PCB Design Review Request (ESP32-C6)

[dennis2oo4]

Hello everyone,

I’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to review the attached PCB design. I’m not an expert in this field, so I’d like to make sure the circuit is correct and reliable. It is a simple LED controller.

The design has been revised several times based on previous feedback and should now be in its final form. Any remaining comments, suggestions, or confirmation that the design looks solid would be greatly appreciated. If anyone still finds potential improvements, errors, or points worth adjusting, I would be very grateful for your feedback.

The design was created in accordance with my specified requirements, some of which are detailed below.

- Desired PCB size: 74.22 mm × 28.42 mm

- Screw terminal & USB-C position: Defined and specified by me

- Power supply: USB-C, 5 V / 2 A (external power adapter)

- Push buttons: Positions and spacing defined and specified by me

- Mounting holes: Positions defined by me

- Circuit protection: Over-voltage and short-circuit protection required

- Manufacturing requirements: Must comply with DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles

- Future expandability: Should allow for potential Wi-Fi or smart-home integration without requiring design modifications

- Boost converter: Required, as the PCB is powered via 5 V USB-C while the LEDs—connected externally through the screw terminal—operate at 12 V (Each LED consumes 100 mA, up to four LEDs can be connected (maximum total current 400 mA)

- ESP32-C6: The chosen module was the result of extensive research and a well-considered decision process. The module was also selected with future firmware requirements in mind.

All files have been uploaded in the best possible quality to ensure an easier and more accurate review. I would like to thank you in advance for your comments and the time you take to review the design.

Wishing you all a wonderful day!

[dennis2oo4]

Files

[tooki]

1. Please make much higher-resolution screenshots so that a) component designators and part numbers are easy to read, and b) net names appear on pads and traces.

2. It’s not advisable to run copper so close to the edge. Any damage and you risk shorting against something.

3. Don’t run traces under screw holes! I generally make screw holes as pads so that they can’t be intersected by any nets. If you torque down a screw too much, you risk shorting traces. And it makes it impossible to use lock washers if needed.

4. Is it really necessary for the fat traces by the screw terminals to change layers? (Also, consider using WAGO-style spring-cage PCB terminals instead of screw terminals. They can be easier to use and they resist loosening.)

5. Modify the C33/R26 section to give the RC delay per page 40 of the datasheet.

6. Modify the layout to respect the layout recommendations given in the -C6 hardware design guidelines: https://docs.espressif.com/projects/esp-hardware-design-guidelines/en/latest/esp32c6/pcb-layout-design.html#general-principles-of-pcb-layout-for-modules-positioning-a-module-on-a-base-board — you’ve got plenty of room to respect the keepouts they recommend.

[dennis2oo4]

Thank you a lot for your comment

1. Understood.

2. OK

3. The PCB is consumer/commercial grade not automotive grade. So trace under or near the screw hole is not a problem.

4. As terminal block connector is through hole component, we use the trace on any layer because it is connected and give us enough room. Also by placing wider traces on separate layer give better heat dissipation during high current? But I can still arrange them accordingly.

5. I consider it, but I suggest to modified these values after DVT (design validation test).

6. When using single module, we have no issue in the cutout or clearance in the board. the min 15mm clearance is required when using more esp32 modules in a single PCB board?

[Doctorandus_P]

Are you going to demolish this thread too by deleting your own posts?

[shabaz]

I just wrote a long post but there's no point placing it, if the content it refers to will be deleted in future. The purpose of forum comments is to help future people too, and they won't be helped by comments with no context. I know I can insert the original posts as quotes, but there should be at least a gentleman's agreement that the original content won't be deleted.

[dennis2oo4]

Oh, I´m sorry. Just wanted to delete it because it was old, but won´t do that again.

[tooki]

So are you actually going to do anything with the information you were given?

Oh, I´m sorry. Just wanted to delete it because it was old, but won´t do that again.

Yeah, it’s consisted a hugely dickish move, in the sense of getting something out of the community, then making extra effort to deny any possible utility to others.

[4A]

uh, I work in PCB factory. if you don't mind, just share the lastest Gerber file to me after the final design. :-) We provide a free DFM report upon receiving the Gerber file. If you're interested... :-)