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

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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
Microcontroller Basics

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

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

General layout process and overview of concerns. Non-ideal passives. 		Project Work Session Hands on: Soldering
Project Work Session
8
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
Project Design Review Project Design Review in Class
Design Review Requirements 		Hands on: USB Charger
Project Layout
10
Ordering, Testing, and Bringup

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

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

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

Project Contribution

14
Final Project Showcase