Introduction: STM Based FSAE Dashboard

This project was an FSAE Dashboard based around an STM32F767ZGT6, featuring CAN-Communication, Programmable Addressable LEDs, and a large screen. In Detail:

Screen: NHD-4.3-480272EF-ASXP

  • 24 Bit Color Depth Parallel RGB Interface
  • 4.3 Inch, 480x272 pixel resolution display
  • 60FPS, 1200Nits brightness

Addressable LEDs: BL-HBGR32L-3-TRB-8

  • 19 Programmable LEDs
  • Indicates the state of various aspects of the car

CAN Peripheral:

  • 250 kbps baud rate

External SDRAM: W9825G6KH-6-ND

  • 32MB external ram
  • Holds 2 screen-sized display buffers
  • Works with LTDC

Microcontroller: STM32F767ZGT6

  • LTDC Peripheral to drive screens
  • 216MHz clk rate
  • 1MB Flash
  • 512KB SRAM
  • Supports FMC Peripheral to memory map Ram to address

Additional Peripheral Connectors

  • 5V, Signal, GND


Supplies

For this project you need:

  • Components listed under BOM
  • Soldering Iron
  • Reflow Station
  • A matching PCB from JLCPCB

OR

  • As little as $8 per 5 pieces to have JLCPCB manufacture and assemble the PCB for you

Step 1: Schematic

Review the schematic attached created with Altium Designer. Sanity check all sub-systems and components to ensure no obvious mistakes have been made.

Step 2: PCB Design

Review the attached PCB layers for the Dashboard. Note that in the image, polygon pours have been hidden.

Step 3: 3D Model

This Dashboard has components quite spaced out due to the placement of the LED components. If the intention is to use this design in a car, make sure to export a step file to check clearances of components.

Step 4: Step 6: Steps to Order Your JLCPCB

The penultimate step of the project is have the PCB manufactured by JLCPCB.

JLCPCB (ShenzhenJLC Electronics Co., Ltd.) is a proud sponsor of the FSAE-47 team from the University of Auckland. JLCPCB is the largest PCB prototype enterprise in China and a high-tech manufacturer specializing in quick PCB prototype and small-batch PCB production. JLCPCB offers not only affordable PCB manufacturing from as little as $2 per 5 pieces, but also offers an assembly service such that the entire manufacture process can be efficiently outsourced to low cost.

  1. Log into altium-365 and download the latest pcb-release files (Can be requested from toby.osbornes.nz@gmail.com).
  2. Unzip the downloaded file, select the FAB (fabrication) folder, and zip this.
  3. Go to https://jlcpcb.com/HAR and upload the zip file. JLCPCB will analyze the zip, and calculate the cost to manufacture the PCB for you!
  4. Configure the PCB manufacture process, and proceed to checkout (after selecting black silkscreen color). Within a few days, the fully manufactured PCBs will show up at your door!

Step 5: Manufacture Your PCB

If you have a soldering and reflow station, as well as all components plus lots of time and patience, you can order the components and manufacture the board yourself. However, an alternate and often preferred method is to outsource the assembly process to JLCPCB. This option can be toggled before finishing the 4th part of step 5. Once this is done, after proceeding, JLCPCB will attempt to autofill components based on the BOM and footprints provided. If components aren't found, alternative ones can be selected. It is possible to configure this PCB to be entirely assembled by JLCPCB. Once completed, the fully assembled PCB will arrive within a few weeks depending on location.

Step 6: Enjoy and Develop Your STM32 Based FSAE Dashboard!

With the completed dashboard, it's time to get an STLINK and connect it to the debug header of the board. It is recommended to use a graphics library such as LVGL to program the board. Thank you to JLCPCB for sponsoring the FSAE47 team!