Yes, that's the correct terminology to describe what's being done here.
And the plan is to try it out for real using a real set of requirements for an actual circuit and real world PCB outline. First, define the requirements:
Create an opamp-based circuit to control a TIG welder from the hand held torch that does the following:
- runs off 5V nominal single supply 4.5...5.5V.
- double sided board. 1.6mm FR4
- uses a pressure sensitive resistor (PSR) https://www.amazon.co.uk/sourcing-map-Pressure-Accuracy-Instruments/dp/B0FWCNF4G5?th=1 mounted on the torch handle to convert finger pressure to an output voltage and hence remote control of the amperage setting of a TIG welder by the operator.
- the output voltage increases with pressure.
- the output is a fairly linear function of the applied finger pressure.
- finger pressure should be low enough to avoid fatigue after prolonged use but not overly sensitive
- when the pressure exceeds a lower limit, a digital output is generated that can be used to enable a TIG welder. This should be a relay, to provide low voltage isolation from the analogue signal, to help avoid emc issues between them
- the output sensitivity (volts per N of force) can be adjusted with a potentiometer.
- the threshold for the relay should also be adjustable with a pot as a % of the full scale that results from the sensitivity setting
- I will provide a DXF of the PCB outline and define the required position and dimensions of the edge connector fingers and any critical components , such as the PSR itself
- create a design in Kicad that is suitable for production at JLCPCB and LCSC, checking real-time availability of stock and ensuring low pricing while making compt selections
- run their DFM design rules to check for layout issues
- place all components on top side of the PCB
- place component silk screen ident on top side only
- provide test points on top side for each net
- select industrial or better temp range compts (0...85C)
- no tantalum caps or poor dielectrics such as Z5U - only X7R, COG, NPO etc
- take care to include HF noise filtering, particularly on external connections, as this is working close to an electric arc
- use copper fill to provide a solid ground plane to assist with HF noise withstand
- ....
That edge connector has a 2mm pitch for the pads and they extend about 7mm into the board, although 5mm would be adequate. My example has pads on both sides but they are only needed on the top side. The other torch body I got from AliExpress has a single sided board. Although the plastic mouldings are slightly different ie incompatible without modification, the PCBAs appear to be interchangeable, so my board should hopefully fit other torches - including the Startech design that I suspect they are "based on".
So next, time to update the Fusion model for the PCB to show the pads' position, then task up Adom Flow AI(!!) with creating a complete PCBA.
It will be interesting to see what circuit it comes up with. I already have one from a few weeks ago that was created in Kicad and imported into EasyEDA I wonder how that will compare.....






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