PCB/Schematic Review

Projects made with Blynk
1

Good afternoon,

I am new to PCB/schematic design and wanted to make a simple Blynk RGB controller just to see how it went.

I have made the schematic and PCB layout. I was wondering if anybody would be able to briefly look over it and see if I have made any obvious errors?

Thanks!

PCB_BYLNK-Board_20180330152333

Schematic_RGB_Wifi-Controller_20180330152324
Schematic_RGB_Wifi-Controller_20180330152324.png1169×828 39.2 KB

2 Likes
2

Not really what we do here :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye: But fun looking project. Sorry, I am not experienced with PCB layout.

If you are going to post this as a Project made with Blynk… I recommend you include code and other details… otherwise you are really just asking for help with non-Blynk stuff :wink:

1 Like
3

Well, at first look, few problems I’ve found on schematic:

  • The polarity of output transistors is reversed: The NPN transistor works best :stuck_out_tongue: while emitter is connected to GND, collector to output. Also MOSFET’s are better for PWM
  • lack of filtering capacitors on 3.3V regulator. As this (I think) is supposed to work in PWM mode, I would add some 1000uF on voltage input anyway
  • Led polarity is reversed.
1 Like
4

I was wondering if you could control all three channels with just the ESP-01… and yes, you can, using the RX pin (GPIO3). But still not really Blynk related yet… but add in my zeRGBa code and you are getting closer :wink:

image

5

I have to say that you’re making life unnecessarily difficult for yourself by using an Arduino Pro Mini and ESP-01 together. It’s much easier to use a fully-fledged ESP8266 to do everything.
This has a few advantages:

  • Lower cost
  • Lower component count
  • Easier to support/debug
  • Supports OTA Updates
  • Supports 1024 levels of PWM output

This is what my RGB controllers look like:

image
image.jpg1280×1278 645 KB

This is basically this circuit from Adafruit but using a Wemos D1 Mini instead of the Arduino Uno and with the addition of an on-board voltage regulator and smoothing capacitor:

Regardless of which circuit you use, I’d recommend the following:

  • Add some mounting holes to your PCB so that its easier to box-up
  • Go for wider tracks on the bits of the circuit that will be handling the current of the RGB strip
  • Allow space for a heatsink on the voltage regulator
  • Add plenty of screen printed info, you’ll thank yourself for this later
  • Don’t be tempted to do a ‘copper pour’, the groundplane that it produces could block the Wi-Fi signals to the ESP

Pete.

4 Likes
6

@Pete: you are using MOSFET’S or NPN’s in this project?. If MOSFET’s then it is worth noting the gate threshold voltage when choosing the right ones.

7

I’m using IRLB8721 N-Channel MOSFETs as reccomended in the Adafuit link. They have a Gate threshold voltage of between 1.35 and 2.35v, so work well with either 3.3 or 5v logic levels and can sink much more Drain current than I’ll ever be drawing through them, so they run nice and cool.

Pete.

1 Like
8

Why are you using 90 degree angles ? Not that it makes a difference but 45 degree angles look cooler :stuck_out_tongue:
And what software is that ? My guess is Eagle ?
And last for cheap pcb orders i recommend JLCPCB.com they charge 2 dollars for 10 pcs when your board is smaller then 10cmx10cm and you can order parts from LCSC at the same time and only pay shipping once for both packages.You also get a coupon on your first order that im sure you will find on the site.

1 Like
9

I’d agree. That’s where I had mine made.
I use https://circuits.io/ to do the design then export the Gerber files and upload them to JLCPCB.com

Pete.

2 Likes
10

I use elecrow.com, cheaper shipping costs and same prices on PCBs.

2 Likes
11

They seem to be a little more expensive, but i just went on their website and they also make custom cases for projects ? Do you have any experience with that ? I have been looking for a service like this.

12

No, I always use one of my 3D Printers to do that…

13

yes i usually do the same but i would like some alumium cases and my cnc machine isn’t powerfull enough for that kind of work.