Art & Science of PCB Design Online Course
Art & Science of PCB Design Online Course
This course is a step-by-step guide to mastering PCB (Printed Circuit Board) design using Eagle software. Whether you are a beginner exploring PCB layouts or an electronics enthusiast aiming to design professional-quality boards, this course covers everything from the basics to advanced techniques. You will start by learning about PCB fundamentals before diving into schematic creation, component placement, copper pours, and SMT (Surface Mount Technology) components. The course also covers custom library creation, autorouting, and manufacturing preparation, ensuring you have all the skills needed to design and produce high-quality PCBs.
Key Benefits
- Step-by-step training on using Eagle software for PCB design
- Hands-on exercises for designing single and double-sided PCBs
- Practical experience with schematic creation and external library integration
- Mastery of SMT (Surface Mount Technology) components
- Learn how to generate Gerber files for professional PCB manufacturing
- Use autorouting techniques to speed up PCB design
Target Audience
- Electronics students and beginners eager to learn PCB design
- Engineering professionals looking to improve their circuit board design skills
- DIY electronics hobbyists who want to build their own PCBs
- Makers and product designers interested in custom circuit board layouts
- Anyone wanting to master Eagle software for professional PCB development
Learning Objectives
- Learn PCB design concepts, including single-sided and double-sided layouts
- Understand how to create schematics and integrate external libraries
- Gain expertise in component placement and copper pours for efficient PCB design
- Work with SMT components and design surface mount layouts
- Create custom libraries for reusable components
- Automate PCB design with autorouting techniques
- Generate Gerber files and Bills of Materials (BOMs) for production
Course Outline
The Art & Science of PCB Design Exam covers the following topics -
Module 1 - Introduction to PCB Design and Eagle Software
- Understanding the basics of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) and their role in electronics
- Learning about essential PCB design concepts, including traces, pads, and vias
- Installing and setting up Eagle software for PCB design
Module 2 - Getting Started with Eagle Software
- Step-by-step software installation and initial setup
- Creating a new project in Eagle and navigating the workspace
Module 3 - Working with Libraries and Schematics
- Building a schematic using Eagle’s built-in tools
- Adding and integrating external libraries for expanded component options
- Accessing and using online libraries to streamline design workflows
Module 4 - Designing Single-Sided PCBs
- Creating a complete schematic for a PCB project
- Placing components correctly to optimize circuit performance
- Developing a single-sided PCB layout using Eagle software
- Adding labels and names to schematics for better documentation
Module 5 - Building a Complete PCB Project
- Step-by-step design of a microcontroller-based PCB project
- Practical application of PCB design techniques in real-world projects
- Refining PCB layouts through iterative design improvements
Module 6 - Applying Copper Pour for Improved PCB Design
- Adding copper pours to enhance PCB performance and minimize interference
Module 7 - Creating Double-Sided PCB Designs
- Understanding the workflow for designing double-sided PCBs
- Hands-on design practice for creating and testing two-layer PCBs
Module 8 - Using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Components
- Introduction to SMT components and their advantages
- Designing a schematic using SMT components (FTDI Project example)
- Combining SMT components with double-sided PCB layouts
Module 9 - Creating Custom Library Components in Eagle
- Developing custom components for personal libraries
- Step-by-step process for designing, saving, and managing custom parts
- Organizing libraries for efficient future use
Module 10 - Automating PCB Layout with the Autorouter
- Applying autorouting to optimize single-sided PCB designs
- Using autorouting for efficient double-sided PCB layouts
Module 11 - Managing Frequently Used Components
- Copying commonly required components into a personal library for quick access
Module 12 - Preparing PCB Designs for Manufacturing
- Printing single-sided PCB designs for prototype development
- Generating Gerber files for professional PCB production
- Creating a Bill of Materials (BOM) for ordering components
Module 13 - Additional Solution Videos and Advanced PCB Concepts
- Exploring PCB artwork and real-world project applications
Module 14 - Final Thoughts and Advanced PCB Design Techniques
- Understanding current calculations for optimized PCB design
- Concluding notes and recommendations for future learning
