Board Game Controller

Project Overview

Board Game Controller (Modular Embedded System) — In Progress Designed and built a scalable embedded controller capable of handling 100+ interactive inputs/outputs for customizable board game systems. The architecture minimizes MCU pin usage by combining serial shift register expansion (SN74HC595) with a multiplexed button scanning network, enabling high-density I/O control on a resource-constrained microcontroller. A custom PCB was designed and fabricated, integrating power regulation (LM7805), signal routing, and modular expansion interfaces. The system drives a 100-node WS2815 addressable LED array with built-in signal redundancy, improving fault tolerance in large LED chains. Key engineering challenges include maintaining reliable input detection across a multiplexed network, managing timing for LED updates, and ensuring stable power delivery under dynamic load conditions. Key Highlights Custom PCB design (schematic → layout → fabrication → assembly) I/O scaling using shift registers (100+ outputs with minimal GPIO) Multiplexed button scanning architecture WS2815 LED control with fault-tolerant signaling Fully hand-assembled hardware Status: In progress — currently writing firmware