PPM-C412/Best Practices
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Appendix A. Best Practices
The following paragraphs outline the best practices for operating the PPM-C412 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 PPM-C412.
Power Down
Make sure that power has been removed from the system before making or breaking
any connections.
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 PPM-C412. Measuring it at the power supply does not
account for voltage drop through the wire and connectors.
The PPM-C412 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 PPM-C412, the better.
Power Supply OFF
—The power supply should always be off before it is connected to
the I/O Module. Do not hot-plug the PPM-C412 on a host platform that is already
powered.
