# Power Distribution

## Introduction

The power distribution board on a PANOPTES unit is composed of an [Arduino Uno](https://store.arduino.cc/usa/arduino-uno-rev3) and an [Infineon 24V relay shield](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/infineon-technologies/24VSHIELDBTT6030TOBO1/6212672) (referred to as the "trucker board" because of it's intended use in the automotive industry).

The trucker board is attached directly to the Arduino Uno as a "shield" and is controlled by the software on the Arduino (called a "sketch").  The instructions below describe the installation of the [FirmataExpress](https://github.com/MrYsLab/FirmataExpress) sketch on the Arduino Uno.

{% hint style="info" %}
The Infineon board is a capable of handling 24V and is officially called a "24V Protected Switch Shield" but works just as well for 12V.
{% endhint %}

## Functional Requirements

The primary purpose of the power distribution is to provide 12V DC power for each of the PANOPTES subcomponents (mount, camera box, weather station, fan, control computer) as well as the ability to independently power-cycle each channel. The recommended solution is to use the Arduino/Infineon "trucker" board combination described below.

| Requirement                        | Provided by                       |
| ---------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Five (5) channels of 12V DC power. | Arduino/Infineon "trucker" board. |
| Power-cycle for each channel.      | Arduino/Infineon "trucker" board. |

## Assembly

The Infineon relay shield attaches directly to the Arduino Uno, as demonstrated in the following short video:

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/TzEG_CmfP44>" %}
Quick demonstration of attaching the Infineon shield.
{% endembed %}

## Wiring

*Coming Soon...*

## Software

For instructions on installing the software for the power distribution board, see the [Arduino Software - Power Distribution](/pocs-user-guide/building/software/power-distribution-arduino-software.md) page:

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MLzUaMtH\_uvWa-TaKbg" %}
[Arduino - Power Distribution](/pocs-user-guide/building/software/power-distribution-arduino-software.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}


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