INPUT DEVICES

I started this week's assignment by searching the basics of creating a PCB here site

GETTING STARTED FROM A SCHEMATIC

The circuit was first designed in KiCad, where a schematic was produced. KiCad was launched, created a new file and clicked schematic editor, then started adding the circuit components from the component library into the work space. The complete schematic for the circuit is shown below. The components used for the circuit are:
  • Xiao RP2040
  • LED
  • Resistors
  • Capacitors
  • PinHeaders
  • Switch
schematic

From the schematic I then assigned all the components all their footprints and then switched to PCB editor where I updated all the components in the schematic into it and then routed it, adding tracks of 0.5mm. footprint route route

The routed PCB file was then saved as gerber files.Gerber files are the industry-standard, open ASCII vector format used to describe printed circuit board (PCB) designs, containing information on copper layers, solder mask, legend, and drill data, essential for PCB fabrication.

COPPERCAM SOFTWARE

CopperCAM software was used to make the G-Codes that are going to be used to for milling the the circuit board. The software was downloaded here and then launched. Then the gerber files was loaded into it.

route

After importing the gerber files into CopperCam i the set the cutting parameters, being the contour cutting. And then then added drill file into the model.

coppercam coppercam

The final pcb model looked like this after everthing.

coppercam

I then set the tool parameter, by selecting parameters then adding all the parameters needed for cutting the board. coppercam

The final booard will look li this.

coppercam

The mill button was clicked to create the G-code readeable by the machine to be used to cut the PCB

coppercam