Please help me to generate pcb files for my DIY project. - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: ninja_zx11
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 18, 2020, 02:53:41 am
content: Hi all,I am just a hobbyist and would like to make my own pcb according to my need but i don't know how to design a pcb on a cad.My project is simple current sensor using Allegro ACS780LLRTR-050U current sensorhttps://www.digikey.com/short/zpnfn2.Max current of 50~80A @12v can flow through the sensor on my setup.My flight controller board will be reading current sensor's analog output(3.3v max) to read the current.The sensor i linked is 50A for my smaller plane but i will also get a 100A version.I am attaching the general application picture.Could anyone please help me to generate gerber files so that i can get it made from oshpark pcb makers.Thanks.

author: Mechatrommer
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2020, 03:02:21 am
content: Quote from: ninja_zx11 on April 18, 2020, 02:53:41 amhobbyist do and learn (try KiCAD), the person who ask is wannabist. its like, i'm just a fisherman, but i'd love someone to fish for me and send the fish so i can just eat.

author: ninja_zx11
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: April 18, 2020, 03:08:48 am
content: Yes you can say wannabist.Its because shortage of time but i will look into kicad.Another reason for asking is that i have absolutely no experience or knowledge of design aspects of a proper designed PCB.

author: greenpossum
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 18, 2020, 03:42:50 am
content: Everybody started off as a newbie at one time. Also you would be well advised to ask questions about the high current you intend to send through the copper foil and connectors.

author: nisma
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2020, 12:43:56 pm
content: If you want i could do it using annother PCB layout tool, (old) eagle or freepcb, not kikad and no schematic. If PDF have example layout, then eagle and 6pin micro match connector and i2c or 3pin 0.1 pin spacing using micromach layout and compatible with rc servo cable.

author: Rat_Patrol
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 21, 2020, 10:09:47 pm
content: You are going to have to back the train way up. You have the cart about 5 miles ahead of the horse.You will NOT be putting 90 amps through a standard PCB, not in any practical format suitable for a beginner.You gave us 1 component of your circuit, far from a complete schematic.I would HIGHLY advise you start with simpler (less dangerous) circuits and PCBs. Develop your skills and keep going.At this point, you haven't even gotten past breadboard phase. You need to get a breakout board for the ICs you plan on using, and then build curcuits on your breadboard until you get what works, then use those schematics in a program like KiCad (free) to design your PCB. You need to know how much current is going through traces, how thick of copper you will get from the PCB house to know how wide your traces need to be, among a whole host of other things.DO NOT use a program like SprintLayout to design a PCB. I actually have SprintLayout, and it works well for when I need to run up a stupid simple PCB where I don't need a schematic (like a custom breakout board), but do yourself a favor and just take the time and jump into KiCad and learn the proper work flow. There are tons of videos on YouTube on how to use it. Also, download Library Loader. Once that is setup, it makes loading parts into your librarymucheasier.

author: nigelwright7557
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 12:18:35 am
content: Quote from: Rat_Patrol on April 21, 2020, 10:09:47 pmA 75 thou of inch track with 1 ounce copper will take about 10 amps.So you need very wide or very thick copper (or both) to take a lot of current.Loads of PCBCAD software on ebay for peanuts.

author: MarkF
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 22, 2020, 12:54:16 am
content: Take a look at their own resources and demo board:https://www.allegromicro.com/en/insights-and-innovations/technical-documents/hall-effect-sensor-ic-publications/an296141-secrets-of-measuring-currents-above-50-amps

author: ninja_zx11
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 06, 2020, 06:29:17 pm
content: Thanks everyone specially who offered me a helping hand.I really appreciate it.For some reason i never received any notifications for all the repliesMy generous friend helped me to generate a gerber file.But i am gonna start learning kicad slowly. Better not to be dependent on others for little things and also in that way i won't have to face some sarcastic posts:)My plane will be consuming 5~6 amps @12v most of the time while cruising and 30~40 amps while taking off for few seconds.I am gonna order PCB with 2oz copper plus i will try to solder my 16 AWG wires almost to the sensor pads.