Revised P2 PLC (Concept)
Rayman
Posts: 16,080
Currently have a Bud DMB-4775 enclosure based PLC going with P2 SWaP module. This is all fine, but not entirely happy with some things, mostly the way have to carve the enclosure. Also, the SWaP module is kind of a pain to assemble...
So, now looking at the slightly larger DMB-4773 Bud enclosure. With this one, and some rearranging, just have to carve the upper part of the enclosure and then can cover it up nicely with a 3D printed cover.
The Amphenol modular connector is moved up by putting it on a separate board. This is probably a good idea anyway, in case another project wants a different connector or no connector at all...
The other big change looking at is possibly replacing SWaP with what am calling "P2 Core" module.
This is now 1.6" square with castellated edges and also 0.05" pitch headers, so can be soldered to board or connected using headers. Looking at 20-pin headers on all four sides. Think that should be enough...
The P2 Core module is a proven design with 4 layers and can be well overclocked. It also has a regulator for VDD on each group of 8 pins, so is better for analog signals. But, the main thing is that it is much easier to assemble than SWaP...
Comments
There's a lot more flexibility here... Could still use SWaP on main board if wanted, could be better for some things...
Really like the idea of putting that modular connector on a separate board, so can be exchanged for something else or just not used at all.
I previous arrangement the large bottom board needed a cut out to accommodate the modular connector, but here the top board will need a cut out.
This may be better as the top board isn't maybe as important...
In fact, if leaving the top cover in place, don't even need the small top board...
Nice thing with either SWaP or P2 Core is that these other boards can be simple 2-layer designs, easily customizable...