Gameing Adapter is 'whining'

[FRC2338webteam]

Our team's gaming adapter (bridge) is emitting a high frequency 'whining' noise. We hear this when we have the gaming adapter plugged into the 12V port that is intended for it but not when it is powered from one of the main distribution slots.

If nothing else, is it a problem for us to use one of the main distribution slots to power it with the 12V?

[popo308]

Are you sure the Gaming Adapter is causing this problem?

I know that the 24v output for the CRio will make an audible "whining" noise but i have not heard of the wireless brdge causing this problem....

Either way FIRST and NI have said that the Power Distribution Board will make an audible noise and that it is nothing to be worried about.

[Russ Beavis]

Please use the dedicated 12V output as shown in the Power Distribution Diagram (and enforced by robot inspection).

Yes - the PD is expected to "whine". This is typical for a switching supply as used to create the 12V output for the bridge. The whining will be more acceptable with batteries that are partially depleted. The sound should disappear with fully-charged batteries and with very empty batteries.

If you don't use the intended power supply, you run a much greater risk of brownouts during competition. As the battery is depleted and its voltage droops, the bridge will eventually be reset (and may actually require a full power-cycle to reboot). The PD's power supply provides similar functionality to the back-up battery in the old IFI system - it's there to provide extra run-time as the battery is discharged.

Russ

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Any device that has a switching power supply (there are several in the control system this year) may emit an audible sound. Please be sure you are connected to the correct output on the PD and that the wires are tight in the connector. Although most supplies operate outside of the range of normal human hearing, other parts of the supply may produce sound i.e. the transformer core and ferrite beads.

[EricVanWyk]

Please search before you post, and please read the manual. This topic is covered in the datasheet for the PD, and has been the topic of many threads on chiefdelphi and the usfirst.org forums.