Power Distribution and Logic Control Board

Our project focuses on developing a high-reliability power distribution and control PCB for advanced robotic and unmanned vehicle applications. The goal of this system is to create a compact, efficient, and noise-resilient electronics platform capable of handling both high-power delivery and precision control within a single integrated board. We decided to design a custom solution because existing commercial options lacked the level of integration, reliability, and optimization required for our robotics architecture.

The PCB accepts a 6S LiPo battery input and distributes power across multiple subsystems. A dedicated filtered power section delivers stable DC power to the NVIDIA Jetson compute module for onboard AI and processing tasks. An automotive-grade LMR33640AR buck converter steps down the battery voltage to a regulated 5V rail used for peripherals including the ESP-based wireless emergency stop system, servos, and laser modules. The board also provides direct power outputs for cooling fans.

For monitoring and safety, an INA219 sensor continuously measures the voltage and current supplied to the Jetson orin nano super module. The control section of the PCB is built around a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller connected to an SN74LVC8T245 logic-level shifting IC. Encoder signals are converted to safe 3.3V logic levels before being processed by the Teensy, which executes PID control loops and sends corrective outputs to the motor drivers for accurate motion control.

A key focus of the design was EMI reduction and signal stability. The PCB was carefully divided into dedicated power and signal sections with proper filtering, grounding, and noise-isolation techniques to ensure reliable operation in demanding environments. Industrial-grade connectors such as XT60, XT90, and JST connectors were selected for secure and vibration-resistant connections.

This project combines embedded systems, power electronics, and robotics engineering into a unified platform designed for reliable real-world deployment. With sponsor support, we aim to further refine and manufacture this system for advanced robotics applications.