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- Project Objective: Develop a streamlined PCBA that integrates a Nordic microcontroller and power management ICs to optimize functionality, reduce power consumption, add the cellular network capability, sustainable power and simplify the existing Frog Sensor design.
- Component Selection: Nordic's SoCs nRF9151 and nPM1300, are well-suited for low-power wireless applications, cellular connectivity with LTE-M or NB-IOT and GNSS.
Key Goals:
- Replace the current microcontroller with the nRF9151 for improved connectivity and lower power consumption.
- Integrate power management nPM1300 ICs to optimize battery life and provide stable power delivery.
- Add a small solar panel for power sustainability
- Ensure compatibility with the existing Frog Sensor peripherals.
- Minimize the PCB footprint while maintaining manufacturability.
1. NRF9151 Module
Description: Nordic Semiconductor LTE-M/GPS Module
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $15–$25
Notes: Used for cellular data transmission and GPS functionality. Ensure it’s a development board version for ease of use.
2. SCD30 Sensor
Description: CO₂, Temperature, and Humidity Sensor
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $45–$55
Notes: For environmental sensing. Consider buying a breakout board for easy integration.
3. LiPo Battery
Description: 3.7V, 800mAh Rechargeable Lithium-Polymer Battery
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $6–$12
Notes: Primary power source. Ensure it is compatible with the charging specs of the DFR0559.
4. DFR0559
Description: DFRobot Solar Power Manager 5V
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $13–$20
Notes: Handles power management, including MPPT and charging the battery.
5. Solar Panel
Description: 5V, 500mW Solar Panel
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $10–$15
Notes: Provides renewable energy. Choose a panel with stable output for consistent performance.
6. NRF5340 Board
Description: Nordic Semiconductor NRF5340 Microcontroller Board
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $20–$30
Notes: Dual-core MCU for handling data acquisition, processing, and communication with the NRF9151 module.
7. GPS Antenna
Description: Active GPS Antenna (e.g., SMA Connector, 1575 MHz)
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $5–$15
Notes: Enhances GPS signal reception for the NRF9151 module. Ensure compatibility with the module.
8. Passive Components
Description: Capacitors, resistors, diodes (e.g., 10µF for smoothing)
Quantity: 1 set
Estimated Price: $2–$5
Notes: For voltage stabilization and protection circuits (optional).
9. Enclosure
Description: 3D Printed
Quantity: 1
Estimated Price: $10–$20
Notes: Protects components from environmental conditions.
10. Jumper Wires
Description: Male-to-Male/Female-to-Male Wires
Quantity: 1 set
Estimated Price: $2–$5
Notes: For interconnections between components.
11. Connectors
Description: JST or Stemma Connectors
Quantity: 1 set
Estimated Price: $2–$5
Notes: For reliable connections between the battery, solar panel, and power module.
12. Mounting Hardware
Description: Screws, Standoffs, and Mounting Brackets
Quantity: 1 set
Estimated Price: $5–$10
Notes: To securely mount components within the enclosure.
13. Debugging Tools
Description: USB-to-Serial Adapter, Multimeter
Quantity: 1 each
Estimated Price: $15–$30
Notes: For programming, debugging, and verifying connections.
Total Estimated Cost
- Low-End Estimate: ~$130
- High-End Estimate: ~$235
- NRF9151: Handles data transmission and GPS data acquisition.
- SCD30: Measures CO₂ levels and environmental parameters.
- DFR0559: Manages power from the solar panel and charges the battery with MPPT efficiency.
- Power Source: 800mAh LiPo battery charged by a 5V solar panel.
This calculation is made based on the datasheet from each components and will be updated with the real hardware data if this proposal is chosen to be one of the contender
Load Power Consumption
Power Draw from Solar Panel
The DFR0559 boosts solar efficiency with MPPT (~90%). Accounting for this:
Battery Power
The DFR0559 draws additional quiescent current (~1mA) when idle:
Battery capacity: 800mAh × 3.7V = 2.96Wh
Solar Panel Contribution
Using a 5V, 500mW solar panel with 4 hours of sunlight/day:
Daily Solar Energy=0.5W×4h×0.9(MPPT Efficiency)=1.8WhDaily system energy consumption:
Edaily-consumption=Pload×24=0.00619W×24=0.1486WhExcess energy stored in the battery:
Excess Energy=1.8−0.1486≈1.65WhWith sufficient sunlight, the system is self-sustaining and keeps the battery charged.
Conclusion
- Without Solar: The battery lasts ~12.5 days.
- With Solar: The system is indefinitely self-sustaining in areas with regular sunlight.
This design ensures optimal energy efficiency using the DFRobot Solar Power Manager 5V for MPPT, allowing for consistent operation of the NRF9151 and SCD30 sensor.
Schematic DesignThe schematic is designed based on the nRF9151 Development Kit and DFRobot solar power manager 5v. I combined the schematic of the two board and cut a few parts that is not needed.
I have planned two solution for the PCB design:
- 1st create a new board consisting all the hardware from schematic with the feather board as the based for the size dimension
- 2nd create a solar power management accessory/shield for the existing nRF9151 Feather board from Circuitdojo in case someone who already have that dev board also want to build a ribbit sensor.
As a consideration to be contender for this challenge here are a few things about me related to this challenge and my plan after the challenge is finish:
- I already took the Cellular IoT Fundamental Certification from Nordic Dev Academy with Credential ID 7019A867CA2F395-7019A8676DA6424-11EFA0107DC5B9_30
- I already created 2 PCB based project on hackster which is ardubuino and a custom macropad
- I am one of the Contender for the Maker Train Experience Challenge and since the workshop is using the same nRF9151 based hardware, I will include the ribbit network and the result of this challenge as one of my workshop materials
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