ITX-P-3800/Best Practices
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Appendix A. Best Practices
The following paragraphs outline the best practices for operating the ITX-P-3800 in a
safe, effective manner, that does not damage the board. 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 ITX-P-3800.
Power Harness
Minimize the length of the power harness. This reduces the amount of voltage drop
between the power supply and the ITX-P-3800.
Gauge Wire
Use the largest gauge wire that you can. Most connector manufacturers have a
maximum gauge wire they recommend for their pins.
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 ITX-P-3800. Measuring
it at the power supply does not account for voltage drop through the wire and connectors.
The ITX-P-3800 re9V to +36V (+- 5%) to operate. Verify the power connections.
Incorrect voltages can cause catastrophic damage.
The ITX-P-3800 has a single power connector at J17. A single 9V-36V DC input and ground is
required to power the board.
