This week I spent time creating the PCB schematics and layout for the optical flow sensor that will help track the pen’s linear movement across any surface. I also spent time looking for the other components that would go on the PCB to support the optical flow sensor like voltage regulators, capacitors, and resistors and put in an order for those. Here are a few images of the schematic, layout, and 3D rendering of what the top and bottom of the PCB will look like:
Top
Bottom
I also spent some time experimenting more with the built in IMU on the XIAO MCU board to test out how we plan on measuring the rotation and orientation of the pen to allow the user to hold the pen in a comfortable way. Here is that test code so far:
My progress is on schedule since I was able to successfully create the PCB and work on some of the IMU implementation. Next week I hope to solder the PCB together and do some physical testing to make sure everything works properly. The PCB should arrive on Monday or Tuesday so I should be able to start soldering it together one of those days.