PCB Design Tools
FreePCB FreePCB is an open-source program, which means that a community of designers work on these projects. FreePCB is compatible with Microsoft Windows. The program operates under the GNU General Public License, which means that users can share and manipulate the program as they see fit. The targe...
PCB Layout Tools
Express PCB Express PCB is a PC board design and layout package that is tied to a printed circuit board design service. Although the software is free, it is tied to its manufacturing service. Express PCB has a companion product that is also free. Express SCH is a schematic design and layout package ...
Homebrew Etching of Double-sided PCB
Etching PCBs is a topic I’ve covered quite a bit already, here and especially here. You might think I’ve beaten this copper and fiberglass horse to death. Well, I don’t want to be a one-trick pony, so there’s one more thing to try. Lucky for you, I’ve run out of horse-themed metaphors so I’...
Two Sided PCB Using Toner Method
Step 1: Get ready This instructable assumes that you know how to generate a layout file using Eagle PCB or similar layout program. I use the toner transfer method of making PCB's (printed circuit boards) much like many others. The basic idea is to use a glossy paper, print the PCB design on the pape...
Instrumentation Amplifier – Double-sided Board
We will now route the board using both sides like many commercial PCBs. Having said that, use a single side wherever possible if your PCB is made using an old-fashioned process. Many problems occur with double-sided PCBs, mostly from badly placed vias, as I’ll now explain. Figure 19 shows a cro...
2 Layer PCB Overview
For an electronics hobbyist, knowing how to do PCB design is a must. Building prototypes on breadboards or with wire-wrap just doesn't cut it, once you reach a certain point. Then, a PCB board needs to be made specifically for your project. The previous tutorial Homemade PCB (Etching) showed you a qu...
Specifying SilkScreen
The graphics and text on a circuit board is usually printed with a permanent non-conductive epoxy ink. The color is typically WHITE, although other colors may be available. Requirements are addressed in IPC-4781 QUALIFICATION AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION OF PERMANENT, SEMI-PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY LE...
Specifying Solder Mask
Solder Mask is the protective coating applied to the surface of most circuit boards, usually leaving only the solderable areas exposed. It is typically GREEN, although other colors are available. Requirements for solder mask are defined in IPC-SM-840 QUALIFICATION AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION OF PER...
Specifying Copper
Copper is the conductive material that forms the connections between components, and serves as power and ground planes if the product is designed to take advantage of them. Copper also distributes heat, and becomes part of the mechanical strength for component attachment to the board. Electrodeposit...
