Overview
A Palo Alto, California, company partnered with DeepSea Developments to address critical performance limitations in their drone models by redesigning the printed circuit board (PCB). This strategic enhancement resulted in improved energy efficiency and faster operational response, positioning the client for a competitive advantage in the market.
Client background
This company is an established provider of drone technology, specializing in solutions for farms. Faced with growing competition and the need for enhanced performance, the company sought innovative solutions to improve their drone’s operational capabilities.
Challenges
The client’s existing drone models exhibited several challenges:
– Power inefficiency: The drones had limited battery life, restricting their operational time and range.
– Slow response times: The current PCB design did not support the high-speed processing required for quick maneuvers and real-time data processing.
– Thermal issues: The existing PCB design resulted in overheating, causing performance dips and potential damage to critical components.
Objectives
The primary goals for the PCB redesign project were:
- Increase energy efficiency to extend flight time.
- Enhance processing speed to improve response time.
- Mitigate thermal issues to ensure reliability and durability.
Solutions implemented
DeepSea Developments undertook a comprehensive approach to redesign the PCB:
1. Component optimization:
– Analyzed existing components and replaced power-hungry parts with energy-efficient alternatives.
– Integrated advanced microcontrollers and high-efficiency voltage regulators.
2. Circuit layout redesign:
– Designed and developed a new, compact PCB layout that minimized signal delay and improved power distribution.
– Utilized multilayer designs to optimize space while enhancing connectivity and reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI).
3. Thermal management:
– Implemented improved thermal vias and heat sinks within the PCB design to dissipate heat effectively, allowing for higher performance without overheating.
Results
The collaboration yielded remarkable results, quantified through rigorous testing:
– Energy efficiency: The redesigned PCB increased flight time, allowing the drones to operate longer without the need for recharging.
– Response time: Enhanced processing capabilities decreased operational latency, enabling faster maneuvering and real-time data handling.
– Thermal performance: Implemented thermal management strategies that reduced overheating incidents by 50%, enhancing reliability and extending component life.
Client feedback
“The redesign of our drone’s PCB has exceeded our expectations. We’re not only seeing improved performance but also gaining a competitive edge in the market. “
Key takeaways
- Focused solutions, such as drone PCB redesign, can have far-reaching effects on product performance and market competitiveness.
- Investing in advanced hardware development brings tons of benefits in terms of features and performance.
Do you want to work on your drone technology to overcome specific challenges? Let’s talk. Click on the button below!
