Electronics Design

This week, I delved into PCB design and fabrication, concentrating on schematic creation, component selection, routing, and debugging. Using KiCad, I designed both schematics and PCBs while experimenting with various routing strategies and design rules.

Assignments

Group assignment: use the test equipment in your lab to observe the operation of a microcontroller circuit board
Individual assignment: use an EDA tool to design a development board, that uses parts from the inventory to interact, and communicate with an embedded microcontroller

Components of Circuits

This week, we're starting to learn about various components of circuits:

Resistors

Resistors are very important components of circuits. They are passive components that regulate the flow of current (limit, divide voltage, measure current). Resistors can have different degrees of resistance in a circuit. The degree of resistance is indicated in ohms. You can identify the degree of resistance by the color bands on the resistor. Resistors used for SMD cards can also be distinguished by printed numbers. The safest way to determine the resistance is to measure it with a multimeter.

Voltage Divider

A voltage divider is an electronic circuit used to divide an input voltage into two or more output voltages. This circuit typically consists of two resistors connected in series. The output voltages depend on the resistance values and the ratio of the resistors to each other. Voltage dividers are used in various applications to reduce voltage, set a reference point, or adjust signals.

Pull-up Resistor

A pull-up resistor is an electrical resistor used to pull an input to a specific voltage level, usually logically "high" when no active signal is present. It stabilizes the state of the line and prevents unwanted signals.

Capacitors

Capacitors are electronic components capable of storing and releasing electric charge. They consist of two conductors separated by an insulating material, also called a dielectric. There are polarized and non-polarized capacitors. Capacitors ensure that the voltage remains constant. They are like small batteries that can hold the voltage.

Diode

A diode is an electronic component that allows electric current to pass in one direction and blocks the flow of current in the opposite direction. It functions like an electrical valve, allowing current flow in only one direction. LEDs are diodes. The flow of current can also be blocked through them since the current flows in only one direction.

Zener Diodes

Zener diodes are diodes that, for example, block the flow of current above a certain voltage.

Schottky Diodes

Schottky diodes are a special type of semiconductor diodes characterized by their fast switching speed and low forward voltage. Compared to conventional silicon diodes, Schottky diodes have a metal-semiconductor junction instead of a p-n junction. This results in faster response and lower power loss. Schottky diodes are commonly used in high-frequency applications, power amplifiers, rectifiers, and other circuits requiring high power and fast switching speed.

Oscillator

The main function of an oscillator is to generate a stable and recurring signal, typically used as a clock signal or reference signal for other circuits in electronic devices. This clock signal is often fundamental for the operation of digital circuits, microcontrollers, radios, clocks, and many other electronic devices.

Transistors

A transistor is essentially like a tiny switch in electronic devices. It controls the flow of current (like a faucet controls the flow of water), which is used in many devices such as computers, mobile phones, and televisions to control and operate them.

MOSFET

The MOSFET operates similarly to a regular transistor, but it has special properties that make it more efficient. It is often used in circuits to control the flow of current. MOSFETs are used in many devices, from computers to solar cells, because they can regulate current well and consume little energy.

Regulator

A regulator is used to ensure a constant output voltage or current, regardless of fluctuations in input voltage or other external conditions. A regulator works like a stabilizer: it ensures that the energy coming from the battery remains at a constant level, so that the connected devices are always supplied with a stable and safe power source.

KiCAD & EDA Tools

EDA (Electronic Design Automation) tools are software applications used to design, simulate, and manufacture electronic circuits. These tools allow engineers and designers to create circuit schematics, design PCB (Printed Circuit Board) layouts, and even simulate circuit behavior before manufacturing.

Key Features of KiCAD

Some other section

This is an updated text.

Materials