Power Distribution Panel - quasics/quasics-frc-sw-2015 GitHub Wiki
If the [RoboRio]] was the brain of the robot, the Power Distribution Panel (PDP) would be the heart. Connected to the [battery through the main breaker, the PDP powers the RoboRIO, VRM , and various high power devices (e.g. motors) directly.
Electrical Connections
At its top (bottom right in page picture) the PDP has inputs for the battery and a set of 4 CAN bus ports. The negative/black lead to the battery input can connect directly to the PDB, but the positive/red lead must connect through the main breaker . In addition, for safety reasons the RoboRio must be connected to the PDP through the CAN bus.
In order to bring one of the side-facing pairs of sockets online, a circuit breaker must be inserted into the holes adjacent to the red socket of the pair. The larger ports require a 40 amp breaker, while the smaller ports can accept either 20 or 30 amp breakers as needed. All ports output at 12 volts.
Along its bottom edge the PDP has 6 small power ports and 2 ports for car fuses. The left hand fuse should be 20 amps, while the right hand fuse should be 10 amps. The pair of leads on the right (labeled in blue) are the RIO's power supply, while the pairs on the left are to supply the Voltage Regulator Module and the Pneumatic Control Module.