Multi-PCB Motherboard

This assembly acts like a motherboard for all PCBs in the front of the race car. It provides power and connection to car buses for other PCBs(the voltage is converted from 24V to 5V with a 5A LM22679TJ-5.0 voltage regulator). Circuit boards are stacked on top of each other creating a ‘PCB sandwich’ - it allows to extend the count of boards on the stack very conveniently . It is actually made from two separate PCBs connected via IDC cable and goldpin connectors, in order to maximize usable space - there is not a lot of available space when it comes to designing a race car. Everything has to be as dense packed as possible. One of many challenges of designing the "Front Box" PCBs was to fit a lot of traces and components on a PCB, while making sure supply rails can handle a lot of current that is needed to power components. That's why we decided to go with JLCPCBs 4 layer PCB.

PCB manufactring supported by https://jlcpcb.com/HAR

3D model is made in Solidworks 2021, with PCB 3D models imported directly from KiCad(as .step files) - because of that we can be sure that everything will be fitting.

Schematics and all KiCad files can be found on our github repository:

https://github.com/PUT-Motorsport/PUTM_EV_FRONT_BOX_2022

Gerber files were generated directly from KiCad, you can see how, in the tutorial below:

https://support.jlcpcb.com/article/149-how-to-generate-gerber-and-drill-files-in-kicad.

JLCPCB is a sponsor of this whole project (not only this PCB, but all the PCBs in the car!). JLCPCB (Shenzhen JLC Electronics Co., Ltd.), is the largest PCB prototype enterprise in China and a high-tech manufacturer specializing in quick PCB prototype and small-batch PCB production. You can order a minimum of 5 PCBs for just $2 (2 layers), just enough to have a few test/spare ones. After making sure your PCB looks good – by clicking "Gerber Viewer". After thet, you can place the order at a reasonable price. In case of this project, there is 12$ in total for 5, 4-layers PCB and 5 2-layer ones. It’s only 6-7 days build time(the time is extended due to the chosen colour). To place the order, click on the “SAVE TO CART” button.