SenseStack PCB
To reduce the complexity of the wiring, SenseStack PCBs provide easy interfacing for microcontroller and sensors, as well as a necessary circuit.
SenseStack has two PCB design, one for the main module (left), and another one for the sensors modules (right).
The main module is designed to be compatible with any ESP32 development board, for instance, SenseStack’s main PCB. A main PCB exposes five headers: 5V and 3.3V power line, SDA, SCL, a push button and an LED. The ESP32 development board is connected to the main PCB using jumper wires. Moreover, some more components are equipped in the main PCB, namely:
- Logic converter circuit to convert 3.3V logic level from main module MCU (ESP32)’s I2C port to 5V logic level required in sensor module MCU (ATMega 328P),
- Pull-up resistors to comply with I2C’s SCK and SDA line connections,
- A fuse to protect the circuit from current overflow and short circuit,
- Programmable button and LED for quick interfacing,
- A Micro-USB connector as a port for power supply.
SenseStack’s sensor module PCB operates as an expansion board for Arduino Nano. Some connections are attached to the PCB, namely:
- Connections/headers to connect to modules on top or below,
- Wire-to-Board connector to support data transmission and provide power,
- Male headers, exposed to connect with sensors through jumper wires.
We used EasyESA, an online PCB design software, to design the PCB. After that, manufactured it from JLCPCB, and the quality of the PCB was very decent.
EasyEDA project files and fabrication file (aka. Gerber file) can be found from this folder. Parts and components can be seen from those files.
We choose simple through-hole components which are easy to solder with a soldering iron. Except the micro-USB port which might be a bit tricky, but manageable, or you can use through-hole USB-B port instead of micro-USB.