hybridfree/eevblog-posts huggingface dataset:
Servo drives for linear motors? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: V_King
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 30, 2020, 12:59:17 pm
content: Hello,It is good to see a robotics and automation section in the forum.I wonder if anybody here works with industrial servo drives? Up until now I have only been working with rotary motion and simple variable frequency drives, but my employer is looking into using linear motors for a project. The servos and linear motors are new to us and we have limited knowledge. I had a few meetings with various reps from motor and servo drive manufacturers. The prices, complexity and startup/training costs varying considerably. Is here anybody whom has experience with various servo drives and is able to recommend a good brand to start with(Yaskawa, Mitsubishi, Parker, Sigmatek, Bosch R, Siemens etc?)? I am trying to do as much investigation as possible before we start buying, because I probably will end up using the chosen brand for a while and want to choose well, to avoid regrets later. Probably ease of initial setup, open comms protocols and availability for the UK are most important.Also, is there a good handbook/tutorial series/whitepapers for reading before I delve into the thick manuals provided to me.Thanks

author: ndzied1
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2020, 03:55:46 am
content: I see this is a little old but another brand you can look at for ease of use and startup is LinMot. Have you done any applications yet?

author: kuon
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: February 09, 2021, 04:07:15 pm
content: I highly recommend clearpath motors from teknic

author: oliviasmithh901
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 14, 2021, 02:01:16 pm
content: I have always used servo motors from jameco.

author: V_King
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 23, 2021, 08:17:14 am
content: Quote from: ndzied1 on September 02, 2020, 03:55:46 amThanks, the UK rep for LinMot had no interest in our project.
Tiny  3-phase BLDC inverter/controller for 9.3kW - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zenerbjt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 17, 2020, 09:09:05 pm
content: Dear Engineers,The Flame 180A is a 3-phase inverter and inverter controller for a BLDC. It runs off a 6S or 14S lithium battery. (22-52V)https://store-en.tmotor.com/goods.php?id=733This video shows it..There is no documentation with it. (as the video says)Does the “180A” refer to the average supply current to the inverter from the battery…or does it refer to the peak phase current?Also, with a 14S, that’s 52Vin, which means at 180A, that’s 9.3kW……just looking at the Flame 180A, it just doesn’t look like a 9.3kW inverter. It looks way too small. Would you agree? (Even with high speed blown air going over it)...see it at 1:32 in the video if you wish.In the video at 1:32 you can see the tiny input capacitor bank…that’s all it is…7 capacitors of the size you see there...thats seven pieces of 105degc, 63v, 330uF electro's.…this surely is nowhere near enough for a 9.3kW 3-phase inverter to a BLDC. (I will try and find out the part numbers and do the calcs).Current measurement:We’d like to use a 250A unidirectional Allegro-Micro Hall sensor to sense the current from the battery when the Flame 180A is operating.…..ACS772 Hall current sensorACS772ECB-250U-PFF-Thttps://www.allegromicro.com/en/Products/Sense/current-sensor-ics/Fifty-To-Two-Hundred-Amp-Integrated-Conductor-Sensor-ICs/ACS772Do you believe 250A will be big enough to catch the peak of the battery supply current?Also, why are there no interactive sims of 3phase BLDC inverter currents on the web?

author: StefanHamminga
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 18, 2020, 10:31:59 am
content: For a project a while ago I has some discussions with T-motor, they were pretty accessible and open about their products (I don't have any affiliation). I forwarded this thread to the person I spoke to then, asking for them to comment here.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 19, 2020, 02:33:57 am
content: ESC ratings are just like audio amplifiers.Without available specs, and completely open source I would not even look at the video (stopped it at about 01:30.I assume those 180A is battery drain with all 6 mosfets shorted and lots of smoke will ESC after a few ms.
PaspberryPi Codesys, Node-Red and Amazon Alexa Integration - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: VRomanov
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: June 16, 2020, 03:21:28 am
content: Hi all,I'm looking to build a home automation project using Codesys, Node-Red as well as Amazon Alexa using a RaspberryPi. The goal is to trigger functions through Alexa and trigger GPIO of the RaspberryPi that would interface devices. I would document the process on my engineering blog that I run (https://www.solisplc.com/). I'm looking for some pointers as to how some of you used Codesys on a RaspberryPi hardware. There seem to be solutions that drive GPIO directly while others would use industrial hardware that communicates over Ethernet. Any hardware that you'd recommend?Thank you,Vlad
Areas of improvement in Field Oriented Control (FOC) ? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: cadena
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2020, 09:52:45 pm
content: Hi everyone,I am trying to a project based on FOC and BLDC motor using Simulink. I have been looking at material explaining how to use FOC with Simulink but from what I have seen there is an automatic PID autotuner. So is there really anything that can be improved from FOC in MATLAB ? Please your help would be really appreciated.

author: scrat
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 29, 2020, 01:25:26 pm
content: Hi cadena,are you still interested in this topic?
Searching for a simple way to use AS-interface - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: printplaatreparatie.nl
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2020, 06:22:57 pm
content: Hi there, I got hold of some Eaton Rapid Link 4.0 Frequency controllers and motor starters. I would like to use them in a to-be-determined project, but I have no idea how to use the AS-interface in a simple way, without spending a lot of money and leaning to program a PLC.I found this raspberry pi board:https://tinyurl.com/tv4g356but found no information how to use it.Ideally, I would like to use an (industrial) Arduino or simular open-source device to get those units to behave.Can anyone shine some light over the black box of AS-interface? All I can find is how amazing it is (for machine builders with a nice budget.)

author: rvalente
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2020, 04:12:20 pm
content: Do you really have to use ASI?For me, was a network that although has been used, never saw much of a commercial success nor interest to be maintained by users.If you wanna learn about ASI try to find some used modbus 485/ethernet to asi interfaces.If you can get away without it, do, go for modbus or canopen
Programming hitec D485 rc servo settings - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rtv
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 17, 2020, 05:53:04 pm
content: I got HITEC D485HW digital servo for my project, but not a programmer to change settings in it.Programmer DPC-11 or HFP-30 is not expensive, but I looked for a cheaper option.I don't know how DPC-11 Universal Programming Interface for Hitec’s Programmable Servo is madeBut it is using Silabs cp210x driverHitec HMI protocol is known for older servos, but it wasn't compatible with D-series servo.After some probing and tinkering I got DPC-11 pc sofware to work with FTDI rs232 ttl adapter.And as an extra feature found hidden menu in DPC-11 software. (thankshttps://github.com/0xd4d/dnSpy)Adapter interface is simple: 1 resistor to tx line and connect it to rx and then to servo input.Program is using uart break command to pull tx line high (and rx) when reading data from servo.Ft_prog program was used to invert tx and rx signals of the rs232r chip.(Don't forget to undo after use )SiUSBXp.dll in program folder must be replaced with attached dll, which is wrapping Silabs USBXpress commands to FTDI D2XX.This will propably only work with D-series servos.Change settings at your own risk.Motor of the servo is stronger than position potentiometers axle. Don't ask how I knowAfter looking at the protocol it is same as robotro.com servos haveFt_prog:https://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Utilities/FT_Prog_v3.6.88.402%20Installer.exeDPC-11 pc sofware:https://hitecrcd.com/uploads/DPC-11_Setup_20180214_V2.9.1.zipSiUSBXp.zip(18.75 kB - downloaded 159 times.)
Lighting assembly systems - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Strathe
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: December 03, 2019, 02:24:05 am
content: Hi all,I work for an Aussie lighting manufacturer. We are currently doing well with linear LED lighting systems. These are the style of lighting you will see down the centre of the isle in a supermarket, down corridors is commercial spaces, etc.At heart all of these systems are an aluminium extrusion acting as a shell and carrier for wiring, drivers and other gear, usually with a second "tray" extrusion that mounts inside it. This second tray has LED boards mounted end to end down its length with some sort of diffuser clipped over the LED boards to hide them and prettify the light.We would like to automate the process of laying down the LED 560mm x 20mm boards and dropping 4 push fix fasteners through them to lock them to the "tray". My background is injection moulding and press tooling, so I have no experience with this sort of automation and have no idea where to start.Does anyone have some suggestions for companies I should dig into? Automation is one of those areas where the water runs deep, so any hint or hard lessons learned would be appreciated.
Swarming drones - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: fmkit
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 21, 2019, 12:07:30 pm
content: spent 4 years trying to keep RC flying wings and drones formation, only one RF modem on each frame,it is possible to do TDoA without expensieve DecaWave modules that can be used because f low range anyway, sub 0.5GHz much better
Pixhawk auto-pilot current draw and power useage? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: zenerbjt
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2020, 11:27:24 am
content: Dear Engineers,Do you know how much current the Pixhawk draws from each of its input voltage rails?Pixhawkhttps://docs.px4.io/v1.9.0/en/flight_controller/pixhawk.htmlNo datasheet appears to say
12V PLC for diesel fire pump control - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: rvalente
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2019, 09:06:26 pm
content: Hello mates,I'm very used to apply 24V PLC systems, Allen Bradley, Siemens, Wago and Mitsubishi but always at 24V. This diesel fire pump is 12V and I was trying to avoid the use of a 12V to 24V boost.The requirements would be:Nominal working voltage from 6V (bad batteries during crank) up to 16V (bad alternator), digital inputs, relay outputs and analog inputs 0-10V/4-20mA.I'm not inclined to use these Logo or similar series, to resource limited.If not, would you recommend a good 12V to 24V boost ups? From tier one brands, Siemens..Wago Weidmuller.. etcI can not use any custom boards or special stuff, has to be industrial equipment, this is the project drive 10 year + of parts available

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2019, 09:20:05 pm
content: I've usedDanfoss PLUS+1 PLC's in 12V vehicles.They have the transient, temperature, vibration ratings and typically used for drive-by-wire electro-hydraulic vehicles.Their S/W is expensive, so make sure you price that in.A fire water pump is mission critical so you would not want to go cheap and have it fail.

author: rvalente
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2019, 09:49:41 pm
content: Quote from: floobydust on November 01, 2019, 09:20:05 pmTrue, I do not want to save and have it fail, will price it rightly and do accordingly to the standards, paper and pulp factory VERY critical.I've found this IFM, what do u think? Programmable on codesyshttps://www.ifm.com/br/en/product/CR0403

author: floobydust
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 01, 2019, 11:36:52 pm
content: That PLC has vibration and vehicle transient overvoltage ratings, it looks good. The vibration/water and wiring is always a weak point, it will need a separate enclosure.

author: rvalente
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: November 02, 2019, 10:53:14 am
content: Will look forward to it, vibration is not an issue to me, the control panel is static to the wall, stationary engine
Help me choose a linear actuator - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Kapitonov
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 09, 2019, 05:57:25 pm
content: Hi! I want to change the linear actuator on the tailgate. I looked in the internet, there are a lot of offers and the prices are very different. Maybe there are people here who understand this and can advise me what type of actuator is better, manufacturer and where to buy? I will be very grateful.

author: Kapitonov
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 16, 2019, 09:49:59 am
content: I bought a linear actuator from the "not-a-good" good online store and it broke after 3 weeks. So I stuck again with this problem. Could somebody help?

author: PointyOintment
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 31, 2019, 12:02:55 am
content: Maybe, if you tell us what kind of vehicle you have…

author: Freerthy
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 10, 2019, 10:20:38 am
content: We can better guide you if we know what kind of vehicle do you have.

author: jackthomson41
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2019, 03:44:22 pm
content: What are the specs of yourlinear actuators?? need to post more details to get help.
New Flamethrower attachment for Drones - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: windsmurf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 19, 2019, 09:14:17 pm
content: Use cases include:Ground clearing or controlled agricultural burns.Ice and snow melting/clearingIncinerating weeds and other unwanted ground plans.Back burns and pre burn commonly used by forestry personnel for forest fire containment/preventionPyrotechnicsFilm production and movie props. (check us out in The Purge, Quarry, Punisher, The Darkest Minds and Burger King commercials)https://throwflame.com/tf-19-wasp/

author: SiliconWizard
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 12:34:42 am
content: Oh, I'm sure there are absolutely no other possible use cases...

author: Stray Electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 01:04:46 am
content: I'm thinking about the neighbor's dog that likes to pee on my car tires!

author: Black Phoenix
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 01, 2019, 02:45:25 am
content: The only thing developed here from them are the Flamethrower and the Controller with Screen, the base is a simple DJI Spreading Wings S1000+.Having a video talking about a fully developed drone with carbon fiber frame as it was their own design...
FLIR Black Hornet 3 equips soldiers with immediate covert situational awareness - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: windsmurf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 03, 2019, 06:30:23 am
content: The FLIR Black Hornet 3 equips the non-specialist dismounted soldier with immediate covert situational awareness (SA). Game-changing EO and IR technology bridge the gap between aerial and ground-based sensors, providing the same amount of SA as a larger UAV and IED location capabilities of UGVs. Extremely light, nearly silent, and with a flight time up to 25 minutes, the combat-proven, pocket-sized Black Hornet transmits live video and HD still images back to the operator.
Hi, motor vibrating & trying to run when connected to vfd - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: nyame
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 05, 2019, 06:02:42 pm
content: Hello am facing some issues that need help pls, i have ABB ACS350 2.2KW VFD, and 0.33HP 3 phase Induction motor, after setting the parameters as required, and the vfd is set for operation, send power to the motor i wittiness a continues vibration and the motor rotor trying to run,please what could be the cause and how can this be rectifywill appreciate any help thanks.

author: mikerj
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2019, 05:36:51 pm
content: The symptoms suggest one of your phase windings may be open circuit, either within the motor, in the wiring between motor and VFD or the VFD itself is bad.

author: CatalinaWOW
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 08, 2019, 07:17:59 pm
content: Be sure to double check your wiring. I have found the circuit diagrams/instructions provide with some three phase motors to be subject to misinterpretation.

author: jackthomson41
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2019, 03:47:22 pm
content: Single Phase Induction motorneeds a new winding. Does it has a single layer or double layer winding, may be you need to just change single layer.
OV5640 camera connector - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Boris-no-worries
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: July 02, 2019, 10:02:22 am
content: Hi thereI have OV5640 MIPI camera which has what appears to be 24 pin BTB connector surface mounted on FFC cable. The majority of Arduino or RPi cards however work with just FFC cable. I've tried to Google some sort of cable adapter that I could use convert the connector but found no products suitable which is strange. It appears that I am not looking for the right thing.So I have two questions:1. What is the name of the connector I have (see the image attached) ?2. Are there any cable convertors/adapters, etc I could use to connect the camera to a regular flat 24 pin connector?Thank you
New Amazon Prime Air Delivery Drone - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: windsmurf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 03:10:25 am
content: Amazon's new Prime Air Delivery drone test flight.Seems to use the hexagonal prop guards as a mini wing for speed/efficiency, complete with a mini vertical stabilizer. Kind of a VTOL?

author: fixit7
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 03:30:03 am
content: I wonder what the range is?

author: windsmurf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 11, 2019, 03:44:45 am
content: Quote from: fixit7 on June 11, 2019, 03:30:03 am15 Miles according to this:https://blog.aboutamazon.com/transportation/a-drone-program-taking-flight

author: orion242
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 20, 2019, 03:13:01 pm
content: 5 pounds 15 miles, wow.How are they carrying the package? Would like to have seen how they drop one off.Do you need a landing pad like they show in your yard? Should be fun to see how people interact with them. Seems like endless entertainment for mischievous youth.
mexican fire cracker - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ysjoelfir
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2019, 12:12:09 pm
content: I may have missed it - what is the point of the video?

author: krayvonk
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 05, 2019, 12:36:47 pm
content: Just trying to make ppl cringe.I bow in the presence of the eev overlords, be kind to little scrappa.
Will collaborative artificial intelligence be the robotics game changer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: jonovid
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2019, 05:23:00 am
content: Mush, Spot, Mush!see how this lot of Spots is working as one! in this simple test.Is there anything robotics can not do when artificial intelligence finally gets to be truly collaborative.between autonomous robotic units? most useful applications will be in the work space,however, add military AI & you may have got an army of killer robots that will be science fact.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 17, 2019, 05:55:54 am
content: Just imagine the fun when a group of "right wing" AI comes up against a group of "left wing" AI for a collaborative project.

author: magic
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 17, 2019, 07:04:27 am
content: Imagine the fun when political parties employ chat bots to argue for them on the Internet and 10 bots from party A meet 10 bots from party B on some forumThe scary thought is that while I'm not entirely sure we will get "general AI" or "truly autonomous units spontaneously deciding to collaborate" anytime soon, I think the above may actually have a chance of reaching viability in this century.

author: windsmurf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 28, 2019, 08:19:32 am
content: Quote from: jonovid on April 17, 2019, 05:23:00 amSwarm warfare is the next step I think.... swarms of autonomous armed robots or flying "Charlene's" coordinating with each other...https://youtu.be/7sVElxRKQ0EI hope it gets to a point where AI on both sides will accurately predict any warfare outcome and resultant cost in lives/money... preventing us from getting into a military conflict in the first place.

author: KL27x
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2019, 01:48:11 am
content: QuoteWith jets airplanes, there is a size limit for practicality. Jet engines lose efficiency when you make them smaller. Smaller fighters can carry less fuel. And so it goes. It's just more efficient to nuke it from orbit.^Holy crap. That looks dangerous as hell. I wonder how secure is this radio transmitter/receiver and what additional protections, if any, he added to the electronics to ensure no false positives on the happy switch.

author: AlfBaz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 30, 2019, 02:03:01 am
content: I can't get my head around all those seemingly plastic feet gaining sufficient traction to move that vehicle. I suspect (see end of OP's video) the bloke the back of the truck is pushing

author: windsmurf
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: June 01, 2019, 12:37:59 am
content: Quote from: KL27x on May 30, 2019, 01:48:11 amHeheh yeah that's what I thought too, until I found out this thing was CG... CG drone, but real guns and explosives used.
MOVED: AXOR Minispeed 60 analog servo driver failed.  Troubleshooting help needed. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 04, 2019, 01:18:57 pm
content: This topic has been moved toRepairfor a larger audience.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/index.php?topic=197157.0
PCB for measurement and scaling - review request - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: mike buba
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 29, 2025, 06:34:55 pm
content: Hi all,I have created a dedicated PCB for measuring AC voltages and currents and scaling them to low voltage levels for op-ams and DPS (in another board).As suggested in one of the previouspost, I am using a current transformer for measuring AC currents.The basic power schematics is shown here:It is a 2-layer board.I would appreciate your comments and suggestions on the schematics and layout.Also, I am not sure if the current transformer can measure non-linear current, e.g.,this one?Schematics is here:,,andLayout is here:and3D model is here:andThanks, MB

author: mike buba
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2025, 04:31:08 pm
content: Does the layout look okay?I did have many iterations, and somehow this looks the most promising. However, I have no experience with combining high voltage (230 Vac) and low voltage. I tried to have enough clearance between signals and also added some board outputs when this was not possible.

author: Kean
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 16, 2025, 01:34:38 am
content: I've not reviewed it in any detail, but the clearance slots look very narrow. How wide are they?I'd recommend 2mm as that is a standard routing bit size and you seem to have plenty of space.What is the purpose of measuring in and out current?
PCB adapter for Luckfox Core3506 Core Board - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: leo938
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 12, 2025, 08:28:45 pm
content: Hello all,I wonder if anyone has a PCB adapter for the Luckfox Core3506 Core Board SBC (https://www.luckfox.com/Core3506) that they'd like to share? I'd like to breakout the pins to 0.1" for testing/development.Thanks,Leo
Visions of Robots (Mostly) Past - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Deodand2014
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 13, 2019, 08:53:49 am
content: An amusing 'Fanvid' featuring robots (Apart from the Daleks of course...) from the 1970s and earlier to the tune of Iggy Pops 'Lust for Life'

author: Deodand2014
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 15, 2019, 02:14:10 am
content: The trailer for 'Gog' a 1954 killer robot film that didn't make the video I linked to in the OP, hopefully it'll appear in the next one.

author: Deodand2014
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2019, 12:08:41 am
content: Turns out I was wrong in my predictions about the next video, the creator has released another one, this time focusing on films from the 1970s forward (Which throws a few powersuits into the mix). One thing to watch is the spread of Japanese Anime Culture as the 21st C gets closer.

author: German_EE
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2019, 09:53:54 am
content: Robocop isn't a robot, he's a cyborg as there is still some human left

author: Deodand2014
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 04, 2019, 02:39:15 pm
content: From an obscure 1990s straight-to-DVD film...

author: TerraHertz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 05, 2019, 02:13:46 pm
content: Robots with rhythm.
PCB Design Review Request: High voltage AC-DC converter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: santinilor
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 08, 2025, 04:47:54 pm
content: Hi,I've just finished routing a two-layer PCB and need some feedback, especially on the safety side, since it deals with 220V AC mains.The board's purpose is simple:Take 220V AC in (J1) and output regulated 5V DC (max 8A) via an IRM-45-5 module.Switch a 220V AC heating element on and off (output at J2) using two AQH3213 solid-state relays (U1, U2).My biggest worry is the 220V AC section. I need to ensure this is safe and properly isolated.(Layout images show Top Layer = Red traces, Bottom Layer = Blue traces.)HV Clearance: I used 1.6 mm minimum clearance between 220V AC traces (top/bottom layers) based on the KiCad calculator. Does this look adequate/safe around all HV components (fuses, terminals, SSRs, varistor)?HV Trace Routing: Any issues with the routing of the AC power and switched heater lines (J1, J2) that could be problematic?Isolation and Ground Plane: The 5V DC ground plane is on the bottom layer (blue fill). Is there any spot where this DC ground plane compromises the required isolation/creepage distance from the 220V AC components or traces?Component Overview:Board Type: 2-layer PCB.AC I/O: J1 (220V AC Input) and J2 (Switched 220V AC Heater Output).DC Supply: IRM-45-5 module providing 5V DC (max 8A).Switching: 2x AQH3213 Solid-State Relays (U1, U2) controlled by MOSFET Q1.Protection/Filtering: Varistor, Fuses (F1-F3), and filtering chokes (L1, L2).Any feedbakck is appreciatedThanks for the help!
ltspice  - new and confused - what might I be doing wrong? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: LiftedTrace
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2025, 07:29:27 pm
content: I'm new to ltspice.I tried to draw up a schematic of a power supply I dont understand how it works, so I can try and learn.Its for an audio amplifier and its supposed to take two negative voltages and output -12v.Problem is, ltspice doesnt seem to know how it works either because its not displaying the correct values for its output.Im clearly doing something wrong. Anyone out there know what I might be doning wrong?Attached is the ltspice file.The -12v should be close to -12, but im getting -110 ish.

author: rfclown
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2025, 08:26:10 pm
content: It doesn't need the -120 volt supply. Remove the connection to the -120 supply, and make that node ground instead. The output will be about -11.4 volts, a diode drop above the zener -12 volts (the base emitter voltage of Q1)

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2025, 08:38:07 pm
content: What do you expect with no load on -12V, and two resistors pulling the input and output of your regulator towards your -120V rail? Add a load resistor between -12V and GND, and get rid of R1 and R2 and it behaves reasonably, though with only about 11mA of available base drive, you wont get much output current, nowhere near the approx 2.5A the MJE2955's SOA chart says it can handle.

author: LiftedTrace
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2025, 11:27:19 pm
content: Thank you. The load part didnt occur to me. Ill put a load on the -12 and see how it behaves.As for removing resistors, i am trying to understand this design.This is from an actual schematic and makes no sense to me, so i was hoping i could duplicate in software and try to play around and get a better understanding.Ill try and find more -12v areas on the schematic and put those in too.Thanks.

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 27, 2025, 11:56:22 pm
content: With a 470 ohm load resistor, it regulates even with R1, R2 present. Any higher lets R1 drag the -50V supply towards -120V, dropping out of regulation if the load resistance exceeds approx. 720 ohms.However I am suspicious of your AC sine voltage sources. LTspice (and other SPICE3 compatible software) specifies the amplitude of a sine source as the peak voltage, but most schematics and your multimeter will give a transformer secondary voltage as its RMS value. If you want to get a 50V RMS sinewave in LTspice you need to specify the peak voltage as 70.71 V or:Code:{50*sqrt(2)}
Software for timing diagrams  - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: TimFox
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2025, 04:15:58 pm
content: Can anyone recommend a free software package for Windows to generate timing diagrams?I have kluged diagrams with Visio, but that is tedious.

author: scottapotamas
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2025, 04:41:28 pm
content: In the OSS domain,wavedromis a reasonable choice. Text based markup which is used to generate output images/svg/etc.There's also web editors with preview and some community tooling.

author: bingo600
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2025, 06:31:28 pm
content: https://waveme.weebly.com/https://wavedrom.com/Tried neither, lust from my "url" stash/Bingo

author: Nominal Animal
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 16, 2025, 07:03:20 pm
content: Have you triedInkscapewith a suitable grid and snapping options?There is an Inkscape extension called "timink" for generating timing diagrams, but I'm not sure it works with current Python versions.(Inkscape extensionsare particularly easy to write in Python, because it provides a dedicated Python module,inkex. The UI for extensions is very limited, as it is defined using an XML-based.inxfile, though. The effect filter gets executed with input and output file names and UI settings as command-line parameters. The underlying vector graphics format is SVG, so there is no limit to what one can do with such filters.)
delete (old post) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: dennis2oo4
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 01, 2025, 03:14:09 pm
content: delete (old post)

author: shabaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 01, 2025, 08:03:15 pm
content: Hi,I know you have four renders, but is that a two-layer PCB? (Pairs of renders look similar). If so, personally I would modify it, the ground plane looks too broken up. I would have gone for 4-layer or try to move more traces to the top side.The via holes should also run around the outside of the entire PCB, for good performance.Personally I would have used the ESP32 _module_, since that will more likely ensure good performance since they will have spent more than individuals can do, to ensure their design works and meets legislation needs. I think if you're open to that idea, it is well worth moving to that, and will reduce your BoM too.Besides, it is also possible that chip antenna is not supposed to be wired and positioned as it is currently. I don't know what antenna that is, but probably the datasheet for it will have layout recommendations (and again, they will have spent money figuring that out, so it's good to benefit from that if that part is being used). If it means having to compromise elsewhere (such as moving the microcontroller/crystal/tag-connect pads down and not being able to have the push-buttons center-aligned along the board if you're in control of the enclosure, then personally I would suggest so be it, better to have a well performing product than not (and even with the best of intentions, it is easy to get RF antennas wrong and suffer from poor quality).

author: shabaz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: October 02, 2025, 01:58:23 am
content: With the module with antenna, there are some PCB requirements too, but they will be detailed in the ESP32 module PDF document (from memory, most likely, for the most optimal performance, they may expect the module to have virtually nothing to the left and right of the antenna portion, and lots of ground plane south of that, for the kind of antenna they have on the module).
LTSpice 24: add transistors - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Dasypus
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2025, 03:24:56 pm
content: Hi all,I want to add four transistors to a circuit what I wrote, these are not in standard.bjt. This is using LTspice 24.1, in Windows. I've found that there are two main paths:The main install (for just me) C:/Users/Dasypus/AppData/Local/LTspiceand C:/Users/Dasypus/OneDrive/Documents/LTspice (OneDrive is NOT enabled).If I add the four .model lines to C:/Users/Dasypus/AppData/Local/LTspice/lib/cmp/standard.bjt, the simulation works, although I get a message saying the changes will be lost when LTspice is updated (which has just happened). So how and where can I add these four transistors to ensure the changes are persistent? I see there is a way to do this using a schematic directive, but i want to keep it simple!The LTspice GUI always wants to save changes (editing standard.bjt) to C:/Users/Dasypus/OneDrive/Documents/LTspice, as specified in it's Settings search path. So how do I do this please? Assuming this is the right way to do things.I've tried adding (to C:/Users/Dasypus/OneDrive/Documents/LTspice):- another edited standard.bjt- another edited standard.bjt to lib, lib/cmp- a separate file with just the four transistors (e.g. blob.bjt) to the various sub-pathsHope this makes sens, thank you.
ltspice, library cmos logic with power pins - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: free_electron
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 02, 2025, 11:13:57 am
content: Does anyone know of a library with 4000 series logic where the symbols have actual power and ground pins ?i know about the _v libraries but they bank on a hidden VDD net. i have multiple vdd and gnd domains.i am working on a design where i have multiple power domains. some gates are powered from -5 and +5v , some from 5v only, some are attached to topside drivers in a h-bridge (their "ground" bounces around with the source of the fet being driven). i want gates that are modeled like the real thing, not some "equivalent"
Pcb Review Request - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Denis123
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 10:52:59 am
content: Hi! I just made my first pcb wich is a bike speedometer and i need a honest review of it. Im worried about making mistakes and ordering it like that. The board has a raspberry pi pico, a 74hc595, a 2x7 segments display and a BQ24074RGTR charging ic. Im mostly worried about grounding issues and problems with my ground planes. My pcb is a 2 layer one and the red and blue fills are gnd planes. The main gnd plane and mostly uncut is on the back. I tryied routing most of my tracks on the front.

author: squadchannel
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 10:53:43 am
content: sch?

author: Denis123
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 30, 2025, 10:56:21 am
content: The schematic is very bad but here it is:

author: PGPG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2025, 06:04:17 pm
content: Frequently seen here schematics with no wires at all are hard to read, but schematic so crowded with wires are also hard to read.Use buses and labels.Here is my example of schematic where microcontroller drives several inputs/outputs (picture is intentionally small):https://forum.kicad.info/t/build-schematics-using-kicad/48848/3Elements (like tact-switches) of course have to be positioned in intended order, but having all resistors in the place that tracks have to go to them and then back seems having not rationale.In most cases you can position resistor just on the way. In your case between HC595 and 3621B1 and you can go with track under resistors to untangle the connections avoiding a need to break bottom solid GND.You can also see my example of 2 layer PCB with bottom being continuous GND:https://forum.kicad.info/t/approaching-pcb-track-routing-for-a-newbie/36302/8On the left you have a serie of resistors positioned just between microcontoller and connector on the left.

author: Denis123
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: September 01, 2025, 06:26:30 pm
content: Thanks for the suggestions! I’ll modify it and come back.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2025, 06:33:57 pm
content: You posted the same question in two subforums here. That is not only highly undesirable, I think it’s against forum rules.The other thread is athttps://www.eevblog.com/forum/projects/pcb-review-request-469543/
P-CAD DOS - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: DavidJM
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 15, 2025, 12:10:18 pm
content: I have an old P-Cad pcb file i wish to convert to Gerber or import into a more modern package, ideally KiCAD. I have found a viewer that workshttp://platnaya.ru/programs_X5.shtmlThe file header is;Personal CAD Systems, Inc.PC-CARDS Database file version : 2.08Database saved as : a4002601.pcbMar. 30, 1995 12:50 p.m.

author: mk_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2025, 08:56:09 pm
content: Quote from: DavidJM on August 15, 2025, 12:10:18 pmI can try to bring your design into PCAD2006 from which it was (don`t know if it is still) possible to convert it to KiCAD, send a PM if you are interessted.

author: mk_
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 27, 2025, 04:54:28 pm
content: Hi DavidPCAD2006 can not open these Files out of the box.It blocks importing your file with an Message like "PCAD supports only MD8.0 and 8.5 Design files" (didn`t know this as I only had MD8 or newer-files as I startet with PCAD-DOS MD8).Anyway, there is a PCAD-group in groups.io:https://groups.io/g/PCAD-EDAyou could try it there, maybe there is more knowledge aviable?You could also try Pulsonix, this system import a lot of files, maybe also those old files.Good luck

author: DavidJM
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 27, 2025, 05:52:03 pm
content: Thanks for trying, appreciated

author: Rafiki
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2025, 06:59:26 am
content: The mentioned group is a very good advice. Do you know the P-CAD version which produced these file? Obviously it was before 8.x.I may have a system where MD8.x works. No clue if 8.0 can import it. I vaguely remember I save older (6.x?) files as pdif before opening in v8.x. But I'm sure I forgot how to work with v8.x. Don't speak about the 6.x versions. Although somewhere the floppy disks should laying around. But I fear I could not install on modern systems. There was some copy protection and I fear it will not work in DosBox. Maybe you can set up a virtual machine with DOS? Of course only useful if you still can remember how to work with these old programs.

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 28, 2025, 04:49:45 pm
content: Looks like there is only some activity in that P-CAD group during winter months for the last 5 years...If you do have a viewer that works, you can make screenshots, and load those as background images into KiCad. This does not seem much, but it's better then "nothing", and maybe more useful then you would at first assume. Footprint placement is already a big part of PCB design, and you can copy that 1:1, and also re-route the tracks over the imported graphics. That is quite a bit quicker than having to figure out how to route the tracks.Similar for the schematic. I did some tests with importing a scan of a hand drawn schematic, and then putting symbols on top of it in KiCad, and this goes quite quickly. Because it's simply data entry, you don't have to think much, and just keep up the speed to get it done.
Function Generator voltage on Multisim - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: yalect
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2025, 08:02:17 am
content: Hi,I would like to ask you about thefunction generator voltagecircuit on Multisim when you select the output voltage offunction generatorto vp (for example to3v) you will see onOscilloscope Vp=6volte, 6 volte isVp-to-p-as it's metioned on the attached image-,it must to be3V.Do you have an idea or perhaps there is another method?.Thank you.

author: RFDx
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 24, 2025, 02:28:17 pm
content: The COM (middle) connector from the function generator is GND. You can use the (+) and (-) polarity outputs to generate a differential signal with respect to COM (GND). The amplitudebetween(+) and (-) is twice the value shown in the settings.

author: yalect
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 06:06:53 am
content: Thank you,but on the oscilloscope when you refer to peak of the signal you will find6volteas it's mentioned on the image or about1div and 1/10equal to6volterefering to GND or 0Volte notPeak to Peak?.

author: RFDx
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 25, 2025, 04:31:04 pm
content: The function generator is a bipolar source and hastwooutputs, the (+) output and the inverted (-) output, both set to a magnitude of 3Vp. As you chose the (-) output and not the COM connector as GND, you now have a differential voltage between (+) and (-) of 3Vp-(-3Vp) =6Vp or 12Vpp, which is exactly what the scope is displaying.If you want 3Vp use (+) as output and COM as GND. Don't use the (-) output, just leave it open.
PCB pad quetion - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: pcm81
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2025, 03:15:14 am
content: I am messing around with trying to replace pcb pad for QFP on a junk pcb, just practice. Anyhow, i had a pad that was lifted but the trace was a short run to an isolated pad. I assumed it was a via. Messing around with it and soldering jumper wires to it etc resulted in that pad also pulling off. At that point flux and alcohol was on the board for a while, so it became very soft... i can dig into it with tweezers. anyhow, i started digging in the area where the pad that the trace from QFP was running to was, expecting to see a via to another layer, but NOTHING... its just pcb backing material, like pheonalic or what ever it is. Now i am puzzled... why would there be a trace from qfp pad to another. round pad and nothing underneath?

author: jpanhalt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2025, 07:28:20 am
content: Maybe a test point?

author: Doctorandus_P
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2025, 09:33:51 pm
content: Test pad would be the first logical choice. They're common for for example "bed of nails" testing, and programming in the PCB factory.Test pads are always exposed, while via's are often covered by solder mask.Looking up the function of that pin in the datasheet can also deliver some enlightenment.
Different designs on a panel (for HDI PCBs) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 02:37:33 pm
content: We have a product with two very high density PCBs, these are 14 layer 2+10+2 blind/buried via HDI boards with 4/4mil track/gap, 0201 components and 0.4mm pitch BGAs/connectors, so pushing all the limits. So understandably they are quite expensive to make and quite expensive to prototype (we can easily spend £10k prototyping each as we have to keep boards within Europe).I thought that a good way to reduce our costs at the relatively low volumes we're operating at would be to keep the stackup of the boards identical and manufacture them on the same panel. However when speaking to the PCB fab they discouraged this saying it would reduce yield and it would be a false economy, it's better to order the boards on their own panels.What are other's thoughts on this? Is the PCBco just trying to get me to make two orders or is there a legitimate reason to be concerned?

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 20, 2025, 09:06:52 pm
content: This has generally always been the case, they discourage multiple PCB designs on one panel in an attempt to get a lower price. Its just how their pricing structure works.You can ask for a quote for individual panels and the two designs panelized, from them and from other companies, usually price will be similar.https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/pcb-boardhouse-that-will-allow-multiple-designs-on-one-board/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/jlcpcb-multiple-boards-on-one-board-vs-separate-boards/https://www.eevblog.com/forum/manufacture/multiple-designs-on-a-pcb-makes-the-price-jump/

author: tom66
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2025, 02:14:05 pm
content: Thanks. Yeah, I couldn't find a consistent reason as to why this would reduce yield, it does just sound like a pricing thing.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 21, 2025, 02:16:53 pm
content: Very common, i usually just route some dummy tracks connecting the two boards to make it look like one PCB.
Detecting Intermittent PCB Faults with Thermal Imaging - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: camellos
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 11, 2025, 02:24:27 am
content: I’ve been working on a small batch of custom PCBs for an automation project.A few of them started showing intermittent failures after running for several hours — random resets, occasional voltage drops on the 3.3 V rail, but nothing I could replicate consistently on the bench.My usual debugging tools (DMM, scope, logic analyzer) didn’t show anything obvious. The voltage rails looked clean, no significant ripple, and signal integrity seemed fine. But I had the feeling something was heating up in a way that only happened under certain loads.That’s when I decided to try thermal imaging.With a compact handheld unit (25 Hz refresh, manual focus), I ran the board under real operating conditions. After about 20 minutes, I noticed a small SMD regulator occasionally spiking from ~40 °C to ~80 °C for a split second — way too fast to catch with touch or a slow thermal cam. The regulator was borderline in spec, but combined with the ambient conditions in the enclosure, it was failing intermittently.Replacing it with a higher-rated part solved the issue.In hindsight, this would have been nearly impossible to pinpoint without a real-time thermal view.Has anyone else here used thermal imaging for catching fast transient faults like this? I’m curious what other tricks you’ve found for PCB diagnostics beyond the usual electrical measurements.

author: Jerrery
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 13, 2025, 04:11:26 pm
content: Beyond higher-power regulators, try spacing heat sources >5mm from MCUs (we measured ~3℃ drop). Also recommend copper pours + extra vias under regulators - works great for heat dissipation!