DC-DC Interface Board

PCB Design | Rapid Prototyping | Python | KiCAD

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This mixed-signal interface board was created for development work with an automotive buck-boost converter designed to enhance the performance of low-voltage personal electric transport such as go-karts, quad bikes,
and commercial service vehicles.

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The interface takes isolated current and voltage measurements from both the input and output side of the power converter, and accepts a complementary pulse width modulation (PWM) control signal for the converter's
half-bridge power stage, which is then converted to a
fibre-optical signal for electro-magnetic interference (EMI) immunity.

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The interface also features a high speed, hardware trip / PWM-lockout function which can be sourced from either the digital controller, or from built-in human-machine interface (HMI). The optional HMI is intended to add a user-friendly interface for testing and development work, and a high degree of operational safety when recovering the test rig from a trip condition.​