Hands-On PCB Engineering (HOPE) [Fall 2025]
Lecture: 8-10PM WeTh, Cory 125
| Week | Topic | Reference | Lab | Lab Checkoff Due | Project Checkpoint |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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1 9/3 9/4 |
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 9/10 9/11 |
Footprints and Layout Schematics to physical layout. Footprints, basic placement, and routing. |
Light Sensor Components Light Sensor Layout |
Light Sensor Schematic - Due 9/12 |
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3 9/17 9/18 |
Understanding Components Real components to their symbol and footprint. |
USB Charger Components |
Light Sensor Components+Layout - Due 9/19 |
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4 9/24 9/25 |
PCB Requirements Overview of the PCB design and manufacturing process, and how it relates to engineering requirements. |
USB Charger Schematic |
USB Charger Components - Due 9/26 |
Project Groups
- Due 9/26 - (3 people minimum) |
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5 10/1 10/2 |
Microcontroller Basics Introduction to microcontrollers, common features, and basic tips on adding them to PCBs |
USB Charger Layout |
USB Charger Schematic - Due 10/3 |
Project Proposal
- Due 10/3 |
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6 10/8 10/9 |
Assembly and Soldering Practical assembly and soldering skills. |
Soldering Practice |
USB Charger Layout - Due 10/10 |
Proposal Review | |
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7 10/15 10/16 |
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 10/17 |
Project BOM & Schematic - Due 10/17 |
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8 10/22 10/23 |
Advanced Layout and Passives General layout process and overview of concerns. Non-ideal passives. |
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Hands on: USB Charger - Due 10/24 |
Project Work Session | |
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9 10/29 10/30 |
Project Design Review |
Project Design Review in Class Design Review Requirements |
Project Layout - Due 10/31 |
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10 11/5 11/6 |
Ordering, Testing, and Bringup The last bits of what you need to get a working PCB. |
Project Worksession |
FINAL PCB files - Due 11/6 (Thursday) |
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11 11/12 11/13 |
PCB Manufacturing The PCB manufacturing process, and how it affects layout. Outputs for manufacturing. |
Trinket Lab |
Trinket Lab - Due 11/25 |
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12 11/19 11/20 |
Fun Miscellaneous Topics |
Trinket Lab - Due 11/25 |
Project Assembly | ||
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13 12/3 12/4 |
Guest Lecture | ||||
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14 12/12 |
Final Project Showcase |