PCM-C418/Best Practices
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www.winsystems.com
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Appendix A. Best Practices
This appendix outlines the best practices for operating the PCM-C418 in a safe, effective
manner, that does not damage the board. Please read this section carefully.
Power Supply
The power supply and how it is connected to the PCM-C418 is very important.
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 PCM-C418.
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 PCM-C418 to 5.1V. The PCM-C418 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 PCM-C418 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 PCM-C418. Measuring it at the power supply does not
account for voltage drop through the wire and connectors.
The PCM-C418 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 PCM-C418, the better.
