Power net portal is a special schematic object used to define a power or ground net. Power ports allow you to conveniently indicate a power net at any location in the design. Power nets of the same designator automatically connect throughout your design #portal #power
A generic fixed inductor for rapid developing circuit topology. *You can now change the footprint and 3D model at the top level anytime you want. This is the power of #generics
In Flux, the setting for magnetic alignment is usually found in the application's settings or preferences menu. This feature helps to align parts and wires neatly on your schematic or PCB layout, snapping them to a grid or to other components for easy alignment.
To enable or adjust magnetic alignment:
Open the Settings Menu: Look for a gear icon or a settings option at the top or side menu.
Navigate to Grid/Magnetic Alignment: There should be a section related to the grid or alignment options.
Enable Magnetic Alignment: Toggle the magnetic alignment or snapping option. You may also be able to adjust the grid size or snapping strength.
If you can't find these options in your current interface, consider checking any help resources offered by Flux for the most detailed steps specific to your version.
3mo
create a high level mermaid block diagram of this project. Include key component...
Here's a high-level Mermaid block diagram of your project, illustrating the key components along with their manufacturer part numbers:
Image
This diagram captures the key connections and components in your project. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to adjust or explore further!
3mo
I'm trying to line up the traces with the nodes, but the alignment tool isn't wo...
@copilot I'm trying to line up the traces with the nodes, but the alignment tool isn't working. Is there a setting I can change so the nodes and traces snap into alignment while drawing them?
In Flux, aligning traces with nodes can be achieved using alignment features, but it may not automatically snap nodes and traces into alignment while drawing them. You might try using the grid and magnetic alignment features that help guide alignment during the design process.
Here are some suggestions to try:
Magnetic Alignment: Similar to the concept of snapping, the magnetic alignment feature helps guide the components and traces into alignment as you move them around on the canvas.
Use the Alignment Markers: Drag components around and you can see alignment markers appear that guide you to align parts and traces with each other[1].
Manual Adjustment: If snapping isn’t automatically working for traces, you might have to manually adjust the nodes or routes after placing them by dragging them to align properly. Flux allows meticulous adjustment of wire positions, which means you can drag individual wire sections to precisely place them[2].
Shortcut Keys: You might want to use shortcuts for efficiently aligning components. For example, right-clicking and selecting alignment options can help in ensuring everything is properly aligned[3].
These steps should assist in achieving a more aligned and organized layout in your schematic. If there's an issue with the tool itself, double-check your software version and settings for any updates or specific configuration that might affect this behavior. Let me know if you have further details or need additional help!
Let's analyze the provided project to identify any potential issues or points for improvement. We'll check for:
Unconnected Pins: Ensure all necessary pins are connected.
Inconsistent Connections: Verify that components are correctly connected as intended.
Power and Ground Connections: Ensure that all components requiring power and ground are connected appropriately.
Intended Functionality: Consider whether the nets and components are connected to achieve the intended project functionality.
Observations:
Unconnected Pins:
The rotary switch S1 has several pins (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10) not listed in any nets. Make sure this is deliberate, as unconnected pins might be needed for your design.
The pushbutton switch S2 has one pin (4) that is unconnected. Verify if it needs to be connected.
The connector J1 has one pin (10) and two shield pins unconnected. Confirming these are unused or connected elsewhere might be necessary.
Inconsistent Connections:
Ensure the intended signals, power, and ground connections match the desired circuit functionalities.
Power and Ground Connections:
OLED1 is correctly connected to a 5V net and ground, which should provide it with the necessary power and ground connections.
Recommendations:
Review Unconnected Pins:
Double-check to ensure if any of the remaining unconnected pins on the identified components should be actively used in your design.
Check Functionality:
Consider what each component and net should achieve in your project. Confirm all essential nets are in place for your application.
Implied Connections:
In the absence of specific operations, verify that each connected component serves a role and is properly integrated into the circuit.
If additional context for the intended functionality is available, please share it, and I can provide more targeted feedback or suggestions!
3mo
Hi! I’m Copilot, I’m here to help you design your hardware projects. Ask me anyt...
This project is meant to create a pcb to fit inside a 3d printed nerf blaster. The purpose is to reduce the space taken up by the various wires and components inside of the shell of the blaster. Please let me know when you are ready for descriptions of each component.
ok, first, the entire project is controlled by a Seeed Xiao microcontroller. There is a display that uses the 3.3v output from the board to power it, and uses sdl/scl to interface. There is a 4 position latching slide switch, a momentary switch, and a 2 position latching slide switch. There are two V-156-1C25 micro switches connected to MOSFETs, with one controlling 4 dc motors and the other controlling a push/pull solenoid.
Connect the 4-position latching slide switch, momentary switch, and 2-position latching slide switch to GPIO pins on the Seeed Xiao. You'll need to decide which pins based on available I/O.
Micro Switches to MOSFETs:
Connect V-156-1C25:Common to one MOSFET:Gate and Source.
Connect V-156-1C25:Normally Open to MOSFET:Gate and Source.
Connect the output of the MOSFETs to the motors and solenoid as needed.
Next steps are to sketch the schematic and ensure that all connections and components fit your space constraints. Let me know if you need specifics on any connections or further guidance!
In addition to these components, there is another necessity of this design. I will need three separate pcbs. One for the display, the two slide switches, and the momentary switch. One for the two trigger micro switches and the mosfets. And a final one for the Xiao board. I would like to keep the connectors simple and use ribbon cable if possible.
Understood! Let's break down the design into three separate PCBs, along with the appropriate connections using ribbon cables:
PCB 1: Display and Switches
Components:
Display
4-position latching slide switch
Momentary switch
2-position latching slide switch
Connections:
Display: Connected to the ribbon cable for I2C (SDA, SCL) and power ($3.3$V, GND).
Switches: Connect to separate pins on the ribbon cable that will lead to GPIO pins on the Seeed Xiao.
PCB 2: Micro Switches and MOSFETs
Components:
Two V-156-1C25 micro switches
Two MOSFETs
Connections:
Micro Switches: Connect to the ribbon cable for control signals from the Seeed Xiao.
MOSFETs: Controlled by the micro switches and connected through ribbon cables for power and control signals to the motors and solenoid.
PCB 3: Seeed Xiao
Components:
Seeed Xiao microcontroller
Connections:
This PCB will have connectors for ribbon cables leading to PCB 1 and PCB 2.
I2C and switch signals will be routed through the ribbon cables from this central PCB.
Connectors and Ribbon Cables
Use a standard ribbon cable connector with the number of lines corresponding to your needs (e.g., $8$ or $10$-pin headers).
Ensure each PCB has matching connectors to facilitate easy assembly and disassembly.
Next Steps
Create Schematic and Layout: Start designing the schematic and layout for each PCB in Flux, keeping in mind the physical constraints inside the Nerf blaster.
Optimize Wiring: Minimize trace length and ensure signal integrity, especially for I2C and MOSFET control lines.
Design Rules Check (DRC): Once the layout is complete, run a design rules check.
Would you like guidance on how to create individual schematics in Flux or further help with specific parts?
Alright, let's get started step-by-step. We'll first create a high-level plan for each PCB and then move to the schematic design in Flux. Here's a comprehensive guide:
PCB 1: Display and Switches
Schematic Design:
Display: Connect the I2C pins $SDA, SCL$ and power pins $VCC, GND$ to a connector for the ribbon cable.
Switches: Connect each switch to individual GPIO pins on the connector header.
Layout Planning:
Ensure the display and switches are placed logically for easy routing.
Place the connector for the ribbon cable in a convenient position.
PCB 2: Micro Switches and MOSFETs
Schematic Design:
Micro Switches: Connect to the Gate of corresponding MOSFETs.
MOSFETs: Connect outputs to connectors for motors/solenoid and inputs from the micro switches.
Layout Planning:
Arrange micro switches and MOSFETs with connectors for ribbon cables leading to the Seeed Xiao PCB.
Ensure robust trace design for high-power components.
PCB 3: Seeed Xiao
Schematic Design:
Connect the Seeed Xiao's I2C and GPIO to connectors leading to the corresponding PCBs.
Include power connections for the supplied peripherals.
Layout Planning:
Minimize the footprint, aligning the connectors for clean cable management.
Ensure adequate decoupling and layout space around the microcontroller.
Steps to Design in Flux
Open Flux and create a new project for each PCB.
Component Placement: Place the necessary components from Flux's library onto the schematic.
Routing: Use the net tool to connect components as per the design plan. Pay attention to power traces and I2C signals for integrity.
Create Connectors for interfaces between PCBs. Ensure they have matching pinouts on each PCB.
Design Rules Check (DRC): Run regular checks to ensure compliance with design standards.
Iterate Designs: Modify any part of the design to fit physically inside the Nerf blaster or based on constraints or requirements.
As you progress, feel free to ask for specific advice on routing, parts selection, or resolving DRC issues! Let me know if there are specific parts or segments you'd like to focus on now, or if you have any particular questions as you start designing!
I can't directly place components in your Flux project from here, but I can guide you through the process! Here's how you can place components in your Flux project:
Steps to Place Components in Flux
Open Flux.ai:
Log in to Flux and open your project.
Search for Components:
Use the search function to find each component by its name or part number.
Locate display module pins, MOSFETs, micro switches, and other parts as needed.
Place Components:
Drag and drop each component into the schematic area from the search results.
Arrange Components:
Organize the components logically based on their connection needs.
Consider physical layout constraints inside the Nerf blaster.
Connect Components:
Use the "Net" tool to draw connections between pins as per the connection plan outlined.
Add Connectors for Ribbon Cables:
Place standard pin headers for connecting each PCB via ribbon cables.
Match the number of pins to those needed for each connection group.
Once you have everything placed, you can begin routing the connections on each PCB. If you'd like more detailed help about where to place each connection or how the routing should be executed, just let me know!
In Flux, the "Net" tool is used to create electrical connections, or nets, between component pins within your schematic. Here's how you can find and use it:
Open Your Schematic:
Start by opening the schematic view of your project in Flux.
Select the Net Tool:
Typically, there is a toolbar or menu containing various tools you can use to edit your schematic.
Look for an icon or menu item labeled "Net" or "Wire" that allows you to draw lines connecting pins. Sometimes, it might look like a simple wire icon or a pen tool.
If you're unable to find it right away, you might also check the Flux documentation or tutorials provided within the platform for guidance.
Draw Connections:
Click on the pin of a component where you want to start the connection.
Drag the line to the corresponding pin of another component and click again to make the connection.
The tool typically allows you to create right-angle connections for neatness.
Naming Nets:
Optionally, name the nets to indicate the signal they represent, which can help in organizing and understanding your schematic.
Using the Net tool will allow you to visually represent and plan the electrical connections for your circuit. If you need more specific guidance or run into any roadblocks while doing this, feel free to ask!
Yes, Flux does provide features that can simplify the routing process, though the level of automation might vary. Here's how you can use these features in Flux:
Autoroute Tool:
In the PCB layout view of your project, look for an "Autoroute" or similar option in the toolbar or menu.
This tool attempts to route the connections between components automatically based on the existing netlist.
Running the Autorouter:
Before running the autorouter, ensure that all components are placed on the PCB where you want them.
Select the autoroute feature, and it should generate the traces between the components based on your schematic connections.
Manual Adjustments:
After the autorouter completes, you might find it necessary to adjust some traces manually for optimal performance, to meet design rules, or to comply with specific layout constraints.
Design Rules Check (DRC):
Run a DRC to ensure the autorouted traces meet all manufacturing and design standards.
While autorouting can be a powerful tool to speed up the PCB design process, it might not always provide the best results for all types of designs, especially those with high-speed or critical signal integrity requirements. You might want to manually route key traces like power lines and I2C signals if precision is essential.
If you need detailed help on manually routing particular traces or resolving potential autorouter issues, feel free to reach out!
3mo
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Passive Components
Resistor Power Rating
Beta
Checks that the power traveling across a given resistor is under its rating with 50% headroom.