How do you mount electronics on a vehicle chassis safely?

I want to implement a control system I designed for a light electric motorbike. I would like to mount it as professionally as possible on the chassis. It consists of a power system pcb and a SAMC21 development board which I'll merge later once this all works properly. I have tried screwing it directly on the aluminium chassis but have found that shocks and vibrations from the horn disturbed the system or even destroyed it upon large shocks. Is there a specific way car and motorcycle manufacturers mount their electronics to make their system as robust as possible?

November 29, 2023

For prototype devices (which should last several months and are OK to fail occasionally), it is usually enough to mount the PCB on rubber inserts instead of bare screws). This greatly reduces peak accelerations your PCB sees, while keeping your prototype accessible and requiring minimum design changes.

For commercial products which should last 10 years or more, you want something more robust. I have seen automotive electronics where parts are assembled (or even the whole device is potted) with RTV silicone, which greatly helps with both mechanical sturdiness and heat transfer.

#PCB Assembly

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

Can I design SMD elements on the back of THT?

I’m designing a PCB right now and found out I can save a lot of space using the back of THT elements. Is it legit to design like that? Are there any problems that might occur?

Oliver Smith November 24, 2023

How can I mount a pulse oximeter on the surface of PCB without putting too much stress?

The PCB has a pulse oximeter mounted on the surface, and it’s tolerance is 0.6mm. The problem is the pulse oximeter needs to touch the bottom case at all times. How to best mount the PCB in the case without putting too much stress on the pulse oximeter? Will screws with flexible washers be all right? Sadly separating pulse oximeter from main PCB is not an option.

Oliver Smith December 5, 2023

Is paste mask layer, both top and bottom layer, necessary for THT components?

I know the paste mask layer is also called the stencil layer. It’s only used for assembly. I want to know if the paste mask layer (both top and bottom layer) is necessary for through hole components. For SMD components I know the paste mask layer is required to solder the components. Is it necessary for through hole components?

Oliver Smith November 27, 2023

How do you mount electronics on a vehicle chassis safely?

Oliver Smith

Oliver Smith

What Others Are Asking

Can I design SMD elements on the back of THT?

How can I mount a pulse oximeter on the surface of PCB without putting too much stress?

Is paste mask layer, both top and bottom layer, necessary for THT components?

Read Detailed Advice From Blog Articles