Tri-Mode Communications PCB Design
Budget: $250 – $750 CAD
I’m building a board that must move data over three very different channels—power-line communication (PLC), short-range wireless, and a hard-wired link—all on the same PCB. Your task is to take the concept from requirements capture right through to production-ready files.
What the job involves
• Architect the schematic, choose components, and design the stack-up so PLC, and wired sections coexist with minimal crosstalk and EMI. Two additional expansion ports for LTE, and WiFi modems need to be provided for use.
• Lay out the board in Altium, KiCad, or a comparable professional tool, paying special attention to isolation, grounding, and regulatory pre-compliance (FCC/CE) best practices.
• Supply complete manufacturing outputs: Gerbers, drill files, pick-and-place data, and a clean BOM with sourcing options.
• Support one spin of design feedback and minor revisions within the four-week window.
Acceptance criteria
• All four protocols—PLC on the mains side, 2.4 GHz (or similar) wireless, and a galvanically-isolated wired interface (Ethernet or RS-485), and LTE —operate concurrently on the bench without mutual interference.
• Design files open error-free in the stated CAD package and pass its built-in DRC/ERC checks.
Timeline
First review of schematics and preliminary layout within two - three weeks; final release no later than one month from project start.
When you reply, focus on your experience designing mixed-signal or multi-protocol communication boards and point me to one or two past projects that illustrate that expertise.
The prototype is running on a SAME70 Evaluation board with a PL460 V5 Evaluation board. Note the PLC should be designed to transmit through some switchgear and a meter. Please see specification document attached.
What the job involves
• Architect the schematic, choose components, and design the stack-up so PLC, and wired sections coexist with minimal crosstalk and EMI. Two additional expansion ports for LTE, and WiFi modems need to be provided for use.
• Lay out the board in Altium, KiCad, or a comparable professional tool, paying special attention to isolation, grounding, and regulatory pre-compliance (FCC/CE) best practices.
• Supply complete manufacturing outputs: Gerbers, drill files, pick-and-place data, and a clean BOM with sourcing options.
• Support one spin of design feedback and minor revisions within the four-week window.
Acceptance criteria
• All four protocols—PLC on the mains side, 2.4 GHz (or similar) wireless, and a galvanically-isolated wired interface (Ethernet or RS-485), and LTE —operate concurrently on the bench without mutual interference.
• Design files open error-free in the stated CAD package and pass its built-in DRC/ERC checks.
Timeline
First review of schematics and preliminary layout within two - three weeks; final release no later than one month from project start.
When you reply, focus on your experience designing mixed-signal or multi-protocol communication boards and point me to one or two past projects that illustrate that expertise.
The prototype is running on a SAME70 Evaluation board with a PL460 V5 Evaluation board. Note the PLC should be designed to transmit through some switchgear and a meter. Please see specification document attached.