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Gate Access Control - PCB Design
A custom-designed PCB for a smart gate access control system, created using KiCad. It features both programming and power management components intended as part of a smart automation system for gates. This project was done as part of a university group assignment.
The system allows access via RF remote, switch or RFID tag and includes safety mechanisms like human detection inputs (photo sensors) that prevent gate operation. The board is designed to be AC-powered, with an onboard AC-DC converter and expansion-ready via various screw terminals and headers.
Project Overview
This project involved designing a custom PCB using KiCad 7, building the schematic and layout, selecting components and producing a bill of materials.
Project Concept
“Make a device that authenticates the opening of a gate using a remote, switch or RFID tag and opens the gate using a motor drive - unless two photo sensors detect a person near the gate.”
System Requirements:
- Input options: RF remote, switch, RFID
- Output: Control signals to motor/inverter (speed + direction)
- Safety: If two photo sensor inputs detect a person, do not open gate; flash warning lights instead
- Power: Must be powered by AC mains using an onboard AC-DC converter
- Controller: Custom implementation using ATmega328 (from Arduino Uno R3)
Safety Considerations:
- AC spacing: >6.35mm between live and neutral traces to prevent arcing
- Creepage distance maintained around J1 (power input)
- Fuse to limit overcurrent from AC-DC converter
- Trace width increased for AC paths
PCB and Schematic Preview
Schematic
See pdf here for a detailed view.
PCB Layout
3D View
🧾 Bill of Materials (BOM)
For detailed pricing and sourcing: See BOM PDF
Download CAM Files (Gerbers + Drill Maps)
These were used to estimate PCB production cost and can be uploaded to fabrication services (such as PCBway).
Tools Used
- KiCad 7 – Schematic and PCB design
- Mouser – Component sourcing
- GitHub – Project version control and documentation
Team
This project was developed for academic purposes and may require adaptation for industrial or commercial deployment.