Imported from GitHub: anobli/pandora-hw · commit 49d10aa · license CERN-OHL-S-2.0

Description

Open hardware designs for user-controlled smart home devices. Zephyr RTOS + Thread/WiFi connectivity. No cloud dependency, no vendor lock-in.

README

Pandora-HW: Open Hardware Designs for Smart Home Automation

⚠️ Work in Progress: These designs are currently in prototype stage. Only initial prototypes have been built and tested. Production-ready designs are still under development.

Pandora-HW contains the open hardware designs and schematics for the Pandora home automation platform - an initiative to create user-repairable, locally-controlled smart home devices that give users complete control over their home automation ecosystem.

Overview

This repository provides complete hardware designs for building robust home automation devices using modern, open-source approaches. The designs bridge the gap between maker-friendly DIY solutions and consumer-ready products, featuring professional-grade hardware suitable for both hobbyists and commercial deployment.

Key Hardware Components

CC1352P7-Based MCU Module (mcu-cc1352p7/)

• Primary SoC: Texas Instruments CC1352P7 dual-band wireless MCU
• Connectivity: Sub-1GHz + 2.4GHz radio supporting Thread, Zigbee, Wi-SUN, Bluetooth, and 6LoWPAN
• Thread Support: Designed for OpenThread mesh networking with IP connectivity
• Professional Design: Consumer-ready hardware with secure boot capabilities

Zeus Power Switch Module (zeus-power-switch/)

• Target Application: Wall switch/outlet control modules
• Form Factor: Designed to fit behind standard wall switches and outlets
• Power Management: AC power switching with intelligent control
• Safety Features: Electrical isolation and surge protection

Design Philosophy

Open Hardware Principles

• Complete Source Access: All schematics, PCB layouts, and component libraries included
• User Repairable: Designs prioritize serviceability and component accessibility
• Standard Components: Uses widely available parts to avoid vendor lock-in
• Manufacturing Ready: Professional designs suitable for both DIY assembly and commercial production

Consumer-Market Ready

• Size Constraints: Modules designed to fit existing electrical installations
• Reliability: Professional-grade components and design practices
• Safety Compliance: Electrical safety standards for home installation
• Scalable Manufacturing: Designs support both small-batch and volume production

Getting Started

Prerequisites

• KiCad 8.0 or later: Free, open-source EDA suite
• Git: For version control and repository management

Opening the Designs

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/anobli/pandora-hw.git
   cd pandora-hw
   

2. Open in KiCad:

   • Launch KiCad
   • Open the desired project (.kicad_pro files)
   • All custom symbols and footprints are included in the common/ directory

3. View schematics:

   • Open .kicad_sch files to view circuit designs
   • Navigate through hierarchical sheets for complete system view

4. Examine PCB layouts:

   • Open .kicad_pcb files to view board layouts
   • Use 3D viewer to visualize assembled boards

Design Tools & Compatibility

All designs are created using KiCad 8.0 open-source EDA suite, ensuring:

• Tool Freedom: No proprietary software dependencies
• Cross-Platform: Works on Linux, Windows, and macOS
• Version Control: Git-friendly file formats
• Community Support: Compatible with widely-used open tools

Current Status

Prototype Stage

• CC1352P7 MCU Module: Initial prototypes built and tested with basic functionality
• Zeus Power Switch: Prototype designs completed, basic electrical testing performed
• Firmware Integration: Successfully runs Pandora Zephyr-based firmware
• Testing: Limited prototype testing completed - full validation ongoing

Known Limitations

• Production Testing: Full electrical safety and EMC testing not yet completed
• Manufacturing Optimization: Designs not yet optimized for cost-effective production
• Component Selection: Some components may be substituted in final production versions
• Documentation: Assembly instructions and detailed specifications still being developed

Integration with Pandora Ecosystem

These hardware designs are specifically engineered to run the Pandora firmware and integrate seamlessly with:

• Pandora Firmware: Zephyr RTOS-based embedded software stack
• CoAP2MQTT Bridge: Integration with Home Assistant and other automation platforms
• OpenThread Mesh: Decentralized, secure networking without cloud dependencies

Contributing

We welcome contributions to improve the hardware designs:

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch: git checkout -b feature/improvement
3. Make your changes using KiCad
4. Test your design: Verify electrical rules and design rule checks
5. Submit a pull request with detailed description of changes

Design Guidelines

• Follow KiCad design conventions
• Include both schematic and PCB changes
• Update documentation for significant changes
• Verify designs pass electrical and design rule checks

Safety Notice

⚠️ Important: These designs involve mains voltage electricity and are currently in prototype stage. Only qualified individuals should build and install devices based on these designs. Prototypes should only be used for development and testing - not for permanent installation. Always follow local electrical codes and safety regulations.

License

This project is licensed under the CERN Open Hardware Licence Version 2 - Strongly Reciprocal (CERN-OHL-S).

This license ensures:

• Open Source Hardware: Complete design freedom for users
• Strong Copyleft: Derivative works must also be open source
• Commercial Use: Permitted with source sharing requirements
• Community Protection: Prevents proprietary closed-source derivatives

See the LICENSE file for full details.

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Pandora-HW: Empowering users with open, repairable, and locally-controlled smart home hardware

Give back control to users - No vendor lock-in, no planned obsolescence, no cloud dependency