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Protogen Electronics

Protogen Electronics

Section titled “Protogen Electronics”

The Protogen-Electronics repository contains all the open-source PCB designs, schematics, and fabrication files for building Protogen controller boards.

Available Designs

Section titled “Available Designs”

Protocontroller V1 (WS35 Kit)

Section titled “Protocontroller V1 (WS35 Kit)”

The Protocontroller V1 is designed for WS2812-based Protogen builds with the following features:

  • WS2812 Support: Control up to 8 LED strips with 500 pixels each
  • ESP32 WROVER: Integrated Bluetooth/WiFi for wireless communication
  • Teensy 4.0: Main processing unit for driving the LED animations
  • I2C/SPI Breakouts: Connections for sensors and peripherals on both microcontrollers
  • USB Programming: Integrated CP2104 FTDI for ESP32 programming

Included Files:

  • Gerber files for PCB fabrication
  • STL files for enclosure
  • Bill of materials

View Protocontroller V1 on GitHub

SmartMatrix Protogen Shield (HUB75 Kit)

Section titled “SmartMatrix Protogen Shield (HUB75 Kit)”

The SmartMatrix Protogen Shield is a breakout board designed to work with the SmartLED Shield for Teensy 4:

  • SmartLED Shield Compatible: Works with the PixelMatix SmartLED Shield for HUB75 panels
  • Sensor Connectivity: Multiple I2C headers for sensors
  • Power Distribution: XT30 connectors for power input/output
  • Power Indicators: LED indicators for 3.3V and 5V rails

Included Files:

  • KiCAD project files
  • Gerber files for PCB fabrication
  • Bill of materials

View SmartMatrix Shield on GitHub

Fabrication Tips

Section titled “Fabrication Tips”

Ordering PCBs

Section titled “Ordering PCBs”
  1. Download the Gerber files from the repository
  2. Upload to your preferred PCB manufacturer (JLCPCB, PCBWay, OSHPark, etc.)
  3. Use the following recommended settings:
    • Layers: 4-layer for Protocontroller V1, 2-layer for SmartMatrix Shield
    • Thickness: 1.6mm standard
    • Surface Finish: HASL or ENIG

Assembly

Section titled “Assembly”

The repositories include complete bills of materials (BOM) with part numbers and footprints. Most components are standard SMD parts available from DigiKey, Mouser, or LCSC.

License

Section titled “License”

These electronics designs are licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0. This means:

  • You can use, modify, and manufacture these designs
  • Modified versions must be shared under the same license
  • Commercial use is allowed with proper attribution

View Full Repository