University Mars rover platform with custom electronics, power distribution, communication, and robotics integration.
Overview
A multidisciplinary rover built for the AUST Mars Rover Team. The electronics work covered circuit simulation, PCB design, power distribution, actuator/sensor support, and integration with the mechanical and software teams. The project required rugged wiring, serviceable boards, and reliable communication between rover subsystems.
Specifications
RoleLead, Circuit Simulation & PCB Design
MicrocontrollerSTM32 / Arduino-class controllers
ModulesMotor driversPower distribution boardRobotic arm electronicsCommunication modules
ProtocolsUARTI2CSPIPWMRF
Tech tagsMars RoverPCB DesignRoboticsPower DistributionEmbedded Systems
Architecture
Rover architecture separates power distribution, drive control, robotic arm control, and communication. PCBs and harnesses connect these subsystems into one serviceable platform.
Project photos
Rover platform
Field test view
Electronics integration
Team and rover work
Videos
Implementation details
Firmware
Firmware and electronics supported motor control, actuator interfaces, subsystem communication, and sensor/telemetry routing across the rover.
PCB
Designed and reviewed PCBs for rover electronics, focusing on wiring reduction, maintainability, current paths, connector placement, and competition serviceability.
Power
Rover electronics require robust power distribution for motors, logic, communication, and sensors under vibration and field conditions.
Components / BOM
Custom power distribution PCB, Motor driver modules, Microcontroller boards, Communication modules, Connectors and wiring harness
Engineering challenges
Balancing current capacity, serviceability, board space, and competition reliability was the central challenge.
Solutions
Used circuit simulation, modular PCB planning, clear connector grouping, and multidisciplinary coordination to reduce integration risk.
Results & metrics
Supported the AUST rover platform through electronics design and integration for field testing.
Future improvements
Add custom telemetry dashboards, improved harness labeling, environmental protection, and current/temperature monitoring on power boards.
