ULTIBOX : Ecig Boost mod with lcd screen , 18650, Constant power. OPEN SOURCE

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CraigHB

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Jul 31, 2010
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Wow, thanks for all the replies, that was generous of you, again.

--> 5K (502) for me, not 50K

Oops, yea 5k, not 50k.

This chip does not limit the power output, Input current limiting with R6 on my schematic . this resistance only serves to protect the transistor. R6=0.020 --> Imaxinput=7A -->See the datasheet for more informations

I only did a quick look at the data sheet. I see that now. That's good then.

Yes input, of course. 20-25w seems to be the max for me (Pspice simulation).

Well, simulations are simulations. I'd check that on the bench.

The most important, What's your frequency ? For me 750Khz, --> reducing the size of capacitors.

550kHz with 200u, 680kHz with 100u. Problem is that efficiency drops as frequency goes up. Don't want to run it any higher than I need to. My simulations tell me I can run lower value output caps, but simulations don't account for all factors. I usually get around double the output ripple when measured on the scope compared to the simulation. But hey, if it works, then great. My concern is destabilizing the controller with excessive ripple and also the noise it generates.

No at this moment, Power transfer between L2 and C7,C8,C9 . to put them close to each other.

True there is an amount of power transfer going on through the caps and atomizer, but all of the input ripple and converter startup transients return through the ground plane to battery negative. That's a considerable amount of cross inductance for any traces above it. I would not run a shared plane, but if you say you have no issue, then great.

3v MCP1700 regulator on my board and 5v from USB connector.

I don't see that regulator in the schematic, where is that thing? Am I blind or something?

I don't understand the purpose of D1. If it's connected to USB power, then it's not a clamp to protect against a USB over-voltage condition. What does it do?

I use internal ADCreference = 1,024v. For current sensing : Rshunt = 0,1 Ohm , Vref=1,024v, Conv = 1024 --> 10mA

Yes, I see the newer PICs have that feature. I haven't used any of the most recent ones. The PIC24Fs I've been I'm using and the PIC18Fs I've used before that do not have an internal voltage reference. Even so, I mistakenly assumed the current sense resistor was 10mΩ in my last post. I see it's 100mΩ giving you good resolution and range with that voltage reference. That's good for sensing, but you're taking a big power hit using a current sense resistor with such a high value.

DCR = 17mOhm for my inductor. too much for you ? It seems reasonable

Like I said before, you seem to be liberal with efficiency. 17mΩ is high, but insignificant compared to other resistive losses in your circuit. The one I'm using is 6mΩ.

Why do you want 10uA?

Ideally, a device should be able to sit on the shelf for a long period of time without critically discharging the battery. Keep in mind I'm using a non-removable LiPo cell. My worst case is a low battery sitting on the shelf for several months. 10uA provides a generous period of time without without over-discharge. I'm sure there are other ways to handle it, but you also don't want to waste power when the device is idle. That reduces run time. Kills two birds with one stone that way.

The protection is the current shunt if the software CRASH.

That's kind of sketchy. If you have a short and sensing fails, you'll have current limited only by the resistance of the circuit. Being liberal, that's not more than 300mΩ. With a fully charged batt, that's a load of 14A, an over-current condition for an IMR 18650.

With the resistive losses in my design and the ultra-low DCR LiPoly cell, I get a worst case of around 80A with a direct atomizer short. I have to have a fuse. It's not optional.

Why not? [post your design]

I wouldn't be very happy if I posted my whole design to help other DIY modders then found some part of it in a commercial product where someone used the sweat off my back or my ideas to save themselves some work and make a profit. This has happened several times already in this forum. That bothers me a lot. If you don't care about it, that's good for you. That must be the case or you would not have posted your design.

Thank you for your comment.

Thanks again for your replies.
 

pailpoe

Moved On
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Sep 12, 2010
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I ordered 5 pcbs for my tests , I will test and adjust value on these boards. I also redesigned my ground plane by rotating the screen. The plan is much more clear.
For the fuse, I can always add one later.
There will be a lot of work on the software later. :blush:
Making public my work does not bother me, everyone copies everyone. In addition, there is nothing special :p.
 

rustybikes

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Jun 30, 2011
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I came in here 'cos of the words "OPEN SOURCE", but this is far more than I'd expected. Very very promising design. Kinda like an open source Darwin. My only real hurdle is that I don't have much experience with etching my own PCBs, but this is intriguing enough that I might just have to learn. I'm having some ideas how to extend the functionality of the Darwin, but this would be far simpler (not to mention less expensive) to build.

Thanks very much!! Subscribed. :)
 

gazob

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Jul 28, 2011
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Melbourne Australia
What power range / volt range do you expect most people to use, 20W seems high?

What sort of vape time are you expecting or getting?

Recharge seems like it would be a lengthy process

I have a couple of variable power mods from an Aussie maker, at 9 to 10.5 watts on a 2 ohm carto I get around 7 MLS from the one with 2 x 1000mah lipo batteries, these are recharged with an onboard balanced and protected charger in half an hour. At the end of the day these are the things that matter to me I guess, but your screen is cool.
 

pailpoe

Moved On
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Sep 12, 2010
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France
Thank you for your support.
My command has gone this morning so I will receive my PCBs on October 11. I can give you a few pictures at that time.
Enclosed, Pictures of pcbs I will receive.
top-2d6265a.jpg

bottom-2d6266c.jpg
 
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