JLCPCB helps simulate rockets to realize precise flight control!

Beepy is a flight computer specially designed for model rockets. The model rocket is very small in size, but the amount of computation required to achieve its flight is considerable. Beepy differs from traditional flight computers in that it adopts a design where multiple circular PCBS are stacked and connected, and uses ribbon cables to link each module together. This design significantly reduces the space occupied by the flight computer, enabling the device to maintain powerful functions while keeping a compact size. Through such meticulous and unique design and by choosing the reliable PCB manufacturing supplier JLCPCB, Beepy successfully achieved this goal, ensuring the precise flight control of the model rocket.

PCB design diagram of the flight computer

Application function

Beepy consists of 4 circular 4-layer PCBS with a radius of 25mm, connected by mousebites. The size of it is 100x100mm, and connected via 3d printed connections/structure. The main function of Beepy is to guide the model rocket's flight and provide active stability during the flight. Meanwhile, Beepy also integrates a motor driver, which can control the rocket's roll through a flywheel. The versatility of Beepy enables it not only to function as a flight computer but also to be connected to a laptop as a ground station or as a control computer for a launch pad.

Design challenges

During the design process, connecting multiple PCBS and effectively implementing RF modules is a huge challenge. As the design of RF modules requires extensive professional knowledge and is often a technical challenge, the Beepy team overcame this difficulty through precise design and optimization, successfully integrating the RF module. Finally, the online gerber file verification function of JLCPCB was used to ensure the stability and reliability of the flight computer.

How JLCPCB helped

In this project, JLCPCB's precise,rapid manufacturing and considerate service played a crucial role, enabling the team to complete the development with high efficiency and implement the project with high quality.

1.Precision manufacturing that keeps the stack compact and stable

Beepy’s each stacked, circular 4-layer PCBs has a radius of 25 mm and is routed from a 100 × 100 mm panel. JLCPCB’s routing and mouse-bite tabbing produced clean round edges and consistent tab spacing.so the physical stack matched the engineers’ mechanical layout and the ribbon-cable interconnects could be assembled as intended.

2.Fast fabrication that accelerates iteration and verification

JLCPCB’s rapid fabrication can be as fast as 48 hours and global logistics net work that typically arrive 2–4 days sooner than local alternatives.  After created the PCB order on JLCPCB official website,the team received fresh prototypes for bench tests quickly, which shortened the build–test–refine cycle and allowed the team to run multiple hardware iterations within their planned test schedule.

3.Practical verification tools and accessible support

The team used JLCPCB’s online Gerber verification to check files before ordering.  Combined with JLCPCB's 24 hours online customer service and order-status check tool through the online dashboard/tracking,JLCPCB provides the team with sufficient information reference and assistance.

Conclusion

The innovative flight computer project Beepy demonstrates the reliable service of PCBS in miniaturized and multi-functional design. The project was efficiently implemented through the high-quality manufacturing and rapid delivery of JLCPCB. As a globally leading PCB manufacturer, JLCPCB is always committed to providing makers, engineers and enterprises with high cost-performance, fast and reliable services - from the super value price of 1 to 4-layer boards starting at 2 US dollars, 24-hour online customer service, to a powerful logistics network covering more than 180 countries around the world. In the future, JLCPCB will continue to assist more innovative projects in accelerating their realization, turning ideas into reality more quickly.