Solenoid Controller with STM32 and NFC -- 2

Job ID: 39513380

Budget: $250 – $750 USD

Project Summary:

We are developing a solenoid controller circuit based on the STM32F103C8T6 microcontroller and the STMicroelectronics M24SR64 NFC chip. The project is currently in the schematic and component selection phase. We are seeking an experienced electronics engineer to review and refine the schematic, assist in finalizing component selection, design the PCB, and prepare files for manufacturing.



Objectives:
• Design with intent of getting product UL Electrical Safety Listed.
• Refine and optimize the existing schematic.
• Ensure proper integration of the STM32F103C8T6 MCU and M24SR64 NFC chip.
• Ensure robust solenoid driver circuit design.
• Design a double-sided PCB suitable for mass production.
• Ensure NFC antenna design meets performance and layout best practices.
• Generate a complete, manufacturer-ready deliverable package.



Scope of Work & Responsibilities:
1. Schematic Review and Refinement
• Review the existing schematic for correctness and best practices.
• Suggest and implement improvements to power management, filtering, and protection circuits.
• Validate MCU peripheral connections, especially I2C/SPI used for NFC chip communication.
• Ensure proper handling of solenoid driver circuitry (MOSFETs, flyback protection, etc.).
2. Component Selection with UL electrical safety listing in mind.
• Finalize all key component choices (MCU peripherals, protection devices, passives, etc.).
• Validate footprint availability and sourcing.
• Optimize for component availability and cost (DNP suggestions welcomed).
3. NFC Chip and Antenna Design
• Ensure proper layout and matching of M24SR64 with antenna circuitry.
• Optimize antenna design and placement.
• Provide simulation or tuning guidance if applicable.
4. PCB Design
• Design a double-sided PCB using a professional tool (e.g., Altium Designer, KiCAD, Eagle, etc.).
• Apply best practices for EMC, thermal management, and signal integrity.
• Ensure suitable clearance and creepage for solenoid driver paths.
• Optimize layout for NFC performance and mechanical fit.
5. Deliverables
• Final schematic in PDF and native format (e.g., .schdoc, .kicad_sch, etc.).
• Final PCB layout in native CAD file format and Gerber/ODB++ files for manufacturing.
• Full Bill of Materials (BOM) in Excel format, including:
• Manufacturer part number
• Description
• Quantity
• Reference designators
• Supplier links (Digikey, Mouser, LCSC, etc.)
• PCB stack-up and design notes, including assembly instructions or DFM recommendations.
• Submission of the BOM and PCB design files to a specified PCBA manufacturer (e.g., JLCPCB, PCBWay, etc.).
• 3D STEP file rendering of the final board for mechanical validation.



Required Skills & Experience:
• Demonstrable experience with STM32F1 series, particularly STM32F103C8T6.
• Familiarity with STMicroelectronics M24SR64 NFC chip, including antenna design/layout.
• Experience in solenoid driver circuit design.
• Proficiency in PCB design tools.
• Experience submitting files to PCBA services (JLCPCB, Seeed, PCBWay, etc.).
• Good communication and documentation practices.



Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with low-power embedded system design.
• Knowledge of EMI/EMC considerations for switching and RF circuitry.
• Knowledge UL electrical safety requirements.
• RF simulation or antenna tuning background (preferred but not required).
• Experience working with NFC readers and tag interoperability.



Timeline:

Completion: 1 week from project start



To Apply:

Please submit:
• A short introduction describing your relevant experience.
• Examples of similar projects (e.g., GitHub repo, PDF schematics, screenshots).
• Your preferred CAD tools.
• Any questions you have about the current schematic or project goals.