Holoboard Mission Brief
Design and assemble a PCB fit for the Rebel Alliance’s signal command unit — engineered using KiCad.
The Mission Objective:
Craft a Holoboard (PCB) that performs the following core functions within the realm of analog circuitry:
- Bandpass Filter Module: Filters transmissions between 100 Hz and 500 Hz — allowing only the desired frequencies to pass through the Force-field.
- Amplification Core: Amplifies incoming signals with a total gain factor of 6x — boosting weak transmissions from outer sectors.
- Threshold Detection Unit (Comparator): Identifies signals exceeding 6V and activates a Status Beacon (LED) — signaling the presence of high-power waves.
System Requirements from the Jedi Council:
-
Input Signal Source: A sine wave from a rebel transmitter, with a peak amplitude of up to 2V. Provide a screw terminal labeled
"INPUT"for mission-critical interfacing. - Power Protocols: Deploy ±12V power rails through dedicated screw terminals — one for the filter, another for the comparator. Keep their paths clear of interference.
- Board Constraints: The holoboard must fit within the confines of 100mm × 80mm — suitable for starfighter compartments.
- Assembly Considerations: All components must be suitable for hand-soldering by field engineers (no droid-assisted assembly required).
- Labeling & Grounding: Ensure all signals are clearly marked via silkscreen, and grounding follows Imperial safety protocols — preventing interference from the Dark Side (noise).
Hint 1 (Resources)
To aid in your design journey, consult the following data scrolls and holograms from the Rebel Archives:
- PCB Design Tutorial (YouTube Playlist)
- Operational Amplifier: Inverting Op Amp and The Concept of Virtual Ground in Op Amp
- Operational Amplifier: Non-Inverting Op-Amp and Op-Amp as Buffer (Voltage Follower)
- Active Low Pass Filter and Active High Pass Filter Explained
You are also encouraged to browse the holonet (internet) and consult other resources to deepen your understanding of filters and come up with the most efficient circuit designs.
High Council’s Design Commandment
The simpler the routes, the more the marks — and the smaller the PCB, the more the marks.
Let this guiding principle shape your layout, your traces, and your component placement.
Let the electrons flow through your design, young Padawan. And remember — with great layout comes great signal integrity.