Electronics production
Introduction:
This assignment focuses on creating and testing a microcontroller
development board. The goal is to design a versatile platform for
microcontroller applications. Key tasks involve carefully planning the
board layout and including essential components like LEDs, resistors,
and specific connectors
Research:
EasyEDA
EasyEDA is a free, web-based Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software
that allows users to create schematic diagrams, printed circuit board
(PCB) layouts, and simulations for electronic projects. It provides a
user-friendly interface and a wide range of components and modules that
users can use to design and test their electronic circuits.
With EasyEDA, users can design their circuits by dragging and dropping
components onto a canvas, and then connecting them together with wires.
They can also simulate the circuits to test their functionality and
performance, and generate a PCB layout for their circuit design.
EasyEDA also provides a large library of components that users can use
in their circuit designs, including microcontrollers, sensors, power
supplies, and more. It also has a collaboration feature that allows
multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously.
Design process:
1. Initiate a new project:
The inaugural stage involves the initiation of a new project within the
EasyEDA environment. To commence this process, navigate to the "File"
menu, followed by the selection of "New" and afterward "Project."
2. Searching the components footprints:
In the second phase of the process, I initiated a search within the
Common Library for commonly used components, such as LED,
FEMALE-HEADER-2.54-SMD-8, and resistors. Subsequently, I used the
cloud-connected library to identify additional components like the
ESP32.
3. Placing the components and creating connections
Following the placement of components, I used the netflag feature, as
indicated by red markings in the accompanying pictures, to establish
connections between the components and enhance the overall clarity and
organization of the circuit. Subsequently, I utilized the wire function,
as illustrated by green markings in the pictures, to further refine and
establish the necessary electrical connections within the circuit
design.
4. Convert Schematic to PCB and place the electronic components
In this phase, the circuit is transformed into a PCB file by navigating
to "Design" and selecting "Convert Schematic to PCB." Following this
conversion, the dimensions of the board outline are to be selected. It's
worth noting that these dimensions can be adjusted later or even
imported as a DXF file. At this point, components are placed on the
board as per the desired configuration
5. Establishing Electrical Connections
Continuing with the process, I employed the wiring tool to establish
connections between the pads on the PCB, aligning them with the
specifications outlined in the schematic. This step involves
systematically linking the various components on the board, ensuring
that the electrical pathways accurately reflect the intended circuit
design
6. Ground Plane and Via Implementation
I employed the Copper Area function to designate specific regions on the
PCB where the copper is connected to the GND (Ground) signal. To
establish a connection between the GND signal on different sides of the
PCB, I utilized vias. These vias serve as conduits, allowing the GND
signal to traverse seamlessly from one layer to another, ensuring a
well-connected and optimized grounding system throughout the
microcontroller development board.
In a parallel process on the second layer of the PCB, I again utilized
the Copper Area function to delineate areas where copper is linked to
the GND (Ground) signal.
7. Design rule check and 3D-Vizualization
In this step, it is imperative to perform a Design Rule Check (DRC)
before proceeding to visualize the PCB in 3D and generating the
essential Gerber files required for fabrication. The DRC ensures
adherence to design guidelines and identifies potential issues that may
impact the functionality and manufacturability of the microcontroller
development board. Once the DRC validation is successfully completed,
the PCB can be visualized in three dimensions, providing a comprehensive
overview of the design. Following this visual inspection, the final step
involves generating the Gerber files, crucial documents necessary for
the fabrication process.
8. Generating Fabrication Files for PCB Production
In the upcoming phase, the creation of Gerber files is initiated by
navigating to "Fabrication" and selecting "PCB Fabrication File," as
indicated by the green markings in the accompanying images.
Subsequently, the process involves clicking the "Generate Gerber"
button, highlighted in red within the pictures below.
Original design files:
Please find the link below to access the comprehensive set of design
files for your reference and review.
Download Schematic
Download PCB
