Some cost optimizations

From: sleeper75se (sleeper75se_at_yahoo.se)
Date: 2001-12-16 17:42:32


Hi Joerg and everybody,

here are a bunch of cost-optimisations I think we could make. We can
save perhaps $10 here, assuming we have the PCB's (that are $15 each
for euro-size) factory made.

All resistors and capacitors that can be replaced with surface mount
parts, should.
Not only are smd-resitors smaller, they are also 10-30% cheaper (at
my local reseller anyway).
I feel that size 1206 is easily solderable by a beginner, and
resistors and capacitors are cheap so the psychological barrier (that
is, fear of failure) should be low. We can even make a tutorial ...

This excludes filter capacitors, because smd caps have very low
precision.

If we do this, we can perhaps cut the board size in half, halving PCB
manufacturing costs. $7.50 saved...

Suggestions for the gain stage (IC9A, IC5B):

The gain can be trimmed on the PC side, in software.
If we remove P1/P2 and set R37/R40 = 10K, we'll save at least $2.

Suggestions for the lowpass filter:

For the surface mount option to work the resistors will have to be
replaced with more common values:

Replacements values
-------------------
pole 1-2: 13.7K => 13K and 332K => 330K
pole 3-4: 38.3K => 39K and 357K => 360K
pole 5: 21K is optimal - needs two resistors (20K + 1K).
For G=1.02 @ 50Hz (rather than G=1.00) use only one of 20K or 22K.

The gain errors caused by lowering pole 1-2 values are offset
somewhat by rasing values in poles 3-4.

So, what do you think?!

Also, if you have the time, please give me your thoughts on biosemi's
artikel7 from an earlier post.

Regards,

Andreas



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