Board platform overview

Every PCB module lives in its own directory under boards/. A released board directory should contain the KiCad project, its local symbols/footprints (when needed), design notes, BOM, and generated fabrication files.

Projects#

Directory	Purpose	Status
`usb-c-5v-breakout/`	USB-C sink exposing 5 V and the advertised current level	Schematic/ERC complete; PCB next
`usb-c-pd-trigger/`	USB-C PD sink with rotary voltage selection	Architecture selected
`usb-c-multi-rail-power/`	USB-C PD input with 1.1 V, 1.8 V, 3.3 V, and 5 V outputs	Power targets selected
`aruvix-ecp5/`	Active AruviX computer board using ECP5/ECP5-5G	Active rev-A planning
`aruvix-certuspro-nx/`	Future/commercial AruviX board research using LFCPNX-100-9BBG484C	Parked until paid-tool path is acceptable
`sensor-modules/`	~50-module PMOD sensor line for FPGA learning	46/50 schematics ERC-clean; first PCB (AXS-007) DRC-clean
`actuator-modules/`	12-module PMOD actuator/robot line (motors, servos, BLDC, CAN) + robot power boards	12/12 schematics ERC-clean
`io-modules/`	19-module output & human-interface line (displays, VGA, audio, keyboard, microSD)	19/19 schematics ERC-clean
`comms-modules/`	8-module connectivity line (Ethernet, WiFi, LoRa, nRF24, crypto, USB console)	8/8 schematics ERC-clean
`lab-modules/`	9-module instrument & classroom-adapter line (logic analyzer, scope, Grove/Arduino adapters)	9/9 schematics ERC-clean
`battery-power-input/`	2S/3S LiPo input: protection, 5 V/3.3 V bucks, INA226 telemetry	Schematic ERC-clean
`robot-power-dist/`	Gated, fused 4-channel motor-rail fan-out with per-channel telemetry	Schematic ERC-clean
`pmod-common/`	Shared PMOD module generator libraries and authoring guide	Live

Production tracking#

STATUS.md — live per-board production status (ERC / PCB / DRC / fab package), generated from kicad-cli by tools/gen_status.sh.
ROADMAP.md — the definition of "production ready", the wave plan for turning 94 designs into fab-ready boards, and the physical milestone.
BACKLOG.md — cross-line ideas, host-board dependencies, and the parts watchlist.
tools/fab_export.sh <dir> — DRC-gates a board and emits its gerber/drill/ CPL/BOM fab package.

Directory convention#

<board>/
├── README.md                 # Requirements, architecture, and open decisions
├── <board>.kicad_pro         # KiCad project (after schematic capture starts)
├── <board>.kicad_sch         # Schematic
├── <board>.kicad_pcb         # PCB layout
├── bom/                      # Reviewed BOM exports
├── datasheets/               # Links/index only; do not commit vendor PDFs
└── fabrication/              # Gerbers, drill files, position files, drawings

Generated fabrication outputs are not considered production-ready until the schematic passes ERC, the board passes DRC, and the design-review checklist in the project README is complete.

Assembly and prototyping standard#

Production designs target automated SMT assembly. Prefer standard packages supported by common PCBA services: QFN for controllers/modules and 0603 or larger passives unless electrical performance requires otherwise.
Through-hole headers, terminal blocks, and mechanical selector switches may be marked DNP for the SMT assembly and fitted afterward. They remain in the BOM as optional prototyping parts.
Every power module provides 2.54 mm breakout headers for logic, measurement, and light-load breadboard experiments.
Solderless breadboards and ordinary jumper wires are not part of the 2-3 A current path. High-current tests use the dedicated terminal blocks or power connectors, short suitable-gauge wires, and an electronic load.