Group Assignment

Individual Assignment

Table of Contents

Week 8 Work Plan

Hero Shot

Group Assignment Result

Basic Electronics Concepts

Resistors

A resistor is a fundamental electronic component that restricts or limits the flow of electric current in a circuit. It's designed to introduce a specific amount of resistance into the circuit, which is measured in ohms (Ω).

An ohm is the resistance that occurs when a current of one ampere (A) passes through a resistor with a one volt (V) drop across its terminals. The current is proportional to the voltage across the terminal ends. This ratio is represented by Ohm’s law.

Resistor Color Code

Resistor Calculator

This resistor calculator converts the ohm value and tolerance based on resistor color codes and determines the resistances of resistors in parallel or series.

https://www.calculator.net/resistor-calculator.html

SMD Resistor Code

Pull-up and Pull-down Resistors

A pull-up resistor is connected between the signal line and the positive supply voltage, usually VCC.

• When the switch or input device is open (not pressed or activated), the pull-up resistor effectively "pulls up" the voltage level of the signal line to VCC.

• When the switch or input device is closed (pressed or activated), it provides a low-resistance path to ground, pulling the voltage level of the signal line close to ground.

• Pull-up resistors ensure that the signal line remains at a high logic level (usually interpreted as '1' in digital systems) when the switch or input device is not actively driving it.

A pull-down resistor is connected between the signal line and ground (GND).

• When the switch or input device is open, the pull-down resistor effectively "pulls down" the voltage level of the signal line to ground.

• When the switch or input device is closed, it provides a low-resistance path to the positive supply voltage, pulling the voltage level of the signal line close to VCC.

• Pull-down resistors ensure that the signal line remains at a low logic level (usually interpreted as '0' in digital systems) when the switch or input device is not actively driving it.

Capacitors

A capacitor is an electronic component that stores electrical energy temporarily. Think of it as a small, rechargeable battery for electricity. It's made of two conductive plates separated by an insulating material called a dielectric.

When you connect a capacitor to a power source, such as a battery or an electrical outlet, it charges up by accumulating electric charge on its plates. Once charged, the capacitor can hold onto this energy until it's needed.

• It's measured in Farad and normal use ranges are Pico Farad(pF), Nano Farad (nF), Micro Farad (μF or uF) ranges.

Capacitors Explained - The basics how capacitors work working principle

Capacitors Explained, in this tutorial we look at how capacitors work, where capacitors are used, why capacitors are used, the different types. We look at capacitors in Power factor and full bridge rectifiers to convert AC to DC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvAq9zqRB5I&t=4s

Clamp Meter

A clamp meter, also known as a clamp-on ammeter or current clamp, is a specialized type of electrical testing instrument used to measure electric current in a circuit without the need to disconnect wires or make direct contact with them. It's particularly useful for measuring current in large or high-voltage circuits where traditional methods may be impractical or unsafe.

How to Use a Clamp Meter

AC Clamp Meter Uni-T UT202A https://toolboom.com/en/digital-clamp-meter-uni-t-ut202a/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc_EQea0mKY

Mixed Signal Oscilloscope

A mixed signal oscilloscope (MSO) is a type of digital storage oscilloscope that can display and compare analog and digital signals. It has input channels for both types of signals, with analog signals displayed as voltage levels that vary continuously over time, and digital channels measuring logic values (0 or 1). 

• MSOs can simultaneously analyze analog and digital signals to establish causal relationships between the various areas of a device's electronics. They are used for troubleshooting electrical anomalies, measuring parametric values, and monitoring cause and effect relationships between signals.
  
  

• MSOs have powerful digital triggering and high-resolution acquisition capability, as well as analysis tools that can help quickly debug digital circuits. The digital channels are displayed individually and/or grouped together in a bus display, all time correlated with the analog channels around the same trigger point.

5 Series MSO Mixed Signal Oscilloscope: 5-minute Overview

Gary, Product Planner for the 5 Series MSO, gives a 5-minute demonstration of the instrument. In just a few minutes you'll learn everything you need to know to use the new touch interface. Get a quick introduction to FlexChannelTM inputs that adapt to either analog or digital logic signals simply be changing the probe.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwhF2enymhs&t=558s

Thermal Camera

A thermal camera, also known as an infrared camera or thermographic camera, is a type of imaging device that captures and visualizes the infrared radiation emitted by objects and surfaces. Unlike conventional cameras, which rely on visible light to create images, thermal cameras detect heat signatures emitted by objects based on their temperature.

SAM D11C

The SAM D11C is a microcontroller from Microchip Technology, which is part of their SAM D11 family of ARM Cortex-M0+ based microcontrollers. These microcontrollers are designed for low-power applications and offer a balance between performance, power efficiency, and peripheral integration.

• The SAM D11C is based on the ARM Cortex-M0+ processor core, which is a low-power, 32-bit RISC processor designed for embedded applications. It offers a good balance between performance and power efficiency, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

• The SAM D11C microcontroller includes a variety of on-chip peripherals to support different types of applications. These peripherals may include analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), digital-to-analog converters (DACs), serial communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), timers/counters, pulse-width modulation (PWM) controllers, and more.

• The SAM D11C is designed for low-power operation, making it suitable for battery-powered or energy-efficient applications. It includes features such as multiple low-power modes, sleep modes, and power gating to minimize power consumption during idle periods.

• The SAM D11C microcontroller typically includes flash memory for program storage and SRAM for data storage. The amount of memory may vary depending on the specific variant of the microcontroller.

PCB Design Nomenclature

KiCad

KiCad is a free open-source software suite for electronic design automation (EDA). It is used for designing schematics of electronic circuits and printed circuit boards (PCBs).

KiCad is a comprehensive toolset that facilitates the process of designing professional grade PCBs. The suite includes a project manager and four main independent software tools:

1. Eeschema: A schematic capture editor.

2. Pcbnew: A PCB layout program.

3. Gerbview: A Gerber file viewer.

4. Bitmap2Component: A converter from BMP images to photo-realistic images for use in 3D view.

The software also supports a wide range of design formats, making it a versatile choice for different design needs. Its open-source nature means it is continually evolving and improving, thanks to the contributions of its user community.

Download

A Cross Platform and Open Source Electronics Design Automation Suite

https://www.kicad.org/download/

I found that learning and utilising hotkeys in KiCad can significantly enhance productivity by reducing the time spent navigating menus and performing repetitive tasks.

KiCad 6 STM32 PCB Design Full Tutorial - Phil's Lab #65

Complete step-by-step PCB design process going through the schematic, layout, and routing of a 'black-pill' STM32-based PCB including USB in the *new* KiCAD 6. All the way from schematic creation, through to two-layer PCB layout and routing, as well as sending it off for manufacture and assembly via JLCPCB.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVUqaB0IMh4

Fab Library Installation

pub / libraries / electronics / KiCad · GitLab

Fab electronics component library for KiCad

https://gitlab.fabcloud.org/pub/libraries/electronics/kicad

Adding Components to the Schematic

SAMD11C Eagle Board Schematic

Edit Values of Components

LED Series Resistor Calculator

Bill of Materials [BOM]

PCB Routing

Interactive BOM Plugin

The Interactive BOM (Bill of Materials) plugin in KiCad is a powerful tool that helps users manage and customize their bill of materials directly within the KiCad environment. The plugin enhances the traditional BOM generation process by providing an interactive interface for viewing, editing, and annotating components in the BOM.

AutoRouting Plugin

KiCad does offer an integrated auto-router tool called the "Interactive Router". This feature allows users to automatically route connections between components on a PCB layout.

Gerber File Export

🚨 Gerber 2 PNG

GerberViewer is an open-source web application that serves as a versatile tool for viewing Gerber files and streamlining the conversion of Gerber files into PNG images. It was developed by web developer Mr. Midlaj of Superfablab Kerala. 

Features

The tool offers a range of features for users, including the capability to convert Gerber files to PNG images with ease. It supports various Gerber file formats, ensuring compatibility with different design specifications. The web interface is intuitive and responsive, providing users with a seamless experience throughout the conversion process. With a straightforward conversion procedure, users can quickly navigate through the steps required to obtain their desired PNG images. Furthermore, the tool allows for the instant download of converted PNG images, enhancing efficiency and convenience for users.

🚨 Double Layer PCB

Software [ Mods CE ] & Machining Phase

🚨 FabLab Inventory

FabStash is a web-based app developed by superfablab Kerala for maintaining the fab inventory.

FabStash | Fablab Inventory

The ATtiny1614/1616/1617 belong to the tinyAVR® 1-series, featuring an AVR® processor with hardware multiplier, running at speeds up to 20 MHz, and offering 16 KB Flash, 2 KB SRAM, and 256 bytes EEPROM in compact 14-, 20-, and 24-pin packages

https://inventory.fablabkerala.in/

Soldering

Rayan Abdul Gafoor - Fab Academy

© 2024 Rayan Abdul Gafoor. All rights reserved. Students Agreement.

https://fabacademy.org/2024/labs/kochi/students/rayan-abdul/week04.html

Interactive BOM

Programming the Eagle Board

Files · main · pub / programmers / Quentorres. swd+uart adapter+hello board - xiao rp2040 · GitLab

Fab Cloud

https://gitlab.fabcloud.org/pub/programmers/quentorres/-/tree/main?ref_type=heads

Eagle Board RGB LED Code

const int redPin = 5;
const int greenPin = 8;
const int bluePin = 9;

void setup() {
  // Initialize the RGB LED pins as OUTPUT
  pinMode(redPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(greenPin, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(bluePin, OUTPUT);
}

void loop() {
  // Example: Smoothly transition through RGB colors
  
  // Red
  setColor(255, 0, 0); // Set full intensity red
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  
  // Green
  setColor(0, 255, 0); // Set full intensity green
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
  
  // Blue
  setColor(0, 0, 255); // Set full intensity blue
  delay(1000); // Wait for 1 second
}

// Function to set the color of the RGB LED
void setColor(int redValue, int greenValue, int blueValue) {
  // Map the color values (0-255) to the PWM range (0-255)
  analogWrite(redPin, redValue);
  analogWrite(greenPin, greenValue);
  analogWrite(bluePin, blueValue);
}

Different Design Workflow

EasyEDA

EasyEDA is a free, zero-install, web and cloud-based EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tool, integrating powerful schematic capture, mixed-mode circuit simulation, and PCB layout in a seamless cross-platform browser environment. It is suitable for users who need to design and simulate electronic circuits and layouts.

EasyEDA - Online PCB design & circuit simulator

EasyEDA is a free and easy to use circuit design, circuit simulator and pcb design that runs in your web browser.

https://easyeda.com/

3D View of the PCB

ESP32 Custom Board Schematic

Simulation

Tinkercad

Tinkercad Circuits is a free web app that allows users to simulate digital and analog electronics. It's popular with students, hobbyists, and makers. The simulator allows users to program and test circuits in a virtual environment, making it easier to prototype new ideas before building them in the real world. 

Tinkercad - From mind to design in minutes

Tinkercad is a free, easy-to-use app for 3D design, electronics, and coding.

https://www.tinkercad.com/dashboard?type=circuits&collection=designs

BOM

Schematic of the Bionic Arm

Bionic Arm Code

#include <Servo.h>

// Define the number of flex sensors and servo motors
const int numFlexSensors = 5;
const int numServoMotors = 5;

// Array to store flex sensor pin numbers
const int flexPins[numFlexSensors] = {A0, A1, A2, A3, A4};

// Array to store servo motor objects
Servo servos[numServoMotors];

void setup() {
  // Initialize serial communication
  Serial.begin(9600);

  // Attach servo motors to corresponding pins
  for (int i = 0; i < numServoMotors; i++) {
    servos[i].attach(i + 2); // Pins 2 to 6
  }
}

void loop() {
  // Array to store flex sensor readings
  int flexValues[numFlexSensors];

  // Read the values from the flex sensors
  for (int i = 0; i < numFlexSensors; i++) {
    flexValues[i] = analogRead(flexPins[i]);
  }

  // Map the flex sensor readings to servo angles (0-180 degrees)
  for (int i = 0; i < numServoMotors; i++) {
    int angle = map(flexValues[i], 0, 1023, 0, 180);
    servos[i].write(angle);
  }

  // Print flex sensor readings for debugging
  for (int i = 0; i < numFlexSensors; i++) {
    Serial.print("Flex Sensor ");
    Serial.print(i + 1);
    Serial.print(": ");
    Serial.println(flexValues[i]);
  }

  // Delay for stability
  delay(100);
}

Wokwi

Wokwi is an online platform that provides a virtual hardware simulation environment for electronics enthusiasts, hobbyists, educators, and students. It allows users to design, simulate, and test electronic circuits and Arduino projects in a web browser without the need for physical components or hardware.

Wokwi - Online ESP32, STM32, Arduino Simulator

IoT and Embedded System Simulator: ESP32, STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi Pico, displays, sensors, motors and WiFi simulation.

https://wokwi.com/

Joystick-Servo Code

#include <ESP32Servo.h>

#define JOYSTICK_X_PIN 34 // Analog pin for X-axis of joystick
#define JOYSTICK_Y_PIN 35 // Analog pin for Y-axis of joystick
#define SERVO_PIN 25       // Pin to which servo motor is connected

Servo servoMotor; // Create a servo object

void setup() {
  Serial.begin(115200);
  servoMotor.attach(SERVO_PIN); // Attaching the servo to the pin
}

void loop() {
  int xValue = analogRead(JOYSTICK_X_PIN); // Read the X-axis value of joystick
  int yValue = analogRead(JOYSTICK_Y_PIN); // Read the Y-axis value of joystick
  
  // Map the joystick values (0-4095) to servo angle range (0-180)
  int angle = map(xValue, 0, 4095, 0, 180);

  // Move the servo to the mapped angle
  servoMotor.write(angle);

  // Print out the joystick values and mapped angle
  Serial.print("X-axis: ");
  Serial.print(xValue);
  Serial.print(", Y-axis: ");
  Serial.print(yValue);
  Serial.print(", Mapped Angle: ");
  Serial.println(angle);

  delay(100); // Delay for smoother control
}

Resources and Downloads

📁 KiCAD Hotkeys

📁 Eagle Board Schematic

📁 Eagle Board Gerber File

📁 Eagle Board PCB File

📁 Eagle Board Schematic File

📁 Eagle Board Step File

📁 Interactive BOM

📁 Type C Breakout Board Footprint

📁 ESP32 Custom Board Schematic

📁 ESP32 Custom Board BOM

📁 Tinkercad Bionic Arm Code

📁 Wokwi Joystick Servo Code