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• Well it has been ages, but...

  Chris Hamilton • 09/06/2019 at 20:38 • 1 comment

  I am putting a variation of the design up on github - https://github.com/FyberLabs/usb-motor/

  It is a specific application that was requested awhile back.  I will be making a few variants including a powerbank, drone charger, and a brushless controller similar to this one.  The design is a bit larger, but it can be shrunk down to about the same size.  The original design would require 12-20V from the USB source.  Now it will be able to accept 5-20V for 1-4 cells in the design.  The design can obviously be reduced by a specified cell count and application.

• Update on design

  Chris Hamilton • 10/22/2018 at 22:57 • 2 comments

  Hi, I have been reworking the design and plan to utilize the newer BQ40Z80.  I am also trying to fit in an optional BQ25710 (or 13 or 08) to provide boost when connected to legacy USB power sources.  At the moment I am fighting TI's shop as they don't want to sell me the EVM for the BQ25710 or provide samples.  I guess they no longer provide service to small engineering companies.

• Connector changes

  Chris Hamilton • 04/25/2018 at 03:56 • 0 comments

  The JST XH, which is a battery pack standard, is just so huge.  I am pondering/researching any other solution.  I would love to move it as close as possible to the XT 30s, but it going to be a huge amount of board space. 
  
  The Tag-connect SWD is also a bit problematic.  In theory the CCG2 should always be programmable by the CC line, but I don't want to require a Cypress board to do firmware updates. 
  

  At the same time, I don't think the hobby world would be happy with such a pricey (but great) connector.  I am guessing that I'll switch to the cortex 1.27mm 10 pin, which is actually bigger.  The board really only needs 5 pins for SWD and there are some amazing 1.0mm spaced connectors out there....  But that wouldn't be any standard.

  I have a long flight coming up, so I'll try to make some decisions and make some progress.
  

• Redesign

  Chris Hamilton • 03/15/2018 at 17:29 • 0 comments

  The original design layout wasn't well thought out.  I am currently working to put XT-30 board mount connectors on the top and bottom of the board on the same side edge.  They will be offset so that in between their connections the system FETs will fit.  The JST XH connector will be near them as well as a small SMBUS connector and the USB Type-C will be on the opposite side.

  I may experiment with swapping the XH connector to something smaller as it really is the biggest connector on the board.  There are many more compact connectors that can support balancing.
  
  

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