Cost-Effective Design Solution for GAIM Shooting Trigger PCB & Improving the Power Distribution Network

Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) shooting simulators have gained popularity as
effective training and entertainment tools. GAIM is a Swedish company
specializing in VR shooting simulators, offering VR headsets with physical
dummy guns and rifles. These dummy weapons contain complex electronics
that are prone to compilations, especially because the Printed Circuit Board
(PCB) is fitted in very compact spaces inside the weapons. Small PCB size
constraints will affect various aspects such as design complexity, Radio
Frequency (RF) performance, Power Integrity (PI), cost etc.
This report investigates the process of replacing an RF module
(ANNA-B112) with an RF chipset (nRF52832) & discrete components
(crystals, chip antenna, decoupling components etc), on the already existing
PCBs inside the guns/rifles, with the basis of maintaining optimal RF
performance, and significantly decrease the cost (depending on the
production quantity). Power integrity analysis and simulations will be
conducted for both the old and new design, with a focus on enhancing the
impedance characteristics of the power distribution network (PDN).
To achieve this, various processes will be tackled. Starting with the
design process, which consists of symbol/footprint creation, schematic and
PCB layout design. Simulations of the PCB to optimize the power integrity
(PI) with PDN impedance analysis. Once the design process is finished we
move on to the manufacturing and assembly process. After the assembly we
have a finished PCB with mounted components, which will be ready for
RF/antenna measurements and functionality verification.

Popular Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) has transformed various industries and had a
significant impact in the training arena. Industries such as shooting
simulators have gained popularity as training and entertainment tools.
Everything from effective training for law-enforcement and military, to
having a fun night with some friends in the living room hunting animals in a
simulated VR world. Virtual reality aims to replicate an environment that
stimulates the senses, primarily sight and sound, to create an artificial world
that feels real.
Dummy guns and rifles with complex electronics that connect via
Bluetooth to the VR headset, are prone to complications with the rapid
development of technology and the miniaturization of the printed circuit
board (PCB). Complications such as design complexity and expensive
components.
This thesis project aims to investigate a more cost-effective solution for
an already existing electronics trigger device, situated in a dummy gun that
is used for shooting simulations. The goal is to reduce the component cost
and upgrade some electrical properties for the new PCB, while still
maintaining the desired bluetooth connection with the VR headset. To
achieve this, various processes will be tackled. Processes such as a full
re-design of the PCB, therefore decreasing the component cost and
upgrading the electrical properties. Various simulations, verifications and
measurements will be systematically performed on the manufactured PCB
to ensure proper functionality, and desired bluetooth connection is
maintained.

• author: Pajovic, Marko
• supervisor: Baktash Behmanesh
• organization: Department of Electrical and Information Technology
• course: EITM01 20241
• year: 2024
• type: H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• report number: LU/LTH-EIT 2024-965
• language: English
• id: 9148760
• date added to LUP: 2024-02-28 16:16:47
• date last changed: 2024-02-28 16:16:47