Best Practices - WinSystems SYS-ITX-N-3800 Product Manual

Appendix A. Best Practices
Power Supply
v1.0
This section outlines the best practices for operating the SYS-ITX-N-3800 in
a safe and effective manner that does not damage the board. Please read
this section carefully.
Avoid Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Only handle the circuit board and other bare electronics when electrostatic
discharge (ESD) protection is in place. Having a wrist strap and a fully grounded
workstation is the minimum ESD protection required before the ESD seal on
the product bag is broken.
Power Supply Budget
Evaluate your power supply budget. It is good practice to budget twice the
typical power requirement for all of your devices.
Zero-Load Power Supply
Use a zero-load power supply whenever possible. A zero-load power
supply does not require a minimum power load to regulate. If a zero-load
power supply is not appropriate for your application, then verify that the
embedded computer's typical load is not lower than the power supply's
minimum load. If the embedded computer does not draw enough power
to meet the power supply's minimum load, then the power supply does
not regulate properly and can cause damage to the SYS-ITX-N-3800.
Use Proper Power Connections (Voltage)
When verifying the voltage, measure it at the power connector on the SYS-ITX-
N-3800. Measuring it at the power supply does not account for voltage drop
through the wire and connectors.
Power the SYS-ITX-N-3800 using J1 (+12 V DC). Verify the power connections.
Incorrect voltages can cause catastrophic damage.
Power Harness
Minimize the length of the power harness. This reduces the amount of
voltage drop between the power supply and the SYS-ITX-N-3800.
Gauge Wire
Use the largest gauge wire available for your application and connector.
Most connector manufacturers have a maximum gauge wire they
recommend for their pins.
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