4 layers47 × 45 mm
2 layers50 × 44.2 mm
BITSv4
UMDBPP/command_module4Documentation and Design work for the command module payload
- Size
- 50 × 44.2 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 36
- Nets
- 36
- Pads
- 166
- Tracks, vias
- 272, 63
- Pours
- 5
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 7 (file 20221018)
- Created
- 8 Jan 2020
- Updated
- 27 Nov 2025
Overview
BITSv4 is an open-source printed circuit board by UMDBPP, from the UMDBPP/command_module repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 50 × 44.2 mm with 36 parts on 36 nets, routed with 272 tracks and 63 vias.
It is built around the CL-SB-12B-01 and MBR130T1G. Its parts include 11 resistors, 8 capacitors, 3 diodes, 1 IC and 1 inductor. It belongs with the NXP (LPC, Kinetis, i.MX RT) boards of this library.
Main components
2README
README.md</CMD>
Command is the primary tracking payload flown by BPP. This repository contains design files and software required to run the current version of command.
Current POC: Shipman
Design Priciples
As the command module needs to fly on every flight mass reduction is a primary focus. For this reason a switch from perfboard to custom PCB's was done, and a substantial reduction in box volume is underway. Reliability is incredibly important and for this reason the payload operates its tracking systems in a full 4N redundant method.
Tracking systems include (system/function):
2x LiteAPRS 2m transmitters on 144.390 MHz
In flight position updates every minute. By nature of APRS tracking in hilly terrain unlikely to receive exact coordinates under 500m unless operating our own radios.
1x SPOT Trace Tracker
COTS tracker from SPOT. Gives exact coordinates on landing.
1x BITS (Balloon Iridium Telemetry System)
Exact coordinates throughout the flight, variable transmission rate 1min-15minutes (technically 10s-inf). Datalogger. XBee 900 HP allows for commands to be relayed through Iridium to other payloads and telemetry from payloads to be sent to ground. Possibility of ground to payload XBee communication without Iridium allowing for low latency high rate commanding.
Parts
36| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | @HOLE0, @HOLE1, @HOLE2, @HOLE3 | ||
| 3 | 22 | BITSv4:R0603 | R2, R6, R7 |
| 2 | 10uF | BITSv4:C0805 | C3, C3_2 |
| 2 | 33uF | BITSv4:C050-024X044 | C6, C7 |
| 1 | 0.1uF | BITSv4:C0603 | C2 |
| 1 | 0.2F | BITSv4:ELNASUPERCAP | C1 |
| 1 | 1.575GHz | BITSv4:SPARKFUN-GPS_ANT-GPS-2X7MM | U$8 |
| 1 | 100k | BITSv4:R0603 | R3 |
| 1 | 12k | BITSv4:R0603 | R19 |
| 1 | 140k | BITSv4:R0603 | R21 |
| 1 | 180k | BITSv4:R0603 | R1 |
| 1 | 2.2uF | BITSv4:C0603 | C4 |
| 1 | 270pF | BITSv4:C0402 | C5 |
| 1 | 30.1k | BITSv4:R0603 | R20 |
| 1 | 45.3k | BITSv4:R0603 | R17 |
| 1 | 470 | BITSv4:R0603 | R9 |
| 1 | 53261-10 | BITSv4:53261-10 | X1 |
| 1 | 559350210 | BITSv4:559350210 | U$1 |
| 1 | 68k | BITSv4:R0603 | R18 |
| 1 | 74408943100 | BITSv4:74408943100 | L1 |
| 1 | CL-SB-12B-01 | BITSv4:CL-SB-12B-01 | U$3 |
| 1 | LMR16020 | BITSv4:SO8 | U1 |
| 1 | MAX-M8 | BITSv4:MAX-M8 | U$7 |
| 1 | MBR130T1G | BITSv4:SOD-123_MINI-SMA | D3 |
| 1 | MICRO_SD | BITSv4:MICRO_SD_HINGED | U$4 |
| 1 | RB520S30T1GOSCT-ND | BITSv4:SOD523 | D1 |
| 1 | Red | BITSv4:CHIP-LED0603 | LED1 |
| 1 | TEENSY_3.1-3.2_OUTER_ROW | BITSv4:TEENSY_3.0-3.2&LC_OUTER_ROW | U$2 |
| 1 | XBEE-PRO | BITSv4:XBEE-PRO | XB1 |
Questions
How big is the BITSv4 PCB?
It measures 50 × 44.2 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the BITSv4 use?
36 parts, built around the CL-SB-12B-01 and MBR130T1G. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the BITSv4 KiCad files?
From the UMDBPP/command_module repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is Boards/BITSv4/BITSv4/BITSv4.kicad_pcb and its schematic Boards/APRS/APRS_Board.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the BITSv4 design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask UMDBPP before reusing the design.
More from UMDBPP/command_module
2- 4 layers25 × 48 mm
XBee Joint
UMDBPP/command_module
Documentation and Design work for the command module payload
40 parts4
Similar boards
- 4 layers26.7 × 55.2 mm
Sombrero MSX Goa'uld
jabadiagm/MSXgoauldSD_tn20k
MSX Goa'uld board with Tang Nano 20k and SD support
17 parts41GPL-3.0 - 2 layers60 × 110 mm
AddaTone components
dchwebb/Addatone
Eurorack Additive Oscillator based on Lattice FPGA and ARM MCU
95 parts13 - 4 layers65 × 56.1 mm
- 4 layers148 × 102 mm
- 2 layers100 × 100 mm
Gatekeeper PCB
Ingimarsson/gatekeeper
Access control and monitoring system for electric door locks and automatic traffic barriers.
61 parts1MIT - 2 layers505.4 × 130.4 mm
Split keyboard
Arwinplayz/Split-Keyboard-V2
I decided to make a V2 which would allow me to redo/refine some features. That is I want to add a LiPo battery and change the requirement of having both sides plugged in separately to the PC.
262 parts - 4 layers36.4 × 55.2 mm
- 4 layers82.7 × 58.4 mm
