Just do it!
Printed Circuit Board Design (PCB) is not something that you can read about. It’s an active learning process to train your brain to think in terms of components placement and signal flow.
How do I get started with PCB design?
From a learning perspective, there is value in following an expert.
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For example, you could follow along with this series of Shawn Hymel (DigiKey) videos. Here the term “follow along” means to have the educational video open on one screen while you have the CAD program open on the other. Your objective is to design the PCB while following the presenter. The first video is located here: https://youtu.be/vaCVh2SAZY4 .
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I also highly recommend following ThatKiCADGuy (Petr Dvořák) who has a passion for teaching CAD. He actively shares his designs and tips in his KiCAD Master Class. Ref: KiCAD content portfolio, #ThatKiCADGuy .
What design should I build?
This is one of those Malcolm Gladwell moments where we are paralyzed because there are too many options. When I was teaching, I had my students select a simple circuit from a location such as 99+ Simple electronic circuit for beginners | ElecCircuit.com. They would start with the two LED flasher and then build a circuit of their choice. For an added challenge I would have them convert the circuit to surface mount to make them as small as possible.
This was an iterative process: breadboard, through-hole, and then surface mount. Their skills improved with each design.
How can I manufacture a PCB?
There was a time when I would have recommended you etch your own PCB using a resist and a Ferric Chloride Solution. While the process is fun and educational you should probably leave the PCB manufacturing to the professionals. The cost and effort may be less, and you don’t need to handle and then dispose of hazardous materials.
Today, there are many PCB services that can turn your CAD design into a professional looking PCB. You may be interested in DK Red as shown in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Image of completed DKRed Printed Circuit Boards.
Parting thoughts
PCB design is an essential skill that should be developed for all technicians and embedded engineers. Expanding your knowledge to encompass the constraints of real-world components is a skill that can set you apart from other engineers.
Have you gone through this process? Please share a picture of your PCB. Also, add your tips to help the beginner get started.
Sincerely,
Aaron
Related information
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About This Author
Aaron Dahlen, LCDR USCG (Ret.), serves as an application engineer at DigiKey. He has a unique electronics and automation foundation built over a 27-year military career as a technician and engineer which was further enhanced by 12 years of teaching (interwoven). With an MSEE degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, Dahlen has taught in an ABET-accredited EE program, served as the program coordinator for an EET program, and taught component-level repair to military electronics technicians. Dahlen has returned to his Northern Minnesota home and thoroughly enjoys researching and writing articles such as this.