Electronics design

Electronic design is the process of creating and developing electronic circuits and systems that perform specific functions. It involves the use of various electronic components, such as resistors, capacitors, transistors, and integrated circuits, to design and build electronic devices that can perform complex tasks.

One important aspect of electronic design is Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design, which involves the creation of a physical board on which electronic components are mounted and connected. PCBs are an essential component of almost all electronic devices and are used in everything from smartphones to medical equipment to industrial machinery.

Assignment

For this week the goal is to design a PCB that serves a specific task using an MCU.

EDA Software Comparison

EasyEDA and Fusion 360 are two popular software tools for electronic design, but they have different strengths and weaknesses. Here's a comparison of the two:

  • Ease of Use: EasyEDA is a web-based application that is very easy to use and learn, with a simple and intuitive interface. Fusion 360, on the other hand, is a more complex tool with a steeper learning curve, but it offers a wider range of features and capabilities.
  • Features: Both EasyEDA and Fusion 360 offer a wide range of features for electronic design, including schematic capture, PCB layout, 3D modeling, simulation, and collaboration tools. However, Fusion 360 has more advanced features for mechanical design and integration with other software tools, such as CAD and CAM software.
  • Cost: EasyEDA is a free tool that offers a lot of functionality, but some advanced features and services require a paid subscription. Fusion 360 offers a free trial, but after the trial period, it requires a paid subscription, which can be costly for small businesses or hobbyists.
  • Collaboration: EasyEDA offers built-in collaboration tools, allowing multiple users to work on a project simultaneously and share files easily. Fusion 360 also offers collaboration tools, but they are more geared towards design teams and professional environments.
  • Overall, EasyEDA is a good choice for beginners or those who need a simple tool for electronic design, while Fusion 360 is a better choice for more advanced users who need more advanced features and integration with other software tools.

Design of my PCB

1. Install libraries

Select "New electronics design"

Select "New schematic"

Open the Library manager

Select "Import libraries"

Select "Import from local disk"

2. Create schematic

To create a schematic you have to search for the components you need on the left hand side panel and then you have to connect them as the circuit requires.

3. Route board

To create the corresponding board, just select the "Switch to PCB document"

Now route your tracks

4. Create 3D model

To create your 3D model is as simple to click on the "Push to 3D PCB button"

Now you're ready to add this design to your CAD model

Measure some digital signals

This video shows a digital circuit that I made using only TTL's and an EEPROM to generate a .gif image