Milling PCBs + Xbee replacement

@kennethlimcp

Milling PCBsBasics + usefulness + issues

How it works• Milling Concept • FR4 Copper board • High-speed spindle

• GERBER files

Usefulness• Rapid circuit prototyping

• Minimal cost • Easy to setup and use

• 2 layer achievable

Common issues• Blunt cutter • high wastage • “extra” copper plane • Supervision required • manual via linkage

Voltera

Xbee replacementWhat + Why + Challenges

JN5168 from NXP

Why• MCU + RF transceiver in 1 • Small form factor • FCC-Certified • Low cost • Supports various protocol (Zigbee, 6LowPan…)

Similar Concept• bluz.io • Using Nordic nrf51422 module

• Basically a breakout board + friendly form factor

Challenges• Documentation is everywhere

• Have to “reverse-engineer” • Bootloader not open source • Need to use proprietary software

• own footprint

Questions?@kennethlimcp

Glossary• LPKF S103 PCB machine

• Voltera

• JN5168 module

• Meshbee module

• bluz.io