topic Re: PCB layout for LPC-Link2 development board in LPC Microcontrollers

PCB layout for LPC-Link2 development board

QM — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:21:43 GMT

Hello NXP community,

I have been a using the lpc-link2 development board for a project that I have been working on for the past 3 years. Recently I have found it difficult to purchase more of this dev board (it is a bit old at this point) but am still keen to continue working with the lpc4370 chip.

I am planning on mostly replicating the link2 using the lpc4370, and have been referring to the schematic file provided online. However I am wondering if it would also be possible to get access to PCB layout files? Or are these considered IP / trade secret?

I also wonder how other companies distribute PCB files for manufacturing their dev boards, as I believe the same Arduino board designs are manufactured by a range of companies, for example. Or am I mistaken...?

Cheers,

Quinn

Re: PCB layout for LPC-Link2 development board

Eli_H — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 00:32:19 GMT

You might want to check with Embedded Artists. The did the design of the board.

https://www.embeddedartists.com/products/lpc-link2/

I have a very simple design for a castellated via module that uses the LPC4370. The format is Altium Designer.

-Eli

Re: PCB layout for LPC-Link2 development board

QM — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 01:11:06 GMT

Hi Eli,

Thanks for your prompt response. I have emailed embedded artists so hopefully they will be kind enough to share their files.

Would you be comfortable sharing your design? My main concern is designing for a 100 bga chip, which I have not done before. I wonder about track width/spacing and how many layers I will need. There should be plenty of resources online to help with this too.

Regards,

Quinn

Re: PCB layout for LPC-Link2 development board

Eli_H — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:32:43 GMT

See attached files. This was a design I did about 5 years ago. (I removed some of the branding/names). There are the Altium files as well as .pdfs of the schematic, gerbers, PCB notes, assembly drawings, etc.

This was built as a castellated via module. It was to intended to be a highspeed digitizer for an ultrasonic signal. It was built/prototyped with some software development. No known issues but use at your own risk. I only checked the interfaces that were critical to our experiment. Should be enough to get you started.

Re: PCB layout for LPC-Link2 development board

Eli_H — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:39:25 GMT

BTW: Feel free to reach out via email if you need layout help. It would be possible to it pinned out on 4 layers, you just might have to eat into your internal reference planes. 6 gives you some breathing room. I didn't need all of the IO so it this one ways done on 4. The low cost services like JLCPCB can easily handle the required geometries, etc.

Re: PCB layout for LPC-Link2 development board

QM — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 11:07:55 GMT

Thank you!

Yes I am hoping to get away with 4 layers too, but shouldn't have too much trouble thanks to this example.

Regards,

Quinn