1. Component Selection Rationale

2. Microcontroller Comparison
PIC 18F4680 $6.08
PIC18F family mandated by Purdue Solar
64Kb Flash
44pin TQFP (36 I/O)
Integrated CAN, I2C modules
ATMEL AT90CAN32 $4.50/10000
32Kb Flash
64pin LQFP (53 I/O)
Integrated CAN etc
New technology (Dec 2005)

3. Power Supply Comparison
LTC1174-5
Efficiency drops below 90% with load >100mA and input voltage at 12Vdc

4. Power Supply Comparison
MAX1684
Better efficiency all the way up to 1A

5. LCD Comparison matrix Orbital 20 x 4 Serial LCD Module
10mA draw for LCD
90mA typical draw for backlight
Weighs less than 1 lb
Crystalfonz CFA-634 Serial
9mA draw for LCD
441mA draw for LCD
Graphics capable

6. Packaging design Design constraint Dark inside the solar car
Driver is busy all the time
Noise level
Vibration level

7. Serpac Plastic Enclosures
LCD display
Backlight is needed
Font need to be readable
Connectors
6-pin MTE connector.
RS232 serial port
Interfacing
Push buttons
LED indicators

8. Taking BMW I-drive as a Ref.
Text-Base Menu System
Control by a Position with pushbutton
User be able to push to select or exit
Mount on the steering wheels

9. Operation Mode During a race Pit stopping
Turn on and off the power tracker
Real time monitoring the car’s status
Pit stopping
Debugging Mode
Provide useful information to terminal in PC

10. Pending Prototype Design

11. PCB Footprint for major components
5 inch
3 in