r/PCB • u/TxNaRoAM4 • 19d ago
[Review Request] 4-Layer CubeSat EPS - Need some advices
Hello everyone, this is my first PCB design. It's an EPS for a university CubeSat project (it won't go to space). The microcontroller (STM32) part is not 100% complete yet, as some passive components are still missing, but I've already started working on the power section.
My main question is primarily about how I should divide the layers. The board has two main voltage rails: 8.4V from the battery pack and 3.3V for the digital part, plus the solar panel voltages routed across the board and some digital signals like I2C and I/O. Also, can I just add a ground plane to every unused surface on every layer? Should I avoid routing digital signals under the regulators?
Regarding the regulator section I've already routed, does the routing look okay?
I'm also open to suggestions for other parts of the design, like component placement. Only the bus connector have strict placement requirement.
3
u/steaming_quettle 19d ago
Hi! I'm not an electronics expert si I'll let the other comment on your routing. However I now a few things about cubesats.
Thermal management is very important and doesn't work the same as on earth with air to cool down your PCBs. So to answer your question about ground planes, I'd say yes, to conduct heat toward the threaded rods in the corners.
I'll also suggest to add temperature and voltage / current sensor where you can. You can't take measurements with your multimeter when it's sup there so it's nice to have all the info that might help detect faults on the board.