Racing yachts use Newbury Electronics' PCBs for monitoring

Jose Luis Vela, Director, Bravo Systems, explains: "Our product consists of a central processor and acquisition nodes that are connected via a CAN bus. Different sensors and onboard instruments use analog and digital inputs, frequency meters and serial inputs to feed back live data to the acquisition node. This data is then calibrated and processed to obtain valuable information for the sailors and engineers onboard and their land based support teams. Other measures, including wind direction, heading, boat speed, position and time to tack, are also fed into the processor providing a comprehensive set of data on the onboard display system."

The processor is formed from an ATOM SBC and a PCB from Newbury Electronics, with all the power supply protection, indicators LEDs and connectors. The acquisition node is formed by two PCBs, again built by Newbury Electronics, which incorporates an MCU, CAN drivers, eight ADC channels, two serial ports (RS232 & RS485) and six digital I/Os.

"We chose Newbury Electronics because it was very easy to order PCBs and assemblies from anywhere in the world. Each crew has its own home port and we need to be able to operate efficiently and effectively from wherever that may be," said Mr Vela. "It was very important to us when we started this project to set up the production with a company able to supply worldwide and we have not been disappointed."

"Sophisticated electronics are becoming present in every aspect of our lives and this is only going to increase further as the IoT becomes an everyday reality. If our PCBs can meet the rigorous demands of ocean going racing yachts they will certainly be up to the job in less physically challenging environments either at home or at work," said Philip King, Managing Director, Newbury Electronics (himself a keen sailor).