8. Electronic Design

THIS WEEK GROUP ASSIGNMENT(click the title)

Idea

I wanted to try to work with neopixels so i designed a PCB that would connect the neopixels with a xiao SP 32c3

KICAD

KiCad is an open source software suite for Electronic Design Automation (EDA). The programs handle Schematic Capture, and PCB Layout with Gerber and IPC-2581 output. The suite runs on Windows, Linux and macOS and is licensed under GNU GPL v3.

PCB Design Process

  1. Schematic Design: I started by creating a schematic in KiCad, where I placed the components (Neopixel LED strip and sound sensor) and connected them using appropriate symbols and wiring.
  2. Component Placement: After finalizing the schematic, I moved on to placing the components on the PCB layout. I ensured adequate spacing and alignment for easy soldering and optimal signal routing.
  3. Routing Connections: Using KiCad's routing tools, I carefully connected the pins of the Neopixel LED strip and the sound sensor to the appropriate pads and traces on the PCB. I paid attention to signal integrity and avoided crossing traces where possible to minimize interference.
  4. Design Validation: Once routing was complete, I performed a design rule check (DRC) to ensure there were no errors such as unconnected nets, overlapping pads, or clearance violations.
  5. Generating Gerber Files: After validating the design, I generated Gerber files, which are industry-standard files used for PCB fabrication. These files include all necessary information for manufacturing the PCB.
  6. Review and Fabrication: Before sending the Gerber files for fabrication, I reviewed the design once more to confirm correctness. Then, I got them produced and salodered teh components

I designed the xiao to not be connected in the remaining ports as i had no use for them.

After having cut the pcb I soldered cables to mi neopixels and then conected the cables to the pins conected to the xiao respectively

test Code (result of code in output week)

					
					#include 

					#define PIN_NEOPIXELS    2  // Pin al que están conectados los Neopixels  
					#define NUM_NEOPIXELS    8  // Número de Neopixels conectados   
		
					Adafruit_NeoPixel pixels = Adafruit_NeoPixel(NUM_NEOPIXELS, PIN_NEOPIXELS, NEO_GRB + NEO_KHZ800); 
					
					void setup() {   
					  pixels.begin(); // Inicializa la comunicación con los Neopixels 
					} 
					
					void loop() {    
					  // Enciende los Neopixels en un color específico (verde)    
					  colorWipe(pixels.Color(0, 255, 0), 50); // Cambia el color y el brillo según lo desees   
							
					}  
					void colorWipe(uint32_t color, int wait) {         
					  for(int i=0; i < pixels.numPixels(); i++) {          
						pixels.setPixelColor(i, color);           
						pixels.show();             
						delay(wait);            
					  }           
					}

files