Hands-On PCB Engineering (HOPE) [Spring 2025]
Lecture: 8-10PM WeTh, Cory 125
Week | Topic | Reference | Lab | Lab Checkoff Due | Project Checkpoint |
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1 1/29 1/30 |
Intro to PCB and Schematics Intro to the class, PCBs, KiCad, and using KiCad's schematic editor. |
Install KiCad Light Sensor Schematic |
Intro to HOPE Quiz - Bcourses |
Project Logistics Project Spec BOM Template |
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2 2/5 2/6 |
Footprints and Layout Schematics to physical layout. Footprints, basic placement, and routing. |
Light Sensor Components Light Sensor Layout |
Light Sensor Schematic - Due 2/7 |
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3 2/12 2/13 |
Understanding Components Real components to their symbol and footprint. |
USB Charger Components |
Light Sensor Components+Layout - Due 2/14 |
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4 2/19 2/20 |
PCB Requirements Overview of the PCB design and manufacturing process, and how it relates to engineering requirements. |
USB Charger Schematic |
USB Charger Components - Due 2/21 |
Project Groups
- Due 2/21 - (3 people minimum) |
|
5 2/26 2/27 |
Microcontroller Basics Introduction to microcontrollers, common features, and basic tips on adding them to PCBs |
USB Charger Layout |
USB Charger Schematic - Due 2/28 |
Project Proposal
- Due 2/28 |
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6 3/5 3/6 |
Assembly and Soldering Practical assembly and soldering skills. |
Soldering Practice |
USB Charger Layout - Due 3/7 |
Proposal Review | |
7 3/12 3/13 |
USB Hands-On Experience Assemble a PCB based on the USB Charger lab, and use it to charge your phone. |
USB Charger Hands-On Instructions |
Hands on: Soldering - Due 3/14 |
Project BOM & Schematic - Due 3/14 |
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8 3/19 3/20 |
Advanced Layout and Passives General layout process and overview of concerns. Non-ideal passives. |
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Hands on: USB Charger - Due 3/21 |
Project Work Session | |
9 4/2 4/3 |
Project Design Review |
Project Design Review in Class Design Review Requirements |
Project Layout - Due 4/4 |
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10 4/9 4/10 |
Ordering, Testing, and Bringup The last bits of what you need to get a working PCB. |
Project Worksession |
FINAL PCB files - Due 4/10 (Thursday) |
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11 4/16 4/17 |
PCB Manufacturing The PCB manufacturing process, and how it affects layout. Outputs for manufacturing. |
Trinket Lab |
Trinket Prelab - Due 4/25 |
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12 4/23 4/24 |
Trinket Hands-On Lab In this hands-on lab, you will build and test an interactive trinket that senses touch, temperature, and distance. |
Project Assembly | |||
13 4/30 5/1 |
Guest Lecture | ||||
14 5/9 |
Final Project Showcase |