EPX-C414/Best Practices
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Appendix A. Best Practices
The following paragraphs outline the best practices for operating the EPX-C414 in a
safe, effective manner, that does not damage the board. Please read this section
carefully.
Power Supply
Power Supply Budget
Evaluate your power supply budget. It is usually good practice to budget twice the
typical power requirement for all of your devices.
Zero-load Power Supply
Use a zero-load power supply whenever possible. A zero-load power supply does not
require a minimum power load to regulate. If a zero-load power supply is not
appropriate for your application, then verify that the single board computer’s typical
load is not lower than the power supply’s minimum load. If the single board computer
does not draw enough power to meet the power supply’s minimum load, then the power
supply does not regulate properly and can cause damage to the EPX-C414.
Adjusting Voltage
If you have a power supply that allows you to adjust the voltage, it is a good idea to set
the voltage at the power connector of the EPX-C414 to 5.1V. The EPX-C414 can tolerate
up to 5.25V, so setting your power supply to provide 5.1V is safe and allows for the
small amount of voltage drop that occurs over time as the power supply ages and the
connector contacts oxidize.
Avoid Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
—Only handle the circuit board and other bare
electronics when electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection is in place. Having a wrist
strap and a fully grounded workstation is the minimum ESD protection required
before the ESD seal on the product bag is broken.
Use Proper Power Connections (Voltage)
—When verifying the voltage, measure it
at the power connector on the EPX-C414. Measuring it at the power supply does not
account for voltage drop through the wire and connectors.
The EPX-C414 re5V (±5%) to operate. Verify the power connections.
Incorrect voltages can cause catastrophic damage.
Populate all of the +5V and ground connections. Most single board computers have
multiple power and ground pins, and all of them should be populated. The more
copper connecting the power supply to the EPX-C414, the better.
