Hands-On PCB Engineering (HOPE) [Spring 2025]

Lecture: 8-10PM WeTh, Cory 125

Week Topic Reference Lab Lab Checkoff Due Project Checkpoint
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
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
3
2/12
2/13
Understanding Components

Real components to their symbol and footprint.
USB Charger Components

Light Sensor Components+Layout
- Due 2/14
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
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
8
3/19
3/20
Advanced Layout and Passives

General layout process and overview of concerns. Non-ideal passives.
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
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)
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
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