Placement Platform Design with Raspberry Pi

Highlights

In 2019 PSA delivered a board design - Raspberry Pi Serial Hat Platform (RPSHP) - for Palatiumcare Inc, an American leader in senior healthcare assistance. The entire scope of work consisted of two parts: platform prototype implementation and further update. 

Challenge

The primary objective of the Raspberry Pi project was to design a placement platform for the Net burner and Nano that would fit into a case with the existing X and Y footprint while also utilizing the original platform ports and inputs.

In order to provide enhanced technical functionalities, PSA engineers had to design an expansion card that connects to the Raspberry Pi 3 single-board computer via a 40-pin GPIO connector containing all of the following:

  • 2 additional RS-232 serial ports

  • Real-time clock

  • FRAM memory with SPI interface

  • Reset switch for configuration parameters

  • Miniature screen with I2C interface to display configuration information 

  • Create a minimally modified case to fit the board according to specific measurements 

Other technical specifications provided were as follows:

  • Support for additional devices in the Raspbian operating system image

  • Support for  the new Netburner configuration utility device

  • Modifications to the device case for outputting additional interface connectors

  • Reset switch for configuration and display 

Solution

⁠To resolve technical issues, PSA specialists designed the entire device, including the electrical schematic diagram and layout of the expansion board. They also selected and purchased components for the assembly and delivery of 5 prototypes. The newly modified operating system of the device contained the necessary drivers and software modules to support additional new devices.

Development Included

  • Components selection and specifications review.
  • Electrical circuit diagram design.
  • PCB layout design.
  • Mechanical design for enclosure and 3D modeling and 2D drawing creation.
  • Prototyping and testing.
  • Prototypes validation and design adjustments.
Example of Interaction Between Test Fixture and Host Machine

Technology Breakdown

Project size
  • 9 Team Members
Duration
  • 8 Months

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