Electronic PCB Design
Budget: $250 – $750 AUD
Variable Input, Proportional Output Heater Bank Controller Board
Project Overview:
The objective is to develop an Arduino-compatible PCB capable of controlling a bank of approximately 20-25 silicone heater mats, each with a power rating of 150 watts. The controller/PCB to be built must manage the power distribution efficiently to minimize operational costs.
Key Specifications:
- Power Capacity: The controller should have a capacity of up to 4kW to regulate the entire bank of heaters, maintaining equal output for each heater at any given moment.
- Control Method: Variable control is the primary requirement, although staged control is acceptable if necessary. The use of a triac or a series of triacs would be suggested, although alternative suggestions are welcome.
- Input Interface: The board must accept a 0-10V control signal, which will be used to determine the proportional output of the heaters. This control signal will be derived from an algorithm on an Arduino board which will give signal to this board to be made, or allow for manual operation from a variable resistor/variable DC power supply.
- Flexibility in Operation: The board must also be capable of managing less than 4kW of heaters for occasional small batch testing. Terminal provisions for 4, 1kW output terminals on the heater board should be included to facilitate coupling with groups of 4 or 5 silicone heater pads.
- Simplified Installation: The final terminations for the 20 heaters will not be made one the board; thus, the board should not account for the 20 heaters. Instead, it should be designed to accommodate groups of 4 or 5 silicone heater pads for efficient coupling.
Expected Deliverables:
Schematic diagrams and bill of materials for the controller board.
Detailed documentation for the board's operation, including setup and calibration instructions.
Technical support during the integration phase, if necessary.
Project Overview:
The objective is to develop an Arduino-compatible PCB capable of controlling a bank of approximately 20-25 silicone heater mats, each with a power rating of 150 watts. The controller/PCB to be built must manage the power distribution efficiently to minimize operational costs.
Key Specifications:
- Power Capacity: The controller should have a capacity of up to 4kW to regulate the entire bank of heaters, maintaining equal output for each heater at any given moment.
- Control Method: Variable control is the primary requirement, although staged control is acceptable if necessary. The use of a triac or a series of triacs would be suggested, although alternative suggestions are welcome.
- Input Interface: The board must accept a 0-10V control signal, which will be used to determine the proportional output of the heaters. This control signal will be derived from an algorithm on an Arduino board which will give signal to this board to be made, or allow for manual operation from a variable resistor/variable DC power supply.
- Flexibility in Operation: The board must also be capable of managing less than 4kW of heaters for occasional small batch testing. Terminal provisions for 4, 1kW output terminals on the heater board should be included to facilitate coupling with groups of 4 or 5 silicone heater pads.
- Simplified Installation: The final terminations for the 20 heaters will not be made one the board; thus, the board should not account for the 20 heaters. Instead, it should be designed to accommodate groups of 4 or 5 silicone heater pads for efficient coupling.
Expected Deliverables:
Schematic diagrams and bill of materials for the controller board.
Detailed documentation for the board's operation, including setup and calibration instructions.
Technical support during the integration phase, if necessary.