1. Introduction
This week focuses on electronics production, including PCB design preparation, KiCad setup, and embedded microcontroller system development. The objective is to prepare the design environment, configure required libraries, and initiate the schematic design workflow.
2. KiCad Installation (Windows)
2.1 Download KiCad
KiCad 9.0.7 was downloaded from the official website.
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2.2 Run Installer
The installer file was executed and the setup process initiated.
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2.3 Select Components
- Schematic libraries
- Footprint libraries
- 3D model libraries
- Demo projects
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2.4 Installation Complete
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3. Plugin & Library Setup
After installation, the Fab Lab component library was added using the Plugin and Content Manager.
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4. Project Initialization
4.1 Create New Project
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4.2 Open Schematic Editor
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4.3 Place Components
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1. Completing the Schematic
In this assignment, I designed, tested, and prepared a custom embedded microcontroller PCB using KiCad. The process included schematic design, electrical validation, PCB layout, design rule configuration, copper zone implementation, and preparation for manufacturing.
Adding Power and Ground
The GND power symbol was added to ensure proper grounding of the circuit and to avoid floating nets.
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Net Labeling (SDA / SCL)
Net labels were added to improve readability and organize signal routing. This prevents long wires crossing the schematic and simplifies PCB routing.
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Electrical Rules Check (ERC)
Before proceeding to PCB layout, the Electrical Rules Checker was executed to verify that no unconnected pins, short circuits, or missing power symbols were present.
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2. Transferring to PCB Layout
Update PCB from Schematic
The PCB layout was generated using the “Update PCB from Schematic (F8)” function to transfer all footprints.
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Component Placement
Components were arranged logically to minimize trace crossing and ensure clean routing. The microcontroller was placed centrally with headers aligned along edges.
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Footprint Verification
Footprints were verified to ensure correct SMD type and compatibility with in-house PCB milling.
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3. Design Rules Configuration
Track Width Settings
Track width was adjusted according to milling constraints.
- Track width: 0.5 mm
- Clearance: 0.25 mm
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Pre-defined Sizes Setup
Board setup was configured under Design Rules to define track and clearance parameters.
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4. Board Outline Creation
The board boundary was created using the Edge.Cuts layer. This defines the final PCB dimensions for milling and manufacturing.
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5. Copper Zone (Ground Plane)
Copper Zone Configuration
A copper zone was added on the F.Cu layer and assigned to the GND net. This improves grounding and reduces electrical noise.
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Filled Copper Plane
After filling the zone, the PCB shows a solid copper ground plane.
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6. Routing and Final Layout
All signal traces were routed manually to ensure proper spacing and clean layout. Care was taken to avoid sharp angles and unnecessary vias.
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7. Final Verification
Before exporting the design for manufacturing, the following checks were performed:
- ERC passed successfully in-progress
- No unrouted nets in-progress
- Clearances respected in-progress
- Copper zone filled properly in-progress
- Board outline correctly defined in-progress
Reflection
This assignment strengthened my understanding of PCB design workflow, including schematic organization, design rule configuration, copper zone management, and routing strategy. I learned the importance of component placement, proper grounding, and maintaining clearances suitable for in-house PCB manufacturing.
5. Current Progress Status
| Assignment Task | Status |
|---|---|
| Characterize in-house PCB design rules | Completed |
| Submit PCB to board house | Completed |
| Design embedded microcontroller system | In Progress |
| Test and validate embedded system | Pending |
| Extra credit: alternative fabrication process | Not Attempted |