PCB Architecture

Division Overview 

The PCB division oversees development of the vehicle’s printed circuit board. They define the circuit architecture and interconnections for all electrical systems. The division ensures reliability, durability, and seamless interconnection of electrical systems. They deliver robust solutions capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of an electric vehicle.  

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Components 

1. Shutdown Circuit Board 

• Provides high-voltage DC energy storage for the electric motors. 

• Central safety logic that opens the shutdown line when a fault is detected. 

• Interfaces with multiple systems to immediately disable HV if needed. 

• Must be highly reliable and redundant to comply with FSAE rules. 

2. Ready to Move Light Board  

• Transmits energy between the accumulator, inverter, and motor.

• Controls the indicator that alerts when the car is energized and capable of movement. 

• Ensures clear communication to driver, officials, and team members. 

• Connected directly with LV and shutdown logic. 

3. BSPD (Brake System Plausibility Device) 

• Converts DC from the accumulator to AC for the motors.

• Monitors brake pedal input vs. accelerator signal to detect unsafe simultaneous operation. 

• If a fault occurs, it opens the shutdown circuit. 

• Critical safety board required by competition rules. 

4. Precharge/Discharge Board 

• Gradually charges capacitors to prevent damaging current spikes. 

• Manages safe charging of inverter capacitors to avoid damaging current spikes. 

• Controls discharge path when the system powers down. 

• Protects both hardware and operator safety. 

5. Charging Shutdown Board 

• Removes heat from motors, inverters, and the accumulator. 

• Ensures accumulator charging complies with safety protocols. 

• Provides isolation and protection during external charging. 

• Works closely with the BMS for safe current flow. 

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Software 

• EasyEDA – for PCB design and manufacturing workflows. 

• Tina-TI, Falstad, Multisim – for circuit simulation and validation. 

• SolidWorks – for integration with the vehicle packaging. 

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Requirements 

• FISI 3172: Physics II 

• INEL 3105: Circuits I 

• INEL 4201: Electronics I 

• Experience in circuit design  

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Division Knowledge Guide 

PCB Architecture members must understand the end-to-end design process:  

1. Schematic  

2. Simulation  

3. PCB layout  

4. Rule check  

5.  Manufacturing  

6. Testing 

   
   

Additionally, they must apply essential formulas (Ohm’s law, power dissipation, current density for trace width) to ensure safe operation. The difference between analog vs. power traces is critical: analog signals require careful routing to avoid noise, while power traces demand wider copper areas and heat dissipation considerations. 

Decoupling capacitors are key for stabilizing voltage and filtering noise in sensitive circuits. Knowledge of PCB layers is also important: single-layer for simple circuits, double-layer for moderate routing, and multi-layer for high-density or HV/LV isolation. Component choices matter — SMD allows compact, lightweight designs but is harder to solder manually, while THT is more robust but bulkier. 

When testing, engineers follow a structured process: check continuity, component placement, and proper function step by step. If a PCB involves both HV and LV, designers must ensure clearance, creepage, and isolation to prevent dangerous failures. Poorly designed PCBs can disable the shutdown system or cause disqualification, showing why compliance and reliability are non-negotiable.   

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