Week 4: Electronics Production

Group assignment:

• Browse through the datasheet for your microcontroller
• Compare the performance and development workflows for other architectures
• Document your work to the group work page and reflect on your individual page what you learned

Individual assignment:

• Write a program for a microcontroller development board to interact (with local input &/or output devices) and
• communicate (with remote wired or wireless devices)

Learning outcomes:

Implement programming protocols.

Requirements for the documentation:

• Link to the group assignment page
• Programme your board to interact and communicate
• Describe the programming process(es) you used
• Include your source code
• Include ‘hero shot(s)’

Here comes another schedule for another week

Group Assignment

For our group assignment, we started by getting the PNG images from the fabacademy website.

We used a 1/64 inch bit to make the traces. Here's what we found:

After looking very closely, we discovered that the size as well as spacing of the traces are just clear within the 0.020 array. This is due to the fact that the 1/64"" little bit is 0.015, as well as 0.020 is the only dimension that's larger than that. So for our future circuit boards we require to stick to this array.

Here's our group assignment link!!!

Week 4 - Electronics Production

Heroshot!!

Milling Machine:

As a small milling machine, the SRM-20 offers compact size and powerful functionality. Production of realistic parts and prototypes is made simple and convenient with a device that fits into any office, home, or classroom environment. For users looking for advanced milling capabilities without the need for expert operating skills, the SRM-20 is the easiest and most precise CNC mill in its class.

Quentorres board

The Quentorres board, created for the Xiao RP2040 microcontroller, works as an adaptable SWD+UART adapter plus hello there board. It assists in programs in numerous languages like C, Rust, Go, and also Micropython, including elements such as responsive buttons, LED signs along with outbreak pins. The board supplies adaptability, enabling straight link or usage with ports. Guidelines cover use as a hello there board as well as developer consisting of blinking targets like SWD as well as UPDI. Fixing pointers for Linux UART target concerns are likewise supplied together with software application installment advice.

Milling

To mill the board, I first referred to the intructor bootcamp guide in the fabacademy site which has detailed information of the Quentorres board. I came to know that the original programmer was created by Quentin Bolsee` and later redesigned by Adrian Torres.

There was PCB format of the board which I downloaded as image.

During my first try, I inverted the already inverted image and ended up having the routes cut the opposite way. So, I had to do over!!

Checking SVG DPI

To check the DPI (dots per inch) of an SVG image for HTML use, follow these steps:

1. Open the SVG Image: Use a vector graphics editor like Adobe Illustrator or Inkscape to open the SVG file on your computer.
2. View Image Properties:
   • In Adobe Illustrator: Open the SVG file and go to "File" > "Document Setup" > "Edit Artboards" to view DPI settings.
   • In Inkscape: Open the SVG file and go to "File" > "Document Properties" to see DPI information.
3. Check DPI Settings:
   • Look for a section indicating DPI or resolution and ensure it's set to 1000dpi or the desired resolution.
   • If DPI isn't directly shown, check pixel dimensions to match your intended real-world size.
4. Adjust Settings:
   • If DPI or dimensions are incorrect, modify them within the software according to its instructions.
   • Save the changes after adjusting DPI and dimensions as needed.

By following these steps, you can check and ensure that the SVG image has the correct DPI (1000dpi) and dimensions before proceeding with milling or other processes, minimizing potential issues related to image resolution and size.

The above response is generated from chatGPT.

1. Select SVG File: Start by selecting the SVG file containing the design you want to convert to RML.

2. Invert: If necessary, invert colors within the SVG file to optimize contrast and visibility on the material surface, particularly important for engraving or cutting operations.

In our case, the image was already inverted, so we left it as it was.

3. Set Origin to 0: Set the origin point (0,0) in Mods CE serving as the reference for precise tool movement calculations throughout the milling process.

4. Select Mill Traces: Specify crucial milling parameters such as tool diameter, cutting depth, and spindle speed, ensuring they align with the material properties and desired machining outcomes.

5. Select Add Module and Save File: Create detailed toolpaths for the milling operation and save them in RML format for CNC machine compatibility.

6. Calculate Path: Calculate the toolpath and send the file to the milling device.

After calculating the path, it will take us to a different tab which shows us the toolpath preview of the board. This is very helpful as we can detect the possible errors in the milling such as joining of different routes and others.

Processes for milling a PCB:

Prepare the Milling Bed
1. Tape a sacrificial board onto the milling bed to secure it.
2. Use double-sided tape to attach the desired supply firmly to the bed, ensuring it sticks well.
Establishing Sacrificial Board
1. A level and level sacrificial board is crucial for milling as it ensures even and accurate cuts, preventing issues like irregularity or imprecisions in the end product.
Choose and Set Up Bit
1. Choose the appropriate bit size for the milling process and secure it in the set screw using an Allen wrench.
2. For tracing, use a small bit like the 1/64 inch size.
Machine Setup Prepare the Milling Bed
1. Tape a sacrificial board onto the milling bed to shield it. Use double-sided tape to attach the preferred supply and securely attach it to the bed, ensuring it sticks well.
Establishing Sacrificial Board
1. A level and degree sacrificial board is vital for milling because it ensures even and accurate cuts, preventing issues like roughness or mistakes in the end product.
Select and Install Bit
1. Choose the suitable bit size for the milling procedure and secure it in the set screw using an Allen wrench. For mapping, use a bit like the 1/64 inch size.
Machine Setup
1. Close the guard of the milling machine and turn it on.
2. Set the origin point to the desired location on the supply.
Bit Adjustment
1. Loosen the bit and manually lower it until it touches the supply surface.
2. When tightening the bit, hold it in place to prevent it from riding up.
Bit Change for Cutting
1. Replace the milling bit with a cutting bit, such as a 1/32 inch size, for the boundary cutting process.
Load Cutting File
1. Download the photo to be cut and repeat the previous steps.
2. Make sure the appropriate RML file is selected for cutting.
Set up Cutting Tool
1. Set the PCB tool to "cut" and select the appropriate bit size for cutting.

I customized my board in Inkscape and here you can see the results!!!



Soldering:

Soldering is a method which is made use of to link steel elements whether for mechanical or electric objectives. It includes heating a reduced melting factor steel alloy, referred to as solder, which is after that related to the steel components to produce a bond upon strengthening.

Before soldering, I assembled all the components on a piece of paper alongside their names to make it easier for soldering and also to ensure that all the components were present.



Steps I followed for soldering:

Step 1: Prepare PCB

Clean the PCB board if needed and ensure it's free from dust or debris. Place it securely on a heat-resistant surface.

Step 2: Heat Soldering Iron

Let the soldering iron heat up to the appropriate temperature for soldering which I kept roughly between 600°- 650°F.

Step 3: Solder Components

Place the component leads on their respective place on the PCB board. Heat the solder pad and component lead simultaneously with the soldering iron, then apply solder to form a good joint.

Make sure to keep your soldering iron tip clean and free of oxidation (by cleaning it on a wet sponge or brass wool ball)



Step 4: Test Connections

After soldering all components, perform continuity tests with multimeters or power up the circuit to verify proper connections and functionality.

To begin, the PCB need to be separated from any kind of power resource. The multimeter is readied to connection setting where it produces a noise or reveals connection with a reduced resistance analysis when a circuit is total. One probe is positioned on a factor (like an element pin or PCB trace) plus the various other probe is positioned on the 2nd indicate examine connection. If there's a continual course, the multimeter suggests connection; or else, it reveals a high resistance. This examination assists determine breaks, shorts or defective links in the PCB's wiring aiding in repairing along with making certain appropriate performance.

Here is my soldering video!!

Using as a hello board

In Adrian's Documentation, he has given how we can use the QT board as a "hello board" or as a programmer. So to use the QT board as a hello board there were steps for uploading a blink program on the board and I took reference from there to upload the blink program.

Step 1: Open the Arduino Program

First, navigate to File->Preferences. Here, add the URL for additional boards like Arduino-Pico by Earlephilhower.



Step 2: Access Boards Manager

Next, go to Tools->Board->Board Manager. Download the Pico board from here.



Step 3: Configure for Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040

Configure the Arduino IDE for the Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040. Look for the device in the COM port, such as COM 3.



Step 4: Load the Blink Program

Load the Blink program to activate the LED on pin 26 (GPIO 26). Upon uploading, all relevant details will show up in the notifications section.



Here is the video of the blinking LED after I have uploaded the blink program

Extra Credits

Reflow Soldering

Last week, our group visited the Jigme Namgyel Wangchuck Super Fab Lab and there, we were introduced to reflow soldering by madam Wangzom

Reflow soldering is a technique in electronic devices setting up where solder paste a mix of solder as well as change is put on published motherboard. Parts are placed on home plate paste-coated pads as well as a warmth weapon is utilized to warm the setting up thawing the solder as well as creating links in between the parts along with the board.

1. Prepare the Solder Paste: Apply solder paste to the printed circuit board using a stencil. The solder paste consists of tiny solder beads and flux, applied only where necessary for soldering components.

   

2. Place Components: Use tweezers to carefully place individual components onto the solder paste-covered pads of the printed circuit board. Ensure precise placement according to the design.

   

3. Heat with Heat Gun: Use a heat gun to apply heat to the populated printed circuit board. Direct the heat evenly across the board to melt the solder paste and bond the components to the pads.

   We set the temperature of the heat gun as 302 degrees Fahrenheit.

   

4. Cool Down: Allow the board to cool naturally after the solder has reflowed and formed secure connections between the components and the board.

You can find my Electronics Glossary page here. I made this page for my future reference and to help others referring to my documentation as well.

I made the whole documentation in markdown and generated the html format with the help of an online markdown to html converter.

Thank you for visiting!!!