Week 5: Electroics Design

This week describes my understanding of how to use KICAD for electronics design. It also includes how to create a project, how to draw a schematic, how to create a PCB layout, and how to export the Gerber files.

Objectives of the Week

Linked to the Group Assignment

Document What you have learned in the Electronic Design

Check your board can be fabricated

Explained Problems and how you fixed them

Included Original Design Files

Include a Hero Shot

Group Assignment Contribution

This time, let’s learn about Electronics Design. Electronic design is the process that allows us to develop integrated circuits for a specific function, using electronic components. use the following.

EasyEDA

MonoFab SRM-20

Mods CE

KICAD 8.0

For more about Group Assignment

Interpret a Signal

We generate an analog output (PWM) using pin 9. A LED is connected to see the signal effect, and the oscilloscope and multimeter are used for analysis.

1. Understanding DSO Components

Power Button: Turns the DSO ON/OFF.
Display Screen: Shows the waveform.
Probe Inputs (CH1, CH2): Connect the oscilloscope probes here.
Time/Div Knob: Adjusts the time scale (horizontal axis).
Volts/Div Knob: Adjusts the voltage scale (vertical axis).
Trigger Controls: Helps stabilize the waveform.

2. Connecting the Oscilloscope to Arduino

A. Connect the Probe Correctly

Turn OFF the oscilloscope before connecting anything.
Take one oscilloscope probe and connect:

Probe Tip: To Arduino PWM Pin 9 (or any analog pin you are testing).
Probe Ground (Clip): To Arduino GND (Ground).

Power up the Arduino and DSO.

3. Configuring the Oscilloscope for Basic Signal Viewing

A. Set the Channel

Press the CH1 button to activate Channel 1 (where we connected the probe).
If using two probes, press CH2 for the second channel.

B. Adjust the Voltage Scale (Vertical Setting)

Use the Volts/Div knob to set the voltage range.
Start with 1V/div and increase if needed.
For a 5V Arduino signal, set it around 2V/div for better viewing.

C. Adjust the Time Scale (Horizontal Setting)

Use the Time/Div knob to set the time range.
If measuring PWM signals (~500Hz), start with 1ms/div.
If measuring fast signals (above 1kHz), use 100µs/div.

D. Set the Trigger for a Stable Display

Press the Trigger Menu and set:

Mode: Edge
Source: CH1
Slope: Rising Edge
Level: Adjust until the waveform stabilizes

4. Running the Oscilloscope & Viewing the Waveform

Press AUTOSET (if available) to let the DSO automatically adjust settings.
If AUTOSET doesn’t work well, manually tweak Volts/Div and Time/Div.
Observe the waveform:

If using PWM output, you should see a square wave.
If using an analog sensor, the waveform may look more irregular.

Use Cursors or Measurements (if your DSO has them) to check signal values.

5. Capturing & Analyzing the Waveform

If your oscilloscope has a Save function, take a screenshot of the waveform.
Compare the output with the expected Arduino signal.
Adjust your Arduino code if needed to modify the signal.


                void setup() {
                pinMode(9, OUTPUT);
                }

                void loop() {
                for (int u = 0; u < 255; u++){
                    analogWrite(9, u);
                    delay(50);
                }
                }

Video Demonstration

PCB Design using KICAD

Adding symbols

Added symbols in the schematic editor. The symbols are the virtual representation of the components used in the circuit. The symbols can be edited and modified according to the requirements.

Symbol Choosing

Symbols can be chosen based on the components used in the circuit. The symbols can be downloaded from the internet or can be created by the user.

Schematic Editor

The schematic editor is used to create the virtual representation of the circuit. The editor can be used to add symbols, connect symbols, add labels and add attributes.

Symbol Properties

Symbol properties can be edited and modified according to the requirements. The properties can be used to add labels, attributes and other information to the symbol.

Annotations

Annotations can be used to add labels and attributes to the symbols. The annotations can be edited and modified according to the requirements.

Footprint Assignment

Footprint assignment is used to assign the physical representation of the components to the symbols. The footprint can be edited and modified according to the requirements.

ERC

ERC (Electrical Rule Check) is used to check for errors in the circuit. The ERC can be used to check for errors such as short circuits, open circuits and mismatched pins.

Appearence in the PCB editor

The PCB editor is used to create the physical representation of the circuit. The editor can be used to add tracks, add vias, add footprints and add attributes.

Update PCB from Schematic Editor

The PCB can be updated from the schematic editor. The update can be used to add new components, remove components and modify the layout of the PCB.

PCB Editor

The PCB editor is used to create the physical representation of the circuit. The editor can be used to add tracks, add vias, add footprints and add attributes.

Symbols in PCB editor

Step 1: Open Your PCB Layout

Once your schematic is complete, click on "Convert to PCB" to switch to the PCB Editor.

Ensure all components are placed inside the board outline and are not overlapping.

Step 2: Arrange Components

Drag and place components in an optimal layout:

Keep traces as short as possible.
Place high-power components away from sensitive signals.
Ensure proper spacing between components.
Use snap-to-grid for better alignment.

Step 3: Route the PCB

There are two ways to route your PCB:

Manual Routing (Recommended): Use the "Route Tool" to manually draw traces.
Auto Router (Optional): Click "Route → Auto Router" (adjust settings for better performance).

Tip: Use wider traces (e.g., 0.8mm) for power lines and ground connections.