Modern Robotics Inc. Core Power Distribution Module Deep Teardown

Written By: CChin (and one other contributor)

Published: July 18, 2020

Comments: 0
Favorites: 0
Views: 716

Modern Robotics Inc. Core Power Distribution Module Deep Teardown

Written By: CChin (and one other contributor)

Published: July 18, 2020

Comments: 0
Favorites: 0
Views: 716

Teardown

Introduction

This is (almost) the full teardown of the Modern Robotics Inc. Core Power Distribution Module. The PDF attached contains estimated cost breakdowns, more images, and other information not shown in this guide.

This teardown with additional information may be downloaded at the start of this guide.

Featured Document

This teardown is not a repair guide. To repair your Modern Robotics Inc. Core Power Distribution Module, use our service manual.

Step 1 Modern Robotics Inc. Core Power Distribution Module Deep Teardown

Modern Robotics Inc. Core Power Distribution Module Deep Teardown, Modern Robotics Inc. Core Power Distribution Module Deep Teardown: step 1, image 1 of 1

Brand: Modern Robotics Inc.
Model: Core Power Distribution Module
Retail Price: $90
Release Date: Unknown
Connectivity: USB mini; 7 USB A ports; 6 power ports
Note: This picture is from Modern Robotics Inc.; all other pictures in this report are taken by me.
The words 'Very Bad' and 'Bad' does not come with the unit.

Edit

Step 2

Back Label:

Edit

Step 3

Exterior Features Pt. 1:
Powerpole Outputs
Power Switch
20 Amp Fuse Socket
Mounting Holes

Edit

Step 4

Exterior Features Pt. 2:
USB Outputs
12V Power Input (Not Original Connector)
USB Mini Input
Mounting Holes

Edit

Step 5

Product Disassembly:
Unscrew 4 Phillips screws to get access to the insides
Parts of this Product:
Top Plastic Case
Main PCB
Bottom Plastic Piece

Edit

Step 6

Plastic Piece Annotations:
Front
Clear Label
Back
Label

Edit

Step 7

Front PCB Annotations Pt. 1:
7x USB A Outputs
Power Switch
20 Amp Fuse Socket
USB Enabled LED
12V LED Indicator

Edit

Step 8

Front PCB Annotations Pt. 2:
12V Power Input (Not Original Connector)
USB Mini Input
6x 12V Powerpole Outputs
3.3V LED Indicator
5V LED Indicator

Edit

Step 9

Main PCB Front Chip Identification:
Texas Instruments TUSB2077A 7 Port USB Hub Controller
Texas Instruments TPS5450 5A Step Down Converter
Texas Instruments TPS2044B 4 Channel USB Power Switch
Texas Instruments LP2985-N 16V Low-Dropout Voltage Regulator
Texas Instruments SN74LVC1G08 Single 2-Input AND Gate

Edit

Step 10

Main PCB Back:
No Chips Here!

Edit

Step 11

Design wins for this device:

Edit

Step 12

Predicted block diagram for this device:

Edit

Step 13

Conclusion:
Fix-ability: If you know what is broken, it should be relatively easy to fix as long as you are comfortable with soldering and have an equivalent part to replace it with. The device is relatively easy to take apart with just a standard Phillips screwdriver.
However, many robotics competitions do not allow the practice of modifying the device, which repair seems to be unfortunately considered under that. But if fixed, the device can be used as spare 'practice' robot part.