ATX to Apple II: need PCB help

8 posts / 0 new
Last post
Tom Owad's picture
Online
Last seen: 1 hour 24 min ago
Joined: Dec 16 2003 - 15:14
Posts: 3349
ATX to Apple II: need PCB help

I'm working on a board to add a -5v signal to an ATX power supply, so it can be used to power an Apple II. The design is based on SpeedyG's, but I wanted something I could just plug an ATX power supply into, rather than cutting it up. I've always wirewrapped or breadboarded, but I wanted to do a proper PCB, now that they're so easy and cheap. This is my first time using KiCad, first time doing a PCB layout, and I don't have any background in analog circuits, so I was hoping I could get some advice on the design.

This is the schematic, which is just a copy of SpeedyG's with the connectors added in:

 

This is what I have so far for the PCB:

 

If you spot any problems, I'd appreciate hearing. I also have some specific questions:

The Apple II power supply is rated for 4A at 5V. I made the power traces 2.7mm to match the pads. It looks like that gets me almost what I'd need for a 5A rating. Seem reasonable?

By default, KiCad wants to route these traces awfully close. My understanding is that the space between traces should be about equal to the width of the trace. Is that a reasonable rule of thumb for a design like this?

Can I get away with putting power traces at the same location on opposite side of the board? For example, if I ran that ground line at the bottom on the opposite side of the 5v line. If I space everything out the way I think it should be done, the board gets awfully big for what it is.

The area around the capacitors seems sloppy and too tight. Should I space that out more?

Offline
Last seen: 4 hours 19 min ago
Joined: Jun 18 2010 - 13:54
Posts: 734
I see nothing wrong with your

I see nothing wrong with your design (although you could update the schematic to show your new pin numbers). And you definitely can run traces on both sides of the board, even making them "power planes" if you like (although not really necessary here). The -12 trace could also be made smaller if you need to.

Offline
Last seen: 6 hours 8 min ago
Joined: Jul 5 2018 - 09:44
Posts: 2538
Looks nice.  A few years ago

Looks nice.  A few years ago somebody sold something similar to that which worked with Micro-ITX power supplies ,some of which are small enough to fit into a ][+ or //e case, but I haven't seen them offered recently.

 

 

 

macnoyd's picture
Offline
Last seen: 16 hours 33 min ago
Joined: Oct 15 2012 - 08:59
Posts: 836
Tom, just a suggeestion...

I  suggest that you move the traces apart so that they don't come so close to the via's and solder points.  Leave adequate space between the traces as well.

It doesn't take much but it looks like they are barely separated.  Referencing the trace image, it looks like you've got the space available to spread the trace a bit.

The WIDTH of the trace you are using is plenty good and can actually be a little less if you lay down a heavier copper trace.  (or double up as previously suggested)  Your choice on that.

Tom Owad's picture
Online
Last seen: 1 hour 24 min ago
Joined: Dec 16 2003 - 15:14
Posts: 3349
How's this? 
macnoyd's picture
Offline
Last seen: 16 hours 33 min ago
Joined: Oct 15 2012 - 08:59
Posts: 836
+1 on that.

Well done!

Tom Owad's picture
Online
Last seen: 1 hour 24 min ago
Joined: Dec 16 2003 - 15:14
Posts: 3349
A bit cleaner, now. This is

A bit cleaner, now. This is addictive!

(The hashed area is supposed to be a solid fill to act as a heat sink, but it's not showing up in the 3d view, so I don't think I have it quite right yet.)

macnoyd's picture
Offline
Last seen: 16 hours 33 min ago
Joined: Oct 15 2012 - 08:59
Posts: 836
Tom, if you want to be really picky with your design ...

... Add a 45 Deg angle to the RED trace at the top-right of D1.  All other traces have 45's to them, this one doesn't. ;-)

Function-wise, it makes zero difference.  It's pure asthetics.  Nice work BTW.

Log in or register to post comments