Project Overview
Sikwal Mini is a compact development board built around the Raspberry Pi RP2350 (QFN-60) microcontroller.
The board is fully designed by Sikwal with the goal of creating a:
Small
Clean
Easy-to-use
Production-ready
Professional RP2350 platform
It is optimized for daily prototyping, sensor projects, audio modules, and embedded systems.
Bottom Layer (Routing Layer)
The first image shows the bottom layer of the PCB:
Fine-pitch routing coming out of the QFN-60 package
Clean fan-out with no crossing conflicts
Well-organized trace flow from the MCU to the GPIO pin headers
Large GND pour (dark purple) for signal stability
Balanced routing on the left and right sides
Rearranged tracks to reduce noise and improve signal integrity
The layout clearly demonstrates a strong understanding of QFN routing, especially considering the number of pins and the small board size.
Top Layer (Components Layer)
The second image shows the top layer where all main components are placed:
Key Components Visible:
U2 – RP2350 microcontroller (center of the board)
X2 – 12 MHz crystal oscillator placed very close to XIN/XOUT
C1, C2 – 22 pF crystal load capacitors
U1 – Voltage regulator (3.3V)
C20–C25 – 10 µF and 1 µF decoupling capacitors
SW1 – Reset button
L3 – 2.2 µH inductor for the RP2350 power section
D1, D2 – USB protection / power diodes
Right & left pin headers for GPIO expansion
H2 – SWD 1×4 programming header
U4 – USB-C port footprint at the bottom
The top layout is organized, with short traces and correct placement for power and crystal stability.
Design Strengths
Excellent Component Placement
MCU in the center → Power → Crystal → I/O around the edges.
This is exactly how a professional microcontroller board should be structured.
Proper USB-C Integration
The USB connector is positioned at the bottom for easy access and enclosure design.
Crystal Layout Done Correctly
Very short trace length
Symmetrical routing
Load capacitors placed next to the crystal
This ensures stable 12 MHz operation.
Clean GPIO Header Arrangement
Pin headers on both sides make the board breadboard-friendly and easy to prototype with.
Ready for PCB Assembly
All components are SMD, correctly oriented, and placed with enough spacing for automated pick-and-place machines.
Purpose of the Project
The Sikwal Mini board was created to:
Practice and master QFN-60 routing
Build a small but complete RP2350 platform
Prepare for batch manufacturing and assembly
Support future audio and studio-analysis projects
Serve as a smaller version before the larger Project Al-Waraqah RP2350
Current Status
PCB design completed
Component placement finalized
Routing optimized and clean
Board is now ready for manufacturing
Next Steps
Generate BOM + Pick-and-Place
Order first batch (20 assembled pieces)
Perform initial power-up and GPIO testing
Publish open-source files
Prepare for eBay listing
Summary
Sikwal Mini shows a high-level PCB design skill, with professional routing, clean organization, and correct electrical placement.
It is a solid, production-ready RP2350 development board designed entirely by Sikwal.
