Signal Distribution Box

Engineering
1

Functions of the Signal Distribution PCB

  • Integrate all components of the aircraft system
    • Battery 1-6
    • Flight Controller
    • Cockpit
    • Charger
    • Parachute
    • Companion Computer
    • Flight Sticks
    • Altimeter
    • Magnetometer
    • …
  • Power distribution and redundancy circuit
  • Signal distribution
  • Easy wiring

Changes in V2 compared to V1

  • Added an Arduino with can bus interface to enable the digital switching of the DCDC converters (for the power supply and also the ones to enable the individual batteries)
  • 18650 battery cell with charge circuit to start the Arduino without a battery connected
  • Connection to the toggle switch PCB is now digital over CAN
  • Changed the type of connectors for better assembly
  • The options to enable the batteries over CAN makes it possible to use the new charge PCB

Schematic:

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image3078×1765 461 KB

2D Layer:

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image2693×1549 352 KB

Link to the files:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cy5KKfoVCfPxOt3CjgzBpIf_tykwnJXx?usp=drive_link

4 Likes
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wow man what a tease

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  • Connection to the toggle switch PCB is now digital over CAN
2 Likes
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Connection to the toggle switch PCB is now digital over CAN

That’s a fantastic optimization.

1 Like
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This is a really solid improvement, thanks Julius!

Is there any particular reason you went with an 18650 cell instead of a 21700?

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Glad you asked!
So i originally wanted to put in a LiFePo4 cell, because they are a little bit more safe and have a better cycle life. I looked at some suppliers and you can’t really buy 21700 LiFePo4 cells, most are 18650. There are a few, but much more limited options compared to 18650.
I wrote this to the Freelancer, but she made the design with a 4.2V Li-Ion charge controller. I saw it to late and already ordered the PCBs. So now its a 18650 Li-Ion cell that will be used :grin:
For the function its not important. On the plus side we safe a few grams with the 18650 cell!

2 Likes
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18650 LiFePo4 manufacturers are evolving to 4680 batteries now