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Layout Crossroads

A project log for D-DAQ

automotive parameter & performance monitor & logger

michael-obrienMichael O'Brien 05/02/2014 at 10:180 Comments

Man, I thought layout wouldn't be changing much after most everything was present... Anyhow, I'm at a crossroads and would appreciate some feedback. The SMPS takes up a hefty sum of board space. Originally I was going to locate it near the frame buffer/SRAM. I'm not worried about EMI as there are ground planes on the top and bottom layers for about 1/4" before nearing any traces of the parallel buss. However, this is an odd spot for the SMPS subsystem because I don't have anything else that takes up the extra space caused by it.

My solution is to move it to the left and push the contents of the board to the right. Again, I'm not really worried about EMI as the planes closest to the USB ports are ground planes. The top layer closest to the left edge is the switching plane where noise would emanate. The inductor is shielded and the USB cables for the analog input are shielded so...

I still have cleanup and circuit protection to implement and I have room on either form factor to add the necessary components. The dimensions of both are approximately 3" x 2.6" for the top one and 2" x 3.8". Which would you prefer?

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