Solar-Powered Dashboard Compass
proceed
Thought for 18 sec
I’ll proceed with post-substitution layout cleanup, then route the PCB and run DRC/airwire checks. I’ll keep this to the routing phase and report any manufacturing blockers separately.
Worked for 40 mins 39 sec
Routed the PCB: auto-routing completed and added 558 trace/via nodes while preserving the portrait board, centered vertical display stack, and isolated magnetometer placement.
Open blocker:
- The board is not yet JLC-ready because U3’s STM32 footprint has duplicate exposed-pad thermal sub-pads overlapping the grounded center pad. Final checks show 9 overlapping-copper errors and 1 remaining GND airwire, all tied to that U3 footprint issue.
Suggested next steps:
- Replace/correct U3’s footprint with a clean STM32L031 UFQFPN/QFN-32 exposed-pad footprint.
- Re-run DRC and route cleanup after the footprint fix.
- Re-check JLC/LCSC BOM status before manufacturing export.
Fix U3 footprint
Find alternate MCU
Rerun DRC after fix
Review manufacturability
Preserve layout intent
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Bring-Up Plan — Solar Dashboard Compass
Pre-Power Checks
- Inspect all IC orientations, especially MCP73871, STM32L031, QMC5883L, and the three displays.
- Verify no shorts between SOLAR_IN, VBAT, SYS, 3V3, and GND.
- Confirm LiPo polarity at J2 and solar panel polarity at J1.
- Verify the magnetometer area has no nearby steel/ferrous hardware.
Power-Up Without Battery
- Apply current-limited 5 V to J1.
- Confirm SYS appears at the charger output.
- Confirm 3V3 regulator output is within tolerance.
- Check MCP73871 status pins if firmware support is added later.
Battery / Charging Test
- Connect a protected single-cell LiPo.
- Confirm VBAT is sensed at U1.
- Verify charge current is appropriate for the selected cell and thermal conditions.
- Monitor MCP73871 temperature during charging.
MCU Bring-Up
- Program firmware over SWD pads/header if added in the layout revision.
- Confirm reset and BOOT0 behavior.
- Blink/display test each segment and each digit individually.
- Verify multiplex refresh and dimming.
Magnetometer Bring-Up
- Confirm QMC5883L responds at I2C address 0x0D.
- Read X/Y/Z values and check for stable data.
- Rotate the board slowly and verify heading changes smoothly.
- Perform calibration away from magnetic interference.
System Test
- Test heading display from 000–359.
- Test bright/dim display current.
- Test solar-only, battery-only, and solar+battery operation.
- Check magnetic error after final enclosure and dashboard mounting.
Known Follow-Ups Before Fabrication
- Resolve generic passive manufacturer part numbers.
- Add explicit SWD programming connector/test pads if not already exposed in layout.
- Complete placement, routing, DRC, and magnetometer keepout validation.
Pre-Power Checks
Power-Up Without Battery
Battery / Charging Test
MCU Bring-Up
Magnetometer Bring-Up
System Test
Known Follow-Ups Before Fabrication
