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Avionics Board

Created by @jaydev-1510

### View latest KiCad files at KiCanvas

# Day-1 (17/07/2025)

This was the day I started this project. Feeling excited, I started with the block diagram. I was cofused thinking about the processor/OBC for the avionics board. At first, I thought of using some STM processor from the STM-F and STM-H series. At the same time I believed in the simplicity of using Raspberry Pi RP2040/2354. But they were not powerful for processing images and heandling telemetry at the same time. I liked the Raspberry Pi 5 module, but I could not use it as it was big. Then I got and idea of using Raspberry Pi CM5 a smaller version of Raspberry Pi 5. Finaly I chose Raspberry Pi CM5. I also explored various projects like the PhoenixSat, ORCAsat and the CubeSat of Build a CubeSat. Here is the block diagram I prepared.

Block Diagram

## Tasks completed today:

  • Creation of repository and initial commits.
  • Surfing and research on other projects.
  • Creation of KiCad project.
  • Chose Raspberry Pi CM5 as the C&DH module and OBC.

### Time spent todday ~1.5h

# Day-2 (18/07/2025)

So, it were the IMU and the pressure sensor which were not finalised. After asking ChatGPT multiple times I decided to choose the ICM-20948 as the IMU because it was perfect for my application. It has got great precision and temperature range. Also I decided the pressure sensor as the Bosch BMP390. I thought of starting with the schematics. So, I started with it. By the way you can view the schematics and the PCB files at KiCanvas without downloading them! I have started with the basic connections as per the component's datasheets. I have added the schematic picture for your reference.

Schematic

## Tasks completed today:

### Time spent todday ~2h

# Day-3 (20/07/2025)

The GPS of the cubesat will be attached to the avionics board only with the help of headers. After entering many prompts I am impressed by the NovAtel OEM-719 and i think I will be able to use it if budget and situations like customs, documents, etc permits. Although, I have mailed the Hexagon (the GPS' owner company) for details and processses to bring it to India from Canada. I know the schematic is not completed yet but I started with the PCB. Again I have done some basic routing only. Here is the PCB gerber picture.

PCB gerber

## Tasks completed today:

  • Started with the PCB.
  • Added custom symbols and footprints.
  • Thinking to use NovAtel OEM-719 as the GPS for satellite if budget and situation permits.

### Time spent today ~1.5h

# Day-4 (21/07/2025)

My journal was looking empty so I added pictures and a brief description of what work I did. I did not get much time today.

## Tasks completed today:

  • Journaling (Added description and images).

### Time spent today ~0.5h

# Day-5 (28/07/2025)

First of all sorry for not working on the avionics board actively. Actualy keyaan-07 and I are working on an STM32H757IIT6 Dev board for hack club silicon. I came to know that I would not be able to use the Raspberry Pi CM-5 because of its heavy power consumption (12.5W at peak). Yep! that's too high. Therefore, I came up with an idea of making an STM32H757IIT6 Dev board so as I can learn about the STM32 processors, be familiar with the STM2 boards and gain some experience. I know I made a blunder but nevermind it's my first time making something huge. I will update about the dev board in next commit and this board is currently on hold. Sorry for the inconvenience. Btw keyaan-07 suggested me a kicad plugin (python) that converts the EasyEDA symbols and footprints to KiCad symbols and footprints even the 3D models! you can check out that repository here.