Hands-On PCB Engineering (HOPE) [Spring 2026]

Lecture: 8-10PM WeTh, Cory 125

Week Topic Reference Lab Lab Checkoff Due Project Checkpoint
1
01/28
01/29 		Intro to PCB and Schematics

Intro to the class, PCBs, KiCad, and using KiCad's schematic editor. 		Install KiCad

Light Sensor Schematic 		Project Logistics

Project Spec

BOM Template

Git Setup

2
02/04
02/05 		Footprints and Layout

Schematics to physical layout. Footprints, basic placement, and routing. 		Light Sensor Components

Light Sensor Layout 		Light Sensor Schematic
3
02/11
02/12 		Understanding Components

Real components to their symbol and footprint. 		USB Charger Components

Light Sensor Components+Layout
4
02/18
02/19 		PCB Requirements

Overview of the PCB design and manufacturing process, and how it relates to engineering requirements. 		USB Charger Schematic USB Charger Components
Project Groups

- (3 people minimum)
5
2/25
2/26 		Microcontroller Basics

Introduction to microcontrollers, common features, and basic tips on adding them to PCBs 		USB Charger Layout USB Charger Schematic
Project Proposal
6
3/4
3/5 		Assembly and Soldering

Practical assembly and soldering skills. 		Soldering Practice USB Charger Layout
Proposal Review
7
3/4
3/5 		Advanced Layout and Passives

General layout process and overview of concerns. Non-ideal passives. 		Project Work Session Hands on: Soldering
Project Work Session
8
3/11
3/12 		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
 Project BOM & Schematic
9
3/18
3/19 		Project Design Review Project Design Review in Class
Design Review Requirements 		Hands on: USB Charger
Project Layout
10
3/25
3/26 		Ordering, Testing, and Bringup

The last bits of what you need to get a working PCB. 		Project Worksession FINAL PCB files
11
4/1
4/2 		PCB Manufacturing

The PCB manufacturing process, and how it affects layout. Outputs for manufacturing. 		Trinket Lab Trinket Lab
12
4/8
4/9 		Fun Miscellaneous Topics

 Trinket Lab
Project Assembly
13
Guest Lecture End-of-Semester Feedback

Project Contribution

14
Final Project Showcase