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Layout and manufacture

A project log for NoiseCard

Solar-powered decibel measuring business card

clyneClyne 06/09/2024 at 14:260 Comments

Here's the finished layout of the first NoiseCard:

First NoiseCard layout

The design is fairly straight-forward, no minimum trace widths or impedances to worry about. The digital microphone means little worry about analog noise too. Some notes:

Production

I ordered PCBs and assembly through JLCPCB. I had previously ordered personal stock of the microphone, so it made sense to use that up. For five boards, it cost $4 for the PCBs plus $50 for the assembly (minus the solar panel and 1.8V regulator which were unavailable); about $11 per card.

Order through JLCPCB

Next, we'll see how well these cards perform, and if the on-board solar power is enough to make them useful.

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