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TIDA-01168: Board Bus-bar

Matthieu Close
Prodigy 10 points
Part Number: TIDA-01168

Hello,

I have a question regarding the use of bus-bar to increase the current rating of the PCB. I've seen that you use custom-built copper bus bar, mounted on top of the PCB, where the solder mask is removed to expose the traces. 

How do you make sure that the bus-bar is in contact with the PCB copper on the whole traces? Are the 2 screws enough to maintain a contact on the entire length of the traces? What about the point of contact with the pins of the components? 

Also, do you have any thermal images of the prototype running at full load?

Best regards,

Matthieu Close

  • 0
    TI__Intellectual 1450 points

    Hello Matthieu,

    first of all, thank you for your interest in TIDA-01168. I am the author of the reference design and I am happy to answer your questions.

    To be honest, I don't think that the bus-bar solution in TIDA-01168 is the right fit for any serious production. I had limited ME technology availability and had to do some compromises. The problem is not only mechanical contact between the two surfaces but also oxidation over time. If I had a second chance, I would solder the busbars or completely re-think the mechanical construction (separate the PCB with power stages from the controller board).

    Also, I suggest you contacting your PCB manufacturer for any recommendation. Many PCB vendors do high-current PCBs now.

    Additionally, have a look at this (hobby) project:

    I hope this helps.

    Best regards, Jiri Panacek