design consideration for PCBs used in robotics is the documentation and maintenance of the board. The documentation and maintenance of the PCB involves keeping a record of the design and fabrication process, providing instructions and specifications for the users and operators, and ensuring the availability and accessibility of the spare parts and support. Therefore, the PCB designer has to create and update the schematic, layout, bill of materials, and datasheets of the board, as well as use standard and modular components and formats. For example, a well-documented and maintained PCB may use a Gerber or a KiCad file for the layout, as well as a Digi-Key or a Mouser catalog for the components.

添加您的观点

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

添加您的观点

Shahid Ahmed Kazmi

■Learning is my obsession■Teaching my passion■Instrumentation & control my profession■ Founded Instrumentation enthusiasts (exclusive group) with 29,340+ members■ Newsletter ?INSTRUMENTATION REVISITED? Published weekly
(已编辑)
举报内容
Robotics is a developing arena and is growing exponentially. Designing of PCB is not a straightforward task in robots. One thing I would like to add is that PCB construction may be bifurcated and connected through communication bus or through wireless to avoid congestion and for ease of fault diagnostics and repair. This option is not possible in all circumstances but where possible if implemented may ease the engineering design to a great extent. It is more flexible and durable solution since all control components are not located in one place and can also be designed to give easy access for maintenance, troubleshooting and repair. Smaller PCB's are easier to install as well and may prove to be more efficient and cost effective as well.

已翻译

赞

Electronic Engineering

+ 关注

给文章评分

我们借助人工智能创建了此文章。您认为这篇文章怎么样？

很棒不太好

举报此文章

查看全部

What are some design considerations for PCBs used in robotics?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Size and shape

2 Weight and durability

3 Power consumption and noise

4 Heat dissipation and reliability

5 Testing and debugging

6 Documentation and maintenance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Engineering

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

更多Electronic Engineering相关文章

更多相关阅读内容

What are some design considerations for PCBs used in robotics?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Size and shape

2 Weight and durability

3 Power consumption and noise

4 Heat dissipation and reliability

5 Testing and debugging

6 Documentation and maintenance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Electronic Engineering

给文章评分

感谢您的反馈

查看其他技能