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by thebrainkid 1468 days ago
I was looking at the archived version [0], and I had a question.

Regarding their PCB design (visible on the bottom of the page, with additional details here [1], could someone explain why the optic part is separated from the rest of the board by a long, wavy connection?

(I am trying to learn more about PCB design ideas and principles.)

Thanks!

[0] https://web.archive.org/web/20220313204334/https://ploopy.co... [1] https://github.com/ploopyco/thumb-trackball/blob/main/hardwa...
2 comments
grae_QED 1468 days ago
> Regarding their PCB design (visible on the bottom of the page, with additional details here [1], could someone explain why the optic part is separated from the rest of the board by a long, wavy connection?

I think the pcb has to be slightly bent to accommodate the angled position of the track ball. Making it like that helps alleviate stresses on the pcb.

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mhb 1468 days ago
Not just slightly bent. See here: https://ploopy.co/mini-trackball/ Clever.
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thebrainkid 1467 days ago
Very interesting! Thanks!
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thebrainkid 1467 days ago
Makes sense! Thanks!
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hansihe 1468 days ago
If I where to guess it would be to act as a spring to push the sensor against the ball
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