Skip to content

README.md

Latest commit

 

History

History
80 lines (62 loc) · 3.32 KB

README.md

File metadata and controls

80 lines (62 loc) · 3.32 KB

Hardware Documentation

Custom PCB design for the Arduino IoT Blinds Controller — a low-power, battery-operated ESP32 board that controls motorized window blinds via Arduino IoT Cloud.

Design Overview

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│                                                             │
│   USB-C ──▶ BQ25886 ──▶ Battery ──▶ TPS62152 ──▶ 3.3V     │
│              (charger)              (buck)                  │
│                                                             │
│   XIAO ESP32-C3 ◀──▶ BSS138 Level Shifters ──▶ Motor       │
│        │                                        Driver      │
│        │                                                    │
│        └──▶ WiFi ──▶ Arduino IoT Cloud                     │
│                                                             │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Features

  • Ultra-low power: Designed for battery operation with efficient power management
  • USB-C charging: BQ25886 handles Li-Ion/Li-Po battery charging
  • WiFi connectivity: ESP32-C3 connects to Arduino IoT Cloud
  • Level shifting: BSS138 MOSFETs for interfacing with 5V motor drivers
  • Compact: Uses Seeed XIAO module to minimize PCB size
  • Tactile buttons: 4 switches for manual up/down control

Directory Structure

hardware/
├── README.md           # This file
├── gerber/             # PCB manufacturing files
│   ├── Gerber_*.G*     # Copper, silkscreen, solder mask layers
│   ├── Drill_*.DRL     # Drill files (PTH, NPTH, vias)
│   └── How-to-order-PCB.txt
└── docs/
    └── BOM.md          # Bill of Materials with LCSC part numbers

Manufacturing

PCB Specs

  • Layers: 2
  • Thickness: 1.6mm (standard)
  • Surface finish: HASL or ENIG
  • Minimum trace: Check Gerber for specifics

Ordering PCBs

  1. Zip the contents of /gerber/
  2. Upload to JLCPCB, PCBWay, or similar
  3. Select specs (2-layer, 1.6mm, green solder mask typical)
  4. Order! (Usually $2-5 for 5 boards)

Ordering Components

All parts available from LCSC. See BOM.md for part numbers.

Assembly Notes

  1. Start with SMD components — Solder smallest parts first (0402 LEDs, 0603 passives)
  2. ICs next — BQ25886, TPS62152 (both QFN, need hot air or reflow)
  3. Through-hole last — Switches, USB connector
  4. XIAO module — Solder headers or direct-solder the module

Tools Needed

  • Soldering iron with fine tip
  • Hot air station (for QFN packages) OR solder paste + reflow
  • Flux
  • Fine tweezers
  • Magnification (loupe or microscope)

Firmware

See the main project README for the bridge software. The ESP32 firmware that runs on this board connects to Arduino IoT Cloud — Arduino sketch coming soon in Phase 3.

License

Hardware designs released under CERN-OHL-P v2 (Permissive).