Electronics production
To complete the group assignment effectively, you will need to follow these steps:
First off, when we're doing our own PCB production, we've got this cool Roland SRM-20 milling machine. It's got a decent work area, and it can spin its cutting tool pretty fast, between 3,000 to 7,000 RPM. We use a software called Mods to generate the cutting paths. Safety's a big deal, so we always make sure to follow Murad's instructions before getting started.
Now, when we're ready to mill, we set up the machine carefully. We pick the right cutting bit, attach the material securely to the machine bed with double-sided tape, and make sure everything's aligned just right. Then, we set our cutting parameters. For trace milling, we go at about 4 mm/s with a really small depth of cut, like 0.15 mm, using a tiny 1/64 inch bit. For cutting the outline, we use similar settings but with a slightly thicker 1/32 inch bit.
After milling, we inspect our work closely. Usually, everything looks pretty good, but sometimes we notice some rough edges, especially if the cutting tool's getting worn out. If we spot any burrs or rough spots, we clean them up carefully with a metal edge.
Alright, now let's say we've got a project where we need more professional-looking PCBs or maybe a larger quantity. That's when we turn to a board house like JLCPCB. The process is pretty straightforward. We log into our account, upload our Gerber files, specify the details like quantity and PCB thickness, review the order, and then make the payment. JLCPCB takes it from there, manufacturing and shipping the PCBs to us. We can track the progress through our account until they arrive at our doorstep.
One thing to remember is to make sure our design follows JLCPCB's guidelines to avoid any hiccups during manufacturing. And if we're ever unsure about anything, there's always FAQs and support docs to help us out.
So that's the deal with making PCBs in-house and sending them off to the pros. It's all about safety, precision, and knowing when to DIY and when to call in the experts.
Individual assignment
In this week we were asked to use Roland monoFab SRM-20 in our lab and use already design in microcontroller development board and I have chosen the version two as follows
I have chosen the right one
Unfortunately there were no more xiao rp2040 in our lab but we have Seeed studio XIAO SAMD21 and the procedure of how to use it is different than using xiao rp2040
To build a PCB with LEDs, resistors, and a Seeed Studio Xiao SAMD21 using a Roland monoFab SRM-20, you will need to follow several steps. Here's a basic guide:
Design the Circuit:
- Use a PCB design software like Eagle, KiCad, or Altium Designer to design your circuit schematic.
- Place the SAMD21 microcontroller, LEDs, and resistors in your schematic.
- Connect the components following the desired circuit design.
PCB Layout:
- Once your schematic is complete, create a PCB layout by transferring the schematic to the PCB editor.
- Arrange the components on the PCB according to your needs and the connections made in the schematic.
- Route the traces between the components, ensuring proper spacing, clearance, and signal integrity.
Exporting the Design:
- Export the PCB design files in a format compatible with the Roland monoFab SRM-20. Common formats include Gerber files and Excellon drill files.
- Check the manufacturer's guidelines for any specific requirements regarding file formats and specifications.
Preparing the Machine:
- Set up your Roland monoFab SRM-20 according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Ensure that the machine is calibrated and ready for milling.
Milling the PCB:
- Load your PCB material (typically copper-clad FR4) onto the milling machine.
- Import the PCB design files into the milling software provided by Roland.
- Set the milling parameters such as tool size, depth of cut, and milling speed.
- Start the milling process. The machine will carve out the traces and pads according to your design.
Assembling Components:
- Once the PCB is milled, you can start assembling the components onto the board.
- Solder the SAMD21 microcontroller, LEDs, and resistors onto the PCB following the layout you designed.
- Ensure proper polarity and orientation of the components.
Testing:
- After assembly, test the functionality of your circuit using a multimeter or by connecting it to a power source.
- Check for any shorts, open circuits, or other issues that may affect the performance of your circuit.
Iterate and Improve:
- If necessary, iterate on your design and make improvements based on testing and feedback.
- Refine your PCB layout and component placement to optimize performance and manufacturability.
By following these steps, you should be able to build a PCB with LEDs, resistors, and a Seeed Studio Xiao SAMD21 using a Roland monoFab SRM-20 milling machine. Make sure to double-check all connections and follow best practices for PCB design and assembly to ensure a successful outcome.
To program the Xiao board using the Arduino IDE, you'll need to install the appropriate board definitions and drivers.
Here are the general steps to install the board definitions for the Xiao board in the Arduino IDE:
- Open the Arduino IDE.
- Go to File > Preferences (on Windows) or Arduino > Preferences (on macOS).
- In the "Additional Board Manager URLs" field, add the following URL if it's not already present:
https://files.seeedstudio.com/arduino/package_seeeduino_boards_index.json - Click "OK" to close the Preferences window.
- Go to Tools > Board > Boards Manager.
- In the Boards Manager window, type "Seeed SAMD Boards" in the search bar.
- Click on the "Seeed SAMD Boards" entry, and click the "Install" button.
- Once the installation is complete, close the Boards Manager window.
After installing the board definitions, you should be able to select the Seed Studio Xiao board from the Tools > Board menu in the Arduino IDE and proceed with uploading sketches to it.
As for drivers, the Xiao board should use the built-in USB CDC (Communications Device Class) drivers provided by the Arduino IDE for communicating with your computer. Usually, when you connect the Xiao board to your computer via USB for the first time, it should automatically install the necessary drivers. However, if you encounter driver issues, you may need to check the official documentation or forums provided by Seed Studio for any specific driver installation instructions or troubleshooting tips.
Always make sure you are referring to the latest documentation and resources provided by Seed Studio for the most up-to-date information on using the Xiao board with the Arduino IDE.
