MT06 PCB Design and Fabrication

Overview

This course is designed to provide you with a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and practical skills necessary for designing and fabricating printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCB designing is one of the core element in robotics to make the customized circuits of the robots. In this course we would like to learn PCB designing from scratch and practically making PCBs, which is desired in the field of robotics and automation. 

We will begin with an introduction to PCB designing concepts, the distinction between PCBs and PWBs, various types of PCBs including single-sided and multi-layered, and an overview of PCB materials. Additionally, we will delve into Electronic Design Automation (EDA), market trends, and the indispensable role it plays in modern PCB design. 

Throughout the course, you will gain hands-on experience with popular EDA tools such as EasyEDA and EagleCAD, as well as learn about SPICE and PSPICE environments. Furthermore, we will explore different types of electronic components and their packages, development tools for PCB design, PCB designing flowchart, PCB layers, essential keywords, and PCB materials. IPC standards and rules for tracks will also be discussed, along with practical sessions on auto-routing and PCB designing practice.

Lastly, you will be guided through the post-designing and PCB fabrication process, including printing, etching, drilling, soldering, and testing, culminating in a project where you will apply your knowledge to create and fabricate PCBs for academic and industrial purposes. 

Aims

  • Provide a comprehensive understanding of PCB design concepts and principles.
  • Introduce Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools and their applications in PCB design.
  • Familiarize you with various types of electronic components and their package types.
  • Equip you with the ability to design PCBs using industry-standard software.
  • Develop essential skills for PCB fabrication processes.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course unit, you will be able to:

  • Master the fundamentals of PCB design and fabrication: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the differences between PWB and PCB, explore various types based on layer count, and delve into fundamental design concepts like schematic representation, component layout, routing techniques, and fabrication considerations.
  • Become proficient in industry-standard tools: Confidently navigate popular design software like EasyEDA, OrCAD, and PROTEUS to efficiently craft your PCB creations.
  • Design and fabricate real-world projects: Translate your ideas into tangible electronic products by designing and fabricating functional PCBs for power supplies, sensor modules, embedded systems, and more.
  • Develop valuable industry skills: Equip yourself with the knowledge and expertise to pursue careers in PCB design and fabrication, whether independently or within larger electronic design teams.
  • Adhere to industry standards: Ensure the quality and manufacturability of your designs by understanding and applying IPC standards for schematic design, PCB layout, materials, and documentation.